Many Farms on Long Road to Recovery: Lend Your Support

Photo: Adobe Stock

The recent flooding impacted farms and neighbors across the county and Western Washington. While some areas came out unscathed, other areas, particularly upriver, were hit hard. Many farmers sustained damage, impacting both their livelihood (crops, buildings, equipment) AND their home. It will take many months for us to work as a community to clear and haul away debris and to rebuild and regrow. Farmstands that are open need your business – stop by and make a purchase to support a farmer.

VOLUNTEERING

If you are an individual looking to volunteer your help, there are many ways you can contribute, from debris removal to phone support: Check out the Skagit Volunteer Center website https://www.skagitvolunteercenter.org/need/index?

Skagit County’s flood page continues to be updated with the latest information and resources. https://skagitcounty.net/flood

RECOVERY RESOURCES

View the full, printer-friendly list of recovery resources: English | En español NEW

·     Initial Damage Assessment Form - En español NEW

If you are a resident or business that incurred damage and losses during the recent flooding event, you may be eligible for state disaster assistance. Fill out the Initial Damage Assessment form to help determine if you are eligible for state assistance. Even if you have suffered only minor damage and do not expect to need assistance, you should still submit a report.

Forms are due by Monday, December 29th.

Informational flyers: English | En español

·     American Red Cross

Red Cross is actively reaching out to specific individuals whose homes the Red Cross has confirmed were destroyed or sustained major structural damage. For some properties, the Red Cross already have contact information and will send an invitation to enroll via email, text message, or phone call directly from the American Red Cross.

For others who the Red Cross does not have contact information for, the Red Cross is encouraging people to visit redcross.org/gethelp to register online or call 1-800-RED-CROSS to provide the information needed to open a case and receive this help.

FREE FLOOD DEBRIS DISPOSAL (Self-haul. Free flood debris disposal is for households only. No business disposal.)

·     Skagit County Recycling and Transfer Station (Starting Friday, Dec. 19), 14104 Ovenell Road, Mount Vernon, WA 98274. 360-416-1570. Mon-Sun, 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Closed December 25. Accepting:

·     Drywall

·     Insulation

·     Flooring/Carpet

·     Furniture

·     Appliances

·     Similar household items

·     Select household hazardous waste

·     EMPTY sandbags

·     Lautenbach Recycling, 13260 Ball Road, Mount Vernon, WA 98273, 360-757-4000. Accepting:

·     Wood (no painted or treated wood)

·     Concrete

·     Asphalt

·     Appliances

·     Sticks / Limbs / Brush / Yard debris

·     Skagit Soils, 1313260 Ball Road, Mount Vernon, WA. (360) 424-0199. Accepting:

·     Sand - used or unused (sand cannot be mixed with rock or other soils)

·     Sauk Recycling and Transfer Station, 50796 State Route 20, Concrete, WA 98237. 360-853-8810. Thurs-Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

·     Accepting small loads of flood-related debris at no cost. Larger loads should be sent to the Transfer Station on Ovenell.

·     Clear Lake Compactor and Recycling Site, 223202 Howey Road, Clear Lake. CLOSED due to flood damage. The site will reopen on Friday, January 2nd. Accepts household garbage only - no large loads or flood debris.

·     Crisis Cleanup Hotline

If you need help with damage from the flood, call Crisis Cleanup’s Washington Floods Home Cleanup Hotline at (844) 965-1386. They will connect you with volunteers who can help with:

·     Cutting fallen trees

·     Removing drywall, flooring, and appliances

·     Tarping roofs

·     Mitigating mold

For more information, visit www.CrisisCleanup.org

Services are free but not guaranteed due to the overwhelming need. Hotline cannot help with social services (food, shelter, insurance) or FEMA registration.

OTHER ASSISTANCE

·     Community Action of Skagit County

·     Community Action of Skagit County is providing financial and other assistance to those impacted by flooding. Visit http://www.communityactionskagit.org/floodresponse/ for more information.

·     DSHS Disaster Cash/Food Assistance

·     Check the website for eligibility and information. To apply, call the Customer Service Contact Center at 877-501-2233 or visit your local Community Services Office Monday-Friday between 8 a.m.- 2 p.m.

·     United Way of Skagit County 

·     Case management and cash assistance for people impacted by flood. For more information, please email miranda@unitedwayskagit.org and chuck@unitedwayskagit.org

 

RESOURCES AVAILABLE YEAR-ROUND

  • Agristress Helpline 833-897-2474

Available 24/7, 365 days a year

  • Farm Aid 1-800-FARM-AID

6am-6pm PT

We are seeing every day the true meaning of community – the outpouring of support shown by family, friends, and neighbors to one another across Skagit County in ways both big and small. Concern, care, and love for one another is the real magic of the Skagit. Thank you for everything you do to support a future for farmers and farmland. 

Bryony Angell