Historic Flood Emergency: Financial Resources and Recovery for Washingtonians

Jump to section:

Cash Assistance

On Jan. 2, applications opened for an additional $2.5 million in Washington state disaster assistance. Washingtonians whose homes were damaged December’s historic flooding should apply for the funding to help with their immediate needs. As of Jan. 8, residents in the following counties may be eligible for cash assistance: King, Lewis, Pierce, Snohomish, Skagit and Whatcom.

Find more information and how to apply here:

Washington State Disaster Assistance

The funding is part of the $3.5 million unlocked with Governor Ferguson’s disaster declaration. The first $1 million was distributed in Disaster Cash Assistance by the Department of Social and Health Services to those most in need. The funding was distributed over five days to more than 2,600 households and was depleted on Dec. 23.

The Red Cross is also providing food, shelter and financial assistance to those who have qualifying damage from the recent floods and storms. Register online for immediate assistance.

Washington Floods Assistance | American Red Cross

Rescue workers boating through water in an inflatable raft

Housing and Property Assistance

Manufactured/Mobile Home Relocation Assistance

Manufactured/mobile home communities in Washington that are closing due to flooding may be eligible for assistance from the Department of Commerce for relocation or demolition services. "Closure" includes communities permanently closed due to "health and safety concerns" (for example, flooding, landslides, etc.). Households must meet income guidelines (below 80% AMI) and must be owner-occupants of either a manufactured or mobile home at the time of the closure notice.

For households displaced due to flooding, Commerce must receive documentation from a regulatory entity that demonstrates the health and safety reasons for the permanent closure of the manufactured/mobile home community or mobile home lot.

For assistance: call 800-964-0852 or email omh@commerce.wa.gov

Public Works Board

The Public Works Board has some emergency funding available through ZoomGrants. Applications are accepted until funds are fully expended.

For assistance: contact Maria Jawad, Executive Director, at Maria.Jawad@Commerce.wa.gov or 360-688-6008

Small Business Administration

Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

Applicants may be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damage, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include insulating pipes, walls and attics, weather stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows to help protect property and occupants from future disasters.

The deadline to return physical damage applications is April 27. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Nov. 24.

To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

More information

Livestock Assistance

State, county, and community partners have mobilized to provide immediate assistance such as emergency shelter information, livestock relocation, debris removal, damage assessments and financial support for flood-related losses. Immediate livestock support is available through the following resources:

  • Sedro-Woolley Rodeo Grounds: Provides temporary shelter for livestock at 24538 Polte Road, Sedro-Woolley; call 360-421-9468
  • Skagit Animals in Need: Helps arrange livestock care and placement; email info@skagitanimalsinneed.org or reach out on Facebook at Skagit Animals In Need
  • Darrington Rodeo Grounds: Offers livestock shelter at 42109 State Route 530 N.E., Darrington (no pets, small animals or swine); call 425-407-2899

Medication and Medical Equipment Replacement

The Department of Health and Social Services’ Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing is available for consultations and to help connect flood-impacted people who are deaf, blind or hard of hearing to resources. The Telecommunication Equipment Distribution Program is available for Washingtonians to apply to if they lost their equipment due to flooding.

Health Care Authority has authorized Apple Health (Medicaid) pharmacies to replace medications and supplies lost or inaccessible due to flooding.

Visit HCA’s website to find guidance for providers, members and clients as flood conditions and agency response evolves: Resources for those impacted by statewide flooding

The Department of Health is ensuring Washingtonians in flooded areas retain access to WIC services through alternate sites.

Online Resources

SR20 flood damage caused part of the roadway to collapse and fall downhill

Business Resources

Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets.

The deadline to return physical damage applications is April 27. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Nov. 24.

To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

More information

Employment Security supports employers and workers impacted by the December historic flooding.

Help fight disaster scams and fraud

Disasters are notorious for attracting scams and frauds. You can help by carefully reviewing information we share with you whenever workers apply for benefits. If you don’t recognize the claimant or what they’ve submitted in the benefits application, please use the fraud report form for employers.

Recovery Tips

Insurance

The Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner recommends talking with your insurance adjuster or insurance company before signing any agreement or contract with a cleaning, remediation or maintenance contractor. Start your flood insurance claim as soon as possible after a flood. Report the flood and your loss to your insurance provider as soon as possible.

Find more tips here: Flood Insurance Claim Tips

If you have questions about your insurance policy you can reach an OIC expert at 800-562-6900 or connect with us online.

Rebuilding

Finding a trusted and qualified contractor to repair damage can be a challenge. As tempting as it is to go with the first—or the cheapest—contractor, it’s crucial to check their background before you hire.

Labor & Industries recommends using ProtectMyHome.net to help you make sure your contractor is registered and has liability insurance and a business license.

There is also a dedicated webpage with resources for homeowners and businesses in need of repair help here: Repair Help Resources

Are you wondering if the electrical equipment in your home or business is safe after floodwaters may have come through? To help, L&I is offering free virtual electrical assessments. L&I inspectors will jump on a video call to look at the specific equipment in your home or business, evaluate the damage and help you figure out what work is required, what permits you need, and how to find a licensed contractor. When you're ready for a free assessment, call L&I at (360) 902-5299 or contact your local L&I office to get connected to help.

How to Help

Donate locally

If you want to help flood survivors financially, donate through the combined fund drive:

Community Action Agencies in flood impacted areas are also assisting with recovery and emergency needs. Just be cautious about what you give and to whom. See this fraud advice from the Washington Secretary of State and the Attorney General's Office:

If you cannot find information in your county on how to donate, here are resources to help direct you to where your donations will do the most good:

Please note these contacts do not accept physical donations. These contacts will act as a conduit to getting donations to local donation managers. Donations of cash or gift cards are strongly preferred.

A group of people in military uniforms setting up sandbags

Volunteer

Sign up for alerts

  • Make sure your phone settings have the Wireless Emergency Alert featured turned ON.
  • Make sure to OPT IN to local alert systems. These are alerts you would likely NOT receive unless you choose to do so. Learn more here: Local Alert Systems