Disaster Recovery Centers are now open to those who would like to speak, in person, to specialists from FEMA, the U.S Small Business Administration, the Washington Emergency Management Division, and Spokane County Emergency Management. These representatives will be available to help survivors apply for disaster assistance, answer questions about the registration process, and meet with Disaster Case Managers. However, you do not need to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to register for FEMA Assistance.
How to Apply for Assistance
FEMA assistance is unable to duplicate benefits offered through insurance, state programs, or other programs, but if your losses or damage go beyond disaster assistance available from other sources – or include items or categories not covered by other assistance – you may be eligible for additional funds from FEMA. All survivors affected by the Gray and Oregon Road Fires are encouraged to contact and register with FEMA to determine eligibility.
- You can apply for FEMA assistance by visiting disasterassistance.gov, using the FEMA mobile app, or by calling 1-800-621-3362.
- Survivors who apply for disaster assistance from FEMA may be referred to SBA to apply for a low-interest disaster loan. Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 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.
- Stay in touch and continue to partner with or register through your Disaster Case Managers for the Gray Fire and Oregon Road Fire. For more information and resources, text the word “recovery” to 99411 or visit The Spokane Region Long Term Recovery Group | Disaster Relief (srltrg.org).
If you require a reasonable accommodation — such as language translation or interpretation, mobility assistance, or sign language interpretation — email FEMA-language-access-request@fema.dhs.gov or notify staff in the field.
If you need assistance or guidance you may contact the following Salvation Army Disaster Case Managers for assistance in registering.
Medical Lake, WA Gray Road Fire Disaster Case Managers:
Alaysha Cavitt-Breithaupt, Case Manager
Office: 509-325-6810
Cell: 509-263-1957
Bill Shields, Case Manager
Office: 509-325-6810
Cell: 509-389-6286
Elk, WA Oregon Road Fire Disaster Case Managers:
Don Simpson, Case Manager
Office: 509-325-6810
Cell: 509-389-6470
Lynna Macleod, Case Manager
Office: 509-325-6810
Cell: 509-315-7594
Visit a Disaster Recovery Center
Two Disaster Recovery Centers are now open in Spokane County to assist residents who were affected by the Gray and Oregon Road Wildfires. The Centers are temporary facilities established to help survivors navigate through the various local, state, and federal assistance programs that may be available to them.
The Disaster Recovery Centers are located in the community of Elk and the city of Medical Lake:
Elk
Country Church of the Open Bible
40015 North Collins Road
Elk, WA 99009
Medical Lake
Medical Lake City Hall
124 South Lefevre Street
Medical Lake, WA 99022
Hours of operations for both centers:
Monday, Tuesday, Friday 8:30 am – 6:30 pm
(*The Medical Lake Center will close early at 6 pm on the first and third Tuesday of the month)
Wednesday and Thursday 8:30 am – 3:30 pm
Saturday 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Sundays closed.
What to Expect
Specialists from the SBA, which provides low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes, can also answer questions about assistance programs as well as clarify next steps and give helpful information.
FEMA mitigation advisers will be at the Disaster Recovery Center to offer tips about rebuilding and protecting homes from disaster-related damages. Most of the information provided is geared toward do-it-yourself work and general contractors.
Additionally, representatives from governmental and non-governmental agencies will be on-site to help provide access to vital programs like food benefits, cash assistance and basic medical coverage for people who qualify. A representative from the Office of the Insurance Commissioner will be present to help answer questions related to insurance policies and coverage.
Be sure to apply for both state and FEMA disaster assistance so that you can receive all the assistance from FEMA that may be available based on your eligibility.
