Building a More Resilient Skagit County

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Disasters can happen at any time—from flooding, severe storms, wildfires, and landslides to public health emergencies and other unexpected events. While we can't always prevent disasters, we can work together to lessen their impact and help our community recover stronger.

United Way of Skagit County is committed to supporting our community before, during, and after disasters through preparedness, coordinated response, and long-term recovery. By partnering with nonprofits, government agencies, businesses, faith communities, volunteers, and residents, we help ensure that no one faces disaster alone.

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​Disaster Response

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When disasters occur, United Way works alongside emergency management, first responders, nonprofit organizations, and community partners to help meet immediate and emerging needs.

Our response efforts include:

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• Coordinating volunteers.

• Collect and distribute donated supplies to those in need. 

• Connecting survivors with available resources.

• Sharing reliable information and recovery updates.

• Supporting partner agencies providing emergency assistance.

• Identifying unmet needs as recovery begins.

 

As response efforts transition from emergency operations to recovery, United Way helps ensure that individuals and families continue receiving the support they need.

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Long-Term Recovery

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Recovery doesn't end when the emergency is over. Many families continue facing challenges long after disaster declarations expire and media attention fades.

United Way supports long-term recovery by:

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• Providing Disaster Case Management.

• Serving as the fiscal agent and Chair for the Skagit Long Term Recovery group. 

• Coordinating volunteer recovery projects.

• Facilitating collaboration among community partners.

• Helping identify and address unmet needs.

• Connecting households with financial assistance and recovery resources when available.

• Supporting the long-term recovery of neighborhoods and communities.

 

Our goal is to help disaster survivors achieve a safe, stable, and sustainable recovery.

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Community Partnerships

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Disaster preparedness and recovery require strong partnerships. United Way brings together nonprofit organizations, local governments, emergency management, healthcare providers, businesses, faith communities, schools, and volunteers to strengthen our community's ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.

Through these partnerships, we help improve coordination, reduce duplication of services, and maximize available resources.

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Volunteer

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Disaster volunteers make recovery possible.

Whether helping prepare emergency supply kits, participating in community preparedness events, assisting with cleanup, supporting rebuilding efforts, or serving on recovery committees, volunteers are essential to building a resilient Skagit County.

No matter your experience or skill set, there are opportunities to make a meaningful difference.​

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Be Prepared

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Preparedness begins long before an emergency occurs. Taking simple steps today can make a significant difference for you and your family tomorrow.

United Way encourages every household to

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• Create an emergency plan and practice it with your family.

• Build an emergency supply kit with enough food, water, medications, and essential supplies for several days.

• Sign up for local emergency alerts and stay informed during emergencies. Skagit Ready

• Safeguard important documents by storing copies in a secure, accessible location.

• Know your evacuation routes and have a communication plan for family members.

• Check on neighbors, older adults, and individuals with disabilities who may need additional support during emergencies.

 

Prepared communities recover faster. United Way of Skagit County is working with community partners to develop a Community Organizations Active during Disaster (COAD), so that we have an organized and sustainable connection between resources when each disaster occurs. We also work with community partners to strengthen local preparedness through education, training, volunteer engagement, and collaborative planning.

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​​Our Commitment

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United Way of Skagit County believes resilient communities are built through preparation, partnership, and compassion. We are committed to helping residents prepare for future emergencies, supporting those affected when disasters occur, and working together until recovery is complete.

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Together, we prepare.

Together, we respond.

Together, we recover.

Together, we build a stronger, more resilient Skagit County.​​​

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