Resources and Support as Wildfires Impact the West

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on August 5, 2026

Old Trails Fire in Spokane, Aug. 1, 2026. Photo courtesy of Myk Crawford

Fast-moving wildfires are once again sweeping across the West, leaving a devastating path of destruction in their wake. Communities throughout the GoWest region are facing evacuations, loss of homes and livelihoods, and profound uncertainty as families, businesses and entire communities grapple with the immediate and lasting impacts of these natural disasters.

For credit unions, the impact is hitting close to home: Hundreds of Spokane-area credit union team members have been evacuated from their homes in the past few days, and a number have lost their homes altogether. In moments like these, the cooperative spirit of credit unions matters more than ever. It means showing up for employees and members, helping communities navigate crisis, and responding with compassion, flexibility and urgency when people need it most.

We understand the gravity of the challenges facing communities across the GoWest region, and we’re here to help with resources, information and support as you respond and recover.

Disaster Relief Fund

The GoWest Foundation Disaster Relief Fund is available year-round to support member credit unions and their employees, board members, and volunteers through recovery efforts following wildfires and other natural disasters.

This fund is a demonstration of the cooperative spirit credit unions are known for and another way to deliver on the “People Helping People” philosophy. Donations from individuals, credit unions, and other organizations directly support these disaster relief efforts.

“Credit unions have a long history of showing up for their communities when they need it most,” said Sharee Adkins, GoWest’s EVP and Chief Impact Officer. “Through the Disaster Relief Fund, we’re able to extend that same support to credit unions and their employees, helping them navigate the immediate challenges of a disaster and move forward on the path to recovery.”

Individual Disaster Relief

Emergency situations often displace credit union employees, directors, and volunteers from their homes. The Disaster Relief Fund can help with unexpected costs incurred due to displacement or damage from a natural disaster by quickly providing up to $2,500 per person to cover expenses including lodging, fuel, food, and property replacement. Credit unions can direct their employees to complete an application or the credit union can coordinate directly with the Foundation team on their behalf.

Credit Union Disaster Relief

Disaster relief is also available to credit unions in the event branches or operations are affected. An application can be submitted online to assist with staff support, building damage not covered by insurance, or other items necessary to recover.

Contributing to the Disaster Relief Fund

The GoWest Foundation is accepting contributions to support wildfire relief efforts in Spokane and throughout the GoWest region. These Foundation will direct resources where they are needed most, supporting those directly impacted by wildfires.

If you would like to help other credit union teams, members, and communities directly affected by natural disasters, consider making a contribution to the GoWest Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund.

Wildfire Resource Center

GoWest’s Wildfire Resource Center includes essential information and resources to help prepare for wildfires and to support those who might be impacted.

The resource center includes:

• Local resources and information from credit unions about current wildfires
• Links to wildfire tracking maps
• State-specific wildfire response and recovery resources
• Emergency preparedness information

As wildfires and other extreme weather events become more frequent and severe across the West, the need for preparedness, resilience and community support will only continue to grow.

GoWest is here to stand alongside credit unions and the communities they serve when disaster strikes.

If your credit union or employees are impacted by a natural disaster, please reach out to the GoWest Foundation Team. We’re ready to help connect you with resources and support as you navigate the immediate response and begin the road to recovery.

Posted in Across the Region, Arizona, Colorado, Community Impact, GoWest Foundation, Idaho, Oregon, Regional Member News, Small Credit Unions, Top Headlines, Washington, Wyoming.