Nonprofit helping residents recover from flooding seeking volunteers for weekend

Damage from a series of storms that hit Whatcom County in December is still being repaired in many places, and one organization is asking for volunteers to help residents this weekend.

Organizers with Whatcom Long-Term Recovery Group, part of the nonprofit Whatcom Strong, will gather at the Sumas Advent Christian Church at 125 Font St. on Saturday morning to repair homes that still need some fixing up. No experience is necessary to help, but volunteers looking to get their hands a little dirty are needed.

Ashley Butenschoen, vice president at Whatcom Long Term Recovery Group, said they will mostly be working on clearing out the bottom floors of homes that have been damaged by floodwater in Sumas, although they may move to Everson and Nooksack, depending on how much work is completed.

Tools and protective equipment will be provided by the nonprofit. Volunteers are needed from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day, though people are not required to stay for the full day. Butenschoen said they will be happy to have help for as long as volunteers are available.

Those who cannot attend in person can donate to the nonprofit at their website.

Jack Belcher

The Bellingham Herald

360-715-2206

Jack Belcher covers transportation and recreation for The Bellingham Herald. He graduated from Central Washington University with a degree in digital journalism in 2020 and joined the staff in September 2022. Belcher resides in Bellingham.