Local nonprofits awarded $750K to help families with children affected by flooding
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2025 Whatcom County flooding
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Two local nonprofits recently received a combined $750,000 to help families with young children impacted by December’s flooding, Whatcom County announced last week.
The money comes from the Whatcom Healthy Children’s Fund (HCF), a property tax for preschool, childcare and other programs that voters passed in 2022. The Whatcom County Council unanimously approved use of the funds for flood recovery during a Dec. 30 special meeting, and local organizations were encouraged to apply.
An award of $500,000 was given to the Whatcom Long-Term Recovery Group to support housing stabilization. The money can be used for home repairs not covered by insurance, rent or deposit help, utility payments and temporary lodging, according to the county.
Skookum Kids, a Bellingham-based nonprofit that supports foster kids and families, received the remaining $250,000. The money will be used to support families impacted by the storms who also experienced “multiple stressors” before the flooding, such as being in addiction recovery, having past experiences with domestic violence or experiencing poverty.
“For many families, storms and flooding were just one more thing piled atop the mountain of challenges they already faced,” said Skookum Kids Director Ray Deck III. “We are thrilled to be partnering with Whatcom County Health and Community Services to support as many of these families as we are able.”
The HCF awards are intended to supplement other disaster-relief programs and must directly support the health and well-being of children up to age 5. At least 177 families meet HCF Flood Recovery Program eligibility criteria, according to the county health department. The program will reimburse the Whatcom Long-Term Recovery Group and Skookum Kids for support provided to qualifying families.
“At the heart of the Healthy Children’s Fund is a commitment to prevention and preparation in a child’s early years, because strong beginnings create strong futures,” said Sarah Simpson, the department’s Child and Family Programs supervisor. “When unexpected storms come, like the one our community faced this winter, it can shift families off track. We have a unique opportunity with our local fund to stand alongside families during times of turbulence.”
