Federal Emergency Declaration in 16 Washington Counties Signals an Urgent Moment to Mobilize Relief and Recovery Efforts
Olympia, Washington – 12/12/2025: As rivers begin to recede, Governor Bob Ferguson announced today the federal government approved Washington’s request for aid to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures. This emergency declaration is focused on supporting 16 counties in Washington: Benton, Chelan, Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, King, Kittitas, Lewis, Mason, Pierce, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston, Wahkiakum, Whatcom, and Yakima Counties, the Samish Indian Nation, and all Tribal Nations within the specified jurisdictions.
In response to the devastation unfolding across the state, United Ways of the Pacific Northwest (UWPNW) has activated its statewide Disaster Recovery Fund (www.uwpnw.org/donate_disaster_recovery) to support local United Way organizations and trusted community partners working on the ground to deliver critical resources to communities hit hardest by the flooding.
All contributions to the Disaster Recovery Fund will directly support displaced families by providing access to food, shelter, childcare, health care, and other essential services. The fund is designed to meet both immediate emergency needs and long-term recovery efforts, ensuring families have the support necessary to rebuild and regain stability.
“This is a really tough situation with so many counties impacted. There are infrastructure impacts, people and animals displaced, businesses closed and homes/ businesses flooded. We need everyone in the region to help. The cleanup, relief and long-term recovery will require all hands on deck,” stated Jim Cooper, President & CEO of United Ways of the Pacific Northwest.
With more than 100,000 residents across Washington having been evacuated and urged to seek safe shelter, local governments, first responders, nonprofits, and volunteers are working around the clock on critical relief efforts. There are thousands of people in temporary shelters currently.
United Ways across the state have launched local disaster recovery efforts, while the situation continues to develop and regions are assessed for ongoing recovery needs:
- United Way of Skagit County Disaster Recovery Fund: www.unitedwayskagit.org/about-3
- United Way of Central Washington Disaster Recovery Fund: www.uwcw.org/disasterrecovery
- United Way of Lewis County Flood Relief: coordinating the collection and disbursement of monetary donations, (360) 748-8100. A relief fund will be set up at www.lewiscountyuw.com.
Currently, there are no requests for in-kind donations. Recovery efforts are focused on securing financial contributions and volunteer support. Individuals interested in volunteering are encouraged to contact their local county emergency management offices or the American Red Cross for current opportunities.
UWPNW urges individuals, businesses, and partners to support the Disaster Recovery Fund during this critical time. The organization will continue to provide updates as conditions evolve and relief efforts expand. For the latest information or to contribute, visit www.uwpnw.org/disaster_recovery.
About United Ways of the Pacific Northwest
United Ways of the Pacific Northwest (UWPNW) is the regional trade association for 32 local United Ways in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. United Ways in the Pacific Northwest are committed to improving lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities to advance the common good in the areas of education, income, and health. Our mission is to advance the common good throughout the Pacific Northwest by enhancing the individual and collective ability of member United Ways to impact their communities and collaborate on regional and statewide issues.