Paying it Forward in 2020

Amidst a global pandemic, the west coast experienced a devastating fire season. In California alone, over one million acres burned while Oregon, Washington, and Colorado suffered through mega wildfires that devastated towns across the American west. Rebuild Northbay is helping to pay it forward to fire survivors during this disaster. Rebuild traveled to fire affected regions in a COVID safe manner and performed community outreach and support while also listening to the particular challenges and needs of each area. During this time, we have remained mindful that post-disaster recovery is different under the constraints of COVID-19 and we have pivoted to meet the need during this difficult time.

Rebuild NorthBay has committed to a number of measures to assist these areas in their recovery, including virtual convenings of fire survivors who are 1-3 years post disaster in order to share their strategies and experiences as well as answer questions. With the support of Fannie Mae, we have ensured this effort is long term, ongoing, and responsive. We are deeply appreciative of our large network of leaders, both emergent and organizational, who have given their time and expertise to these communities.

We do not charge communities for this work. The only thing we ask is they step up into our survivor network in years to come to offer their help to newly disaster affected communities. We are confident that we can recover if we support one another, community to community. One thing is clear: disasters are a predictable factor in our lives for the foreseeable future. Each of us has a role to play in how we collectively recover, rebuild and reimagine.