As Oregonians know, recent wildfires devastated the Santiam Canyon from the Santiam Junction through Mill City. Homes, businesses, and lives were lost in the catastrophic fires. But hope has arisen like a Phoenix from the ashes as a group of contractors is forming to step in and provide aid where they can. The Santiam Rebuild Coalition, headed by Nick Harville at SEDCOR, has mobilized to provide materials, labor, funds, and expertise to residents of the Santiam Canyon. Harville put the call out to his members, and with the help of the Marion and Polk County Homebuilders Association, and the Salem Contractors Exchange, within a few days nearly 70 companies stepped up to help.
Some of the immediate needs that are being addressed range from providing a double-wide “construction type trailer” for a headquarters for the many aid organizations involved, to materials and labor for an ADA approved ramp. Companies are donating materials such as gravel, lumber, wiring and other construction materials, as well as the labor needed for immediate response teams. Internet hubs are being installed; food drives are being orchestrated. The list is constantly changing, and needs are being met hourly by a very generous group of companies. Something else that is important and being addressed at this time is helping victims to avoid unscrupulous companies who prey on people in times of tragedy. The Santiam Rebuild Group is working with local aid agencies to ensure ethical and quality responses to those in need, and to ease the burden faced by their fellow Oregonians however they can. If you have questions, donations, or comments, please contact Nick Harville at SEDCOR or Frosti Adams at AGC.