Heading into the New Year

We are officially on the other side of the Winter Solstice, so each day from now until beginning of summer will have a few more minutes of daylight – a much needed lift as we circle the sun.

As noted above, we’re pushing our Convening out a month. We are leaning in to help support flood response and recovery efforts, specifically in Whatcom and Skagit counties, and it is tough to watch neighbors and friends navigating the impact of weather related events, knowing they are coming more frequently than before.

During a weather event, there are so many immediate response components that get stood up – dealing with emergencies first, followed by longer term response and recovery. Counties and first responders play such significant roles – rescuing people from flooded homes, removing downed trees and mud from landslides are just examples. Media images of turbulent rivers, downed trees and power lines, and moving people to safety prompt concerns; sometimes once the rivers subside it isn’t as evident how to maintain attention to households in need. Taking stock of damage and how much has been lost, alongside finding shelter, food, and clothing can take months, not days. We are so grateful to those who step in to help immediately, and those who follow soon after. Thank you.

In 2021 the flooding was referred to as a ‘greater than 100-year flood’ because of maps that define properties that sit in historic flood plains. Four years later we are seeing more devastating flood levels, but without the COVID surge we had in 2021. We can hold two separate truths at the same time – we are more prepared, and still not quite ready. Our role is to help community members for the long term, beyond the crisis as folks move into recovery.

We hope you can join us in February for the Convening. The focus is still on food security. We have a lot of work to do, and you astound us with your passion and commitment to helping the people of this region!

Thanks for all you do –