How to help with Snoqualmie Valley flood recovery

Many Snoqualmie Valley homes and businesses have been left in shambles after historic flooding beginning the second week of December.

As the Snoqualmie River’s waters continue to recede, those who live or work in the floodplain are left with piles of debris, mounds of mud and soggy floors. Some local nonprofits and leaders have organized volunteer opportunities for residents to help each other begin the tedious process of cleaning up.

Those impacted are in need of monetary donations to help offset the cost of insurance and lost items; time donations to help with piecing things back together; and temporary loans on items such as dehumidifiers, fans and tools.

Below are resources for how to help those impacted by the flood and how to request help if you were impacted.

Donating time

Various volunteer opportunities can be found through Love Snoqualmie Valley, a nonprofit organization that organizes and brings awareness to local volunteer opportunities. Volunteers can sign up for specific events at lovesnoqualmievalley.com/Volunteer.

Those who are in need of assistance are encouraged to email admin@lovesnoqualmievalley.com with the specific need, a description of the activity and the date, time and location. Love Snoqualmie Valley will promote the event on their website and social media pages.

Near Duvall, there is a SignUpGenius where volunteers can sign up to help with specific clean-up projects, both at farmers and private residences. Sign up at signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4DAEAE2BA6F4C34-61233858-flood.

Muddy Boots Pumpkins in Duvall had dozens of volunteers show up over the weekend of Dec. 13-14.

“It was overwhelming and humbling,” said owner Kerrie Roetcisoender. “Probably 40-45 people came because they could get to us first. … They helped with pulling things out and throwing things away and then washing things off. And then carload after carload came with food to feed the volunteers. And that’s still happening.”

Donating funds

The SignUpGenius was created by local Country Roney, who has also started a GoFundMe for Duvall flood victims, available at gofundme.com/f/support-duvall-flood-victims. The GoFundMe has a goal of $30,000 and had raised 80% as of Dec. 15.

“The funds raised through this campaign will go directly toward helping families cover insurance deductibles and replace essential items lost in the flood,” the GoFundMe page states. “These resources are critical for families to return to safe and normal living conditions, especially as they work to recover from the shock and disruption caused by the disaster.”

Another GoFundMe is in place for a Duvall family that has had a “total loss” of personal property, as well as the fields for their business, Cha New Life Garden. The multi-generational farm has been in the area for more than 20 years. The fundraiser, which is seeking $15,000, is available at gofundme.com/f/displaced-forced-to-retire-help-chue-jue-chasengnou.

Donating skills

Roetcisoender recommended that residents come together to exchange any extra materials and skills they have, too. The flooding has not only destroyed walls and flooring, but also impacted water heaters, well pumps and more things that need fixing.

For example, she said, a flooring company reached out to her asking to donate carpet scraps. If someone else knows how to install carpet, a family’s damaged home could be quickly improved, she noted.

“Nobody expects somebody to purchase a furnace for them, but just those little things are huge,” she said. “Especially if you just don’t have those skills yourself, and you’re just standing there looking at a broken pipe going, how do I fix that?”

If you have more volunteer opportunities to share, email grace.gorenflo@valleyrecord.com.