SALEM, Ore. — Nearly $1 million in grants and loans has been distributed to small businesses in Jackson County through a state recovery program aimed at helping communities rebuild after the devastating 2020 Almeda Fire, according to Oregon Housing and Community Services.
The agency announced this week that its ReOregon Planning, Infrastructure, and Economic Revitalization (PIER) program has helped dozens of businesses recover and expand following the wildfire disaster that swept through Southern Oregon.
Among those benefiting from the funding is Carrillo Woods LLC, a Medford-based forestry and lawn care business founded by Arturo Carrillo after the Almeda Fire destroyed both his home and his plans to start a company.
“When the fire happened, we lost so much,” said Fabiola Carrillo, who works alongside her father at the business. “Carrillo Woods LLC is more than just a business for us. It’s something very personal that came out of loss, resilience, and a desire to give back to our community.”
The PIER program uses Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to support recovery efforts tied to the 2020 Labor Day wildfires and straight-line windstorms. Funding is directed toward projects addressing economic revitalization, planning, and infrastructure needs in eight of Oregon’s hardest-hit counties.
The Illinois Valley Community Development Organization, known as IVCanDo, partnered with OHCS to administer part of the funding in Jackson County. The nonprofit has awarded 28 microgrants of up to $15,000 each and two small business loans of up to $50,000.
Businesses receiving assistance must demonstrate unmet financial needs related to the Almeda Fire and either meet economic eligibility requirements or provide an urgent community service.
“IVCanDo is deeply grateful for the opportunity to help steward this important initiative in partnership with OHCS and community stakeholders,” said Autumn DeLorenzo, business and economic development manager and PIER program administrator at IVCanDo. “It has been both humbling and inspiring to witness the perseverance, creativity, and heart of the business owners who applied.”
DeLorenzo said the recovery effort is about more than rebuilding what was lost.
“Their commitment to rebuilding stronger businesses and stronger communities serves as a reminder that recovery is not only about restoring what was lost, but about creating a more connected, inclusive, and resilient future for Southern Oregon,” she said.
Under the PIER structure, regional selection committees were empowered to recommend projects for funding, allowing communities to prioritize local needs and recovery goals.
Carrillo Woods plans to use its funding to expand deeper into forestry and reforestation work, focusing on wildfire mitigation and healthy forest regrowth in areas damaged by fire. The company provides services including defensible space creation, brush clearing, land management, and wildfire risk reduction.
“This opportunity has helped us rebuild not just a business, but a future,” Fabiola Carrillo said. “We are committed to continuing to grow, serve our community, and make a lasting impact in Southern Oregon.”
More information about the PIER program is available at ReOregon.
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