NeighborImpact Awarded $100,000 to Help Central Oregon Wildfire Survivors

Oregon — Central Oregon nonprofit NeighborImpact will receive $100,000 in federal awards to help residents displaced by the 2026 wildfires, including Warm Springs families who lost homes during fires in July.

U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and U.S. Rep. Janelle Bynum announced the funding Sept. 30. The awards come through the NeighborWorks Disaster Grants program and will support NeighborImpact’s Wildfire Recovery Fund, according to the congressional announcement. U.S. Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon

The money will help provide emergency shelter, relocation assistance and replacement items for displaced households. Eligible uses described in the announcement include baby supplies, hygiene products, housewares, laundry supplies and cleaning products.

NeighborImpact serves economically disadvantaged residents in Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson counties, as well as the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. According to the announcement, thousands of Warm Springs residents were forced to evacuate during the July fires, and several homes were lost.

NeighborImpact Executive Director Scott Cooper said tribal communities should receive equal consideration in regional disaster response and recovery efforts.

“Warm Springs deserves to be included in the regional response to wildfire and other needs on an equal basis with counties,” Cooper said.

Cooper described the funding as an important resource for assisting displaced residents and said the organization would continue supporting people affected by the Warm Springs fires.

Merkley said the awards would help families obtain shelter and basic household necessities as they recover. Bynum emphasized the importance of delivering financial assistance quickly after an emergency, when residents may suddenly need housing, clothing and food.

Wyden said rural communities affected by wildfires need recovery resources and pledged to continue pursuing federal support for wildfire prevention and recovery across Oregon.

The announcement did not specify when assistance would become available, how many households the awards would support or how residents could apply.