Flood Relief: How to Help & Get Support
Updated January 13, 2026
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Flood Relief Update
In response to December’s catastrophic flooding, United Way of Pierce County is working closely with Pierce County, the County Disaster Assistance Committee, Washington Emergency Management Division, and United Ways of the Pacific Northwest to support families and first responders impacted by flooding.
What’s Happening Now
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Coordinating with Pierce County and Greater Tacoma Foundation on a combined fund to address unmet needs
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Relaying donation, volunteer, and resource needs as they are identified
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Providing direct assistance through gift cards and emergency supplies
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Supporting temporary housing for displaced families and first responders through the Airbnb Foundation, which is providing 700 free nights of housing
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Leveraging regional support, including a $1 million pledge from Amazon to support disaster recovery efforts across the Pacific Northwest
How You Can Help
United Ways of the Pacific Northwest is sponsoring a platform called "Mindful Giving". This is a quick and easy way for donors to get involved in the relief efforts, and items can go directly to those in need. wishlist so community members can donate needed supplies directly.
https://wafloods.mindfulgiving.org/
Immediate Needs
Several individuals and families have been displaced, including people who were living full-time in an RV campground. Those impacted include families with children, veterans, and seniors.
Currently Needed Donations
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Clothing for all ages (infant through adult)
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Shoes and boots
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Diapers and baby formula
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Pet food
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Cleaning supplies (including rubber gloves)
Food & Supplies
Many displaced individuals are staying in hotels or are dry camping, making cooking difficult. We are seeking:
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Ready-to-eat and non-perishable food
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Food and supplies that do not require cooking
Donation Drop-Off Locations
Donations may be dropped off at the following locations. Please clearly label all donations as “For Flood Victims.”
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New Hope Resource Center, 414 Spring St., Puyallup, WA 98372
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Multicultural Child and Family Hope Center, 2021 S 19th St, Tacoma, WA 98405
Pierce County Emergency Response Update
Updated on 12/16/25: Emergency Management officials are continuing to assess damage from recent flooding while preparing for another incoming weather system expected to bring additional rain and wind. There is concern that power outages may affect residents who are already impacted by flooding. The next 12–18 hours will be critical.
United Way of Pierce County is sharing the following updates and resources to help residents stay informed and connected to support.
Emergency Shelter
A Red Cross emergency shelter in Puyallup is currently open through at least Thursday. Shelter operations will be reassessed following the next storm event.
To find an open shelter, visit:
https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/find-an-open-shelter.html
Volunteer Information
The American Red Cross has activated a volunteer registration process to support response efforts.
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Volunteers must register through the Red Cross website.
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Please do not self-deploy.
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Volunteers will be assigned as needs are identified and as sites are deemed safe.
Emergency response teams are still actively assessing safety conditions throughout impacted areas.
Medical Support
The Medical Reserve Corps is scheduled to be deployed in the Sumner area on Thursday to support medical and public health needs.
Food Assistance
The Emergency Food Network (EFN) is deploying additional pallets of food to the Sumner Food Bank, which is currently serving families displaced by flooding.
Stay Informed
Residents are encouraged to monitor official updates from Pierce County Ready and local emergency management for the most current information and safety guidance.
United Way of Pierce County will continue to share verified updates and resources as they become available.
Thank You
Your generosity makes an immediate difference for neighbors facing displacement and uncertainty. United Way of Pierce County is grateful for the community’s compassion and willingness to step up during times of need.
Please check back for updates as needs and resources continue to evolve.
Statewide Disaster Recovery Fund
In response to the devastation unfolding across Washington State, United Ways of the Pacific Northwest (UWPNW) has activated its Statewide Disaster Recovery Fund to support communities impacted by severe flooding.
This fund provides resources to local United Way organizations and trusted community partners working on the ground to deliver critical assistance to individuals and families in the areas hardest hit.
Donations made through this fund help ensure a coordinated, community-based response and support both immediate needs and long-term recovery efforts.
Learn more or donate:
www.uwpnw.org/donate_disaster_recovery
Report Storm, Flood, or Landslide Damage
Pierce County – December 2025 Severe Weather Event
Pierce County residents and business owners impacted by the December 2025 severe storms, flooding, and landslides are encouraged to report damages as soon as possible. The Pierce County Department of Emergency Management is collecting damage and impact information to help assess community needs and support requests for potential disaster assistance.
How to Report Damage
By Phone
Call: 1-866-798-6363
Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Days: Monday–Friday
Starting: December 15, 2025
Online
Complete the damage report form at:
www.piercecountywa.gov/reportdamage
Information You Will Be Asked to Provide
You do not need a contractor’s estimate to complete this report.
Please be prepared to share:
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Name and address of the affected property
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Type(s) of insurance and deductible amount
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Description of damages and impacts (including uninsured losses)
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Personal estimate of uninsured losses
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Estimated fair market value of the damaged home or business
Why Reporting Matters
Information collected through this assessment helps local and state agencies evaluate the full impact of the disaster and may support requests for state or federal disaster assistance.
Please note:
Submitting a damage report does not guarantee access to disaster resources or funding, but it is a critical step in identifying community-wide needs.
Contact Access Pierce Today
Getting started with Resource Navigation services is easy! Follow these steps:
- Contact Us – Reach out to our team by calling 1-800-572-HELP (4357) or 253-572-4357, emailing access@uwpc.org.
- Receive Support – Our navigators will assist you in finding and applying for the right services
- Ongoing Assistance – We provide follow-up support to ensure you’re connected with the resources you need
Additional Resources are available with Washington 211. They can be contacted by dialing 211, or you can search the online database for resources. 211 Database
If you are having a hard time connecting using 211, please dial 1-877-211-9274
Below is a list of trusted resources for emergency updates, shelter, food, housing, utilities, and other community support related to the December 2025 severe weather event.
Emergency & Official Updates
Stay informed with real-time alerts and official information:
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Pierce County Alerts – Sign up for emergency notifications
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Pierce County Planning and Public Works (Facebook)
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WSDOT Travel Map – Road conditions and closures
Shelter, Warming & Immediate Needs
Food & Essentials
Housing, Rent & Utility Assistance
Union & Labor Community Support
Community & Support Services
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Sound Outreach – Financial education and planning
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Pierce County Library System – Information access and community resources
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Ride United – Transportation support through a partnership with Lyft

