Oregon Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (Oregon VOAD) announced significant private-sector and nonprofit contributions to support long-term Rowena Wildfire recovery efforts following the devastating June 2025 fire.
This coordinated support strengthens ongoing Oregon wildfire recovery efforts and will directly assist families as rebuilding begins in Rowena.
Major Donations Fuel Rebuilding Efforts
Oregon VOAD received:
- $234,000 in construction materials from Operation Tiny Home
- A $15,000 community outreach grant from The MITER Foundation
- Transportation and temporary storage support from J.B. Hunt to safely move and protect donated building materials
These contributions will accelerate rebuilding efforts and provide critical resources to families whose homes were destroyed.
“These vital contributions will make a meaningful difference for families working to rebuild their lives,” said Pat Olsen, president of Oregon VOAD and executive director of Clackamas County VOAD. “Together, we are turning hope into reality and rebuilding lives—one act of kindness at a time.”
The Impact of the Rowena Wildfire
The Rowena Wildfire ignited on June 11, 2025, near Rowena and The Dalles. The fire:
- Burned 3,831 acres
- Forced evacuation of approximately 8,000 residents
- Destroyed 63 homes
Oregon VOAD is working in close partnership with the Wasco County Long Term Recovery Group (WCLTRG) to ensure coordinated, survivor-centered disaster recovery support.
“In the midst of heartbreak, the strength of community truly shines,” Olsen said. “ORVOAD and our partners remain committed to standing shoulder to shoulder with the Rowena community as recovery moves forward.”
Community and Private-Sector Collaboration Strengthens Recovery
The Wasco County Long Term Recovery Group emphasized the importance of collaboration in accelerating wildfire recovery.
Andrew Danies, deputy director of economic development for the Mid-Columbia Economic Development District, thanked Operation Tiny Home, The MITER Foundation, J.B. Hunt, Peterson Cat, and Discover Rentals for their support of rebuilding efforts.
Operation Tiny Home also expressed its commitment to helping families rebuild after disaster.
About Oregon VOAD
Oregon Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (
ORVOAD
) is a statewide network of nonprofit, faith-based, and community organizations dedicated to serving Oregonians affected by disasters.
Founded in 1985, ORVOAD is an affiliate of National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) and works closely with the Oregon Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and FEMA Region X.
Guided by the principles of Cooperation, Communication, Coordination, and Collaboration, ORVOAD strengthens disaster response and recovery efforts and has helped Oregon communities rebuild for more than 35 years.