Blue Mountain Region Long-Term Recovery Group

In February 2020 the Blue Mountain region suffered its worst flooding in decades. More than 600 families in Washington and Oregon were affected by swollen creeks and rivers. Just as community organizations began to mobilize in response, we were hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Normally, disaster response involves federal, state, and county representatives physically surveying damage and contacting survivors so they can apply for assistance. While some initial assessments were made, the normal process for assistance was stymied by our inability to meet survivors.

The Blue Mountain Long-Term Recovery Group (BMLTRG) was organized in the wake of this flooding and models a nationwide best practice for recovering from disasters. Our areas of concern include Walla Walla, Columbia, and Umatilla counties, and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. While our current focus is recovery from flood-related damage, we provide collaborative preparation for any future disasters that may impact the region. This is a coalition of community organizations includes non-profit, faith-based, private sector, community action, foundations, and others.

Some of our community partners are United Way of the Blue Mountains, Community Action Program of East Central Oregon (CAPECO), Blue Mountain Action Council, SonBridge, local churches, and disaster services from several faith-based groups. We are supported by experts from county, state, and federal disaster response and emergency management agencies.

An Executive Board oversees the work of committees including: Unmet Needs Roundtable, Housing, Volunteer Management, Donated Goods, and Emotional and Spiritual Needs.

The Blue Mountain Region Long-Term Recovery Group provides recovery efforts to disaster survivors to help them return to safe, sanitary, secure and functional  living conditions.