SPOKANE — The Old Trails Fire has transformed the Indian Trail neighborhood into a scene of loss, but amid the rubble, a network of grassroots resources is guiding neighbors through this difficult time.
The Salvation Army is at the forefront of these efforts.
Major David Kauffman has made multiple trips to the neighborhood with the organization’s resource van since the fire.
“We’re looking for people who are out working on their pads, and we’re going to offer them what resources we have,” Kauffman said.
The Salvation Army is providing masks, air purifiers, snacks and cold drinks to residents working to rebuild. But the organization’s most valuable offering may be something less tangible: a listening ear.
“As I come out more and more, they share more and more of their story. And, I get to hear from their heart,” Kauffman said.
Neighbors have stories of frantic evacuations, lost homes and the uncertainty of wondering why some houses survived while others didn’t. Many homes in the area narrowly escaped the flames, with fire reaching property lines but leaving structures untouched.
Justin Weber’s house was one of the fortunate ones. The day after evacuation, he ventured back home with neighbors to assess the damage in the surrounding area.
“You saw the devastation and you saw people’s houses destroyed. And, you know, it was wild when we walked down,” Weber said.
Rather than focus solely on his own relief, Weber transformed his front yard into a resource center for his neighbors.
“I wasn’t a neighbor that really got involved in a person’s life and what God intends us to do, and what this has provided us to do is to take that extra step, walk two steps closer and begin to open up to that person that stops in the road and wants to say hi,” Weber said.
Kauffman said the Salvation Army’s work in the neighborhood will extend well beyond the initial emergency response. The relationships being built now will require ongoing support and presence.
“I anticipate another 30 days at least. We’re going to keep visiting people and making sure that they’re on their way,” Kauffman said.
These trips also allow the Salvation Army to evaluate the community’s needs. Protective Tyvek suits and air purifiers are in high demand right now.
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