Spokane schools mobilize resources to support fire-displaced families and students

SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane Public Schools is putting together a plan to support thousands of students and families displaced by recent fires, bringing together hundreds of community organizations to streamline assistance efforts.

The school district said more than 3,800 of its students live in evacuation zones, and more than 400 live in a fire perimeter — meaning they may have lost their homes. The school district said 30 staff members’ homes have also burned down.

On Wednesday morning, the district held a planning meeting at Shadle Park High School that drew 400 representatives from local schools, government, faith groups, healthcare, businesses and nonprofits to develop a unified strategy for providing aid.

“What an incredible opportunity that we have in front of us. As a pastor, to be the hands and feet of Jesus and to show a community what it means to be united,” said Isaiah Hollister, lead pastor at Christ Our King.

The school district said the meeting was a first step and that more talks will follow.

Shadle Park High School has become a hub of community support, serving as the location for coordinated relief efforts.

The school district is implementing several immediate support measures. A free kids camp is operating throughout the week, designed to give parents time to handle essential errands while providing children with a sense of routine and normalcy during the crisis.

The district has also established a free clothes closet at the high school for families who lost their homes or remain under evacuation orders, offering essential clothing and supplies without cost.

Beginning Thursday, Shadle Park High School will house a disaster assistance center that consolidates critical resources under one roof. The center will provide access to services including licensing and Social Security assistance for families needing to replace important documents, insurance guidance and spiritual counseling.

“We want to provide every possible support that we can for them to access resources as they’re navigating this crisis,” said Adam Swinyard, superintendent of Spokane Public Schools.

To help families navigate available assistance, the school district and the Innovia Foundation have launched a website listing resources and support services.