Volunteers Repair Flood-Damaged Homes in Washington Town

When floodwaters tore through Whatcom County last month, they left behind more than muddy streets and broken windows. They left families unable to return to homes still waterlogged and damaged, wondering when life might feel normal again.

This Saturday, hope is arriving in the form of volunteers. Whatcom Long-Term Recovery Group, part of the nonprofit Whatcom Strong, is calling on community members to help repair homes in Sumas that are still reeling from December's devastating storms.

Ashley Butenschoen, vice president of the recovery group, says volunteers will focus on clearing out bottom floors damaged by floodwater. The work might expand to nearby Everson and Nooksack depending on progress. The best part? No construction experience is required.

The nonprofit will provide all tools and protective equipment. Volunteers can show up anytime between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Saturday at Sumas Advent Christian Church on Font Street. Even a few hours makes a difference.

The December floods hit hard. The Nooksack River crested its banks, forcing evacuations and leaving some Lummi tribal members with limited access to their homes. Weeks later, many families are still displaced, waiting for enough help to make their houses livable again.

The Ripple Effect

This weekend's volunteer effort represents something bigger than cleared debris and dried floors. When communities rally to rebuild together, they're restoring more than structures. They're proving that disaster doesn't have to mean despair.

Every volunteer who shows up sends a message to flood survivors: you're not forgotten. That emotional boost can be just as powerful as the physical labor. For families wondering if they'll ever recover, seeing neighbors roll up their sleeves offers tangible proof that better days are ahead.

Those who can't volunteer in person can still help by donating through the Whatcom Strong website. Financial contributions help the nonprofit continue recovery work long after the weekend ends.

Butenschoen emphasized they'll welcome help for any amount of time volunteers can offer. Whether someone stays all day or just a few hours, every pair of hands moves families one step closer to home.

This weekend, Sumas gets a chance to rebuild with the most powerful tool available: community.