2025 Flooding & Severe Weather

In response to historic flooding and severe weather, which occurred in December 2025, Washington State declared a state of emergency in 14 counties, including Snohomish County. 

On December 16, 2025, United Way's Board of Directors voted to activate our Disaster Relief Fund, directed staff to coordinate with local and state officials and our network of community partners to identify the areas of greatest need, and rally philanthropic support to aid in relief and recovery efforts.

As of January 23, 2026:
More than $40,000 has been raised through the UWSC Disaster Relief Fund, thanks to the generosity of local donors and the trust that United Way has built over 85 years of community service. 

Funds Allocated to Date:
More information coming soon.
 

A Coordinated & Strategic Response

Since mid-December, United Way staff have been in communication with emergency management leads and government agencies and remain prepared to deploy resources quickly. In Snohomish County, early response efforts have focused on securing safe, stable lodging for evacuated households.

As the full scope of impact and priority needs continue to emerge, United Way remains ready to respond. We are currently coordinating with:

• American Red Cross

• Snohomish County Human Services

• Volunteers of America Western Washington

• Refugees Immigrant Services Northwest

• The Salvation Army

• United Ways of the Pacific Northwest*

• Additional regional and local partners!

Disaster Assistance Center: 

Snohomish County partnered with VOAWW to host a disaster assistance and resource center in Sultan, WA in January 2026. Many organizations were onsite providing guidance and resources to those impacted by flooding and severe weather. United Way of Snohomish County provided information on the availability of emergency housing through Airbnb and Visa Gift Cards to help address immediate needs. 

* United Ways of the Pacific Northwest (UWPNW) is the regional association representing 32 local United Ways across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, including United Way organizations in all 14 Washington counties included in Governor Ferguson’s December 2025 Emergency Proclamation.

United is the Way: Resource Development Coordinated Across 14 Counties

With a global network and trusted local expertise, United Way is uniquely positioned to support communities before, during, and after disasters. Our teams monitor emerging crises and their short- and long-term impacts, coordinate with on-the-ground responders, and help lead long-term recovery efforts.
 

VISA Gift Cards for Disaster Relief 

The UWPNW, in partnership with Prezzee Business, developed an Individual Assistance Visa Gift Card program for communities that have been impacted by natural disasters in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. This program will only be available for declared disasters, as funds are available. Case managers can reach out to UWSC for details. Email Programs Director Susan Gustafson at susan.gustafson@uwsc.org

Airbnb Partners with United Way to House Flood Survivors

Airbnb.org, a nonprofit founded by Airbnb, is collaborating with United Ways of the Pacific Northwest to provide free emergency housing for residents affected by historic flooding in Washington State.

United Way is helping identify households most in need and referring them to Airbnb.org for fully funded stays. All available stays have been allocated. Program is now closed. 

Amazon Donates $1 Million to United Ways of the Pacific Northwest

United Ways of the Pacific Northwest is working in partnership with local United Way organizations in impacted communities across the region. Funds are being distributed to local United Ways based on a formula that considers damage, population, and economic and racial equity factors.

All donations to UWPNW’s Disaster Recovery Fund support displaced families with access to food, shelter, childcare, healthcare, and other critical services—helping families meet both immediate and long-term recovery needs.

Mindful Giving Initiative Streamlines In-Kind Donations

United Ways of the Pacific Northwest—with implementation support from United Way of Pierce County—has launched a streamlined in-kind donation platform through Mindful Giving, featuring Amazon-powered wish lists and real-time tracking tools.

This platform allows donors to give through a familiar online shopping experience while enabling nonprofits to increase efficiency, engagement, and transparency. United Ways in each of the 14 affected counties will be able to create targeted campaigns tailored to their community’s specific needs.

Mindful Giving: Snohomish County Campaign

Coming Soon

Emergency Preparedness for the Future Disasters 

United Way of Snohomish County (UWSC) works alongside local partners, emergency responders, and donors to help communities stabilize, recover, and rebuild following natural or man-made disasters.

According to the Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management, Snohomish County is susceptible to:  

• Flooding & Severe Weather (Atmospheric Rivers)
• Landslides & Mudslides
• Wildfire & Smoke Events
• Earthquake (Cascadia Subduction Zone + Local Faults)
• Industrial / Transportation Incidents (Man-Made Disasters)
• Public Health Emergencies 
• Other