Resources for Flooding Impacts in Washington State
Photo: Members of the City of Renton’s Community Emergency Response Team, courtesy of the City of Renton.
All of us at the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation were extremely saddened to see the catastrophic flooding across the state in December 2025. Our hearts are with the thousands of residents, business owners, and communities impacted by this historic flooding. We compiled a list of resources for anyone seeking guidance or assistance with flood relief and recovery efforts.
If anyone would like to share information about historic resources or properties in your community that were damaged or lost in the December flooding with the Washington Trust, please email .
Federal/National Resources
- The Heritage Emergency National Task Force (HENTF), a public-private partnership between FEMA and the Smithsonian Institution, is supporting response and recovery efforts of Washington’s arts & culture sector—and the public. Cultural institutions and arts organizations affected by the flooding can call the National Heritage Responders hotline: 202-661-8068. The National Heritage Responders, a team of trained conservators and collections care professionals administered by the Foundation for Advancement in Conservation, are available 24/7 to provide advice and guidance.
- Members of the public who have questions about saving family heirlooms can email the National Heritage Responders at .
- HENTF’s Save Your Family Treasures guidance is available at https://www.fema.gov/disaster/recover/save-family-treasures. Here you can find the downloadable FEMA fact sheets “After the Flood: Advice for Salvaging Damaged Family Treasures” and “Salvaging Water-Damaged Family Valuables and Heirlooms,” available in multiple languages.
- Fill out one of the following Rapid Damage Assessment Forms. The information goes directly to the Heritage National Task Force. This is not managed by the Washington Trust.
- Partners for Sacred Places – Intervention Fund: Funding available on a case-by-case basis to help stewards of historic sacred places with building repair and recovery after an unanticipated emergency. View flyer for more information, and contact Rachel Galton () if interested in applying.
- National Trust for Historic Preservation:
- Main Street America: Main Street Disaster and Resilience Toolkit
- USDA: Flood assistance for Washington farmers and ranchers. Reach out to your local USDA service center ASAP to apply for assistance.
State/Local Resources
- Washington State:
- Historic Flood Emergency Resources – includes links to individual county resources.
- Department of Financial Institutions: Financial Resources & Recovery
- Emergency Management Division: Individual Assistance (IA) Program
- King County: Flood Recovery Resources
- Snohomish County Conservation District: Flooding Recovery Assistance
- Whatcom County: Flood Related Resources
- Western Washington University – Small Business Development Center: Flood Recovery Resources
- Whatcom Museum: Salvaging water-damaged photos & family collections
- KUOW: Where to find shelter & supplies – also includes places to drop off storm debris.
- Seattle Times:
- Flood buyout programs for homeowners in King, Whatcom, Snohomish, and Pierce County
- How to help WA flood victims – List of local agencies, national rescue organizations, and community groups engaged in Washington flood response that are accepting donations.