How do you start helping a friend who lost EVERYTHING? (floods in Centralia and Chehalis WA)

do they have somewhere to stay? probably what's hardest is that they've lost so much, so where do you even begin to help them? maybe the best you can do right now is offer a few of the basics, such as clothes and meals and a couch, and be there when the shock wears off and your friend needs you to listen while he cries/shouts/swears.

and like you said: they're alive and safe, and that is by far the most important thing.

yes, he has internet access, and he's not living in a place that's exactly internet-cafe heavy, so I assume he's staying with nearby family who escaped the floods. Surely, he's fine with food.

I did offer him a couch should he happen to be in Seattle, but since he doesn't have a car and he lives 90 minutes south in a small town, I don't think he'll be making it to Seattle soon unless someone else takes him.

That's why I'm guessing clothes and a mailing address would be a good start. probably basic dress clothes, so that he could job interview at least.

(Hat Tip to Daddino..) Does anyone know if there's another major outlet store in the Chehalis/Centralia area besides Wal-Mart? The idea of a gift certificate to an outlet store was suggested, and is a very good idea; however, the Wal-Mart that both Chehalis and Centralia shared was the first casualty of the floods. It's destroyed.

I'm trying to think what the Olympia/Tumwater/Lacey area has that's equivalent.

There's a VF factory outlet in Centralia - they carry all the Lee brand, so lots of basic business clothes and casual wear.

Oly has a big ole Walmart - more in Lacey I guess. Mr. Jaq and I will be heading down that way next weekend to visit his mom, if you want to come down with us or want us to carry anything down to your friend, I'd be glad to drop the Mr. off in Oly and head further south.

Of course, now that I think about, the VF and all the other outlet stores are right near the Skookumchuck, so probably flooded out.

I might do that, Jaq! I have to see what my friend will be doing then. Again, I think everyone is still in the shock phase, so I have no idea what they might be planning until the last minute. But I'll try to keep in touch with you regarding that.

To everyone else, some images of the floods:

http://blog.oregonlive.com/mapesonpolitics/2007/12/large_chehalis%20flood.jpg

http://www.latimes.com/media/photo/2007-12/34109242.jpg

http://media.kval.com/images/071205_Chehalis_I5.jpg

http://media.katu.com/images/071204_i5_canoe.jpg

http://www1.whdh.com/images/news_articles/389x205/071204_washington_flood.jpg

http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/thebigblog/library/PBL_FLOOD_01b.jpg

http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/thebigblog/library/PBL_FLOOD_02.jpg

http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/thebigblog/library/PBL_FLOOD_03b.jpg

http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/thebigblog/library/PBL_FLOOD_04.jpg

http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/thebigblog/library/PBL_FLOOD_06b.jpg

perhaps buying them a cell phone? if they need one, that is.

I have a lot of friends in Astoria and that town was just destroyed. Every window downtown was broken.

Fuck. Chehalis is my hometown.

I mean to say that I didn't really get quite how bad it is up there. What's the situation now? Have the floodwaters receded to any significant extent?

it's muddy everywhere now, but yes the flood waters have receded.

All I can offer is my condolences and 'net memes.

http://www.coastaltown.nildram.co.uk/jim/omnomnomnom.jpg

A lot of Washington state farms have been wiped out as well. Here's a fwd for those who want to help"

> Subject: [Balle-Announce] Flooding Devastates Farms / Relief Fund
> Set Up
>
> Hello everyone,
>
> If you haven't heard yet, the unprecedented floods last week had a
> massive impact on many of the local farms we know and support. They
> need our help now more than ever. If you are committed to
> supporting our local food system, we urge you to consider donating
> time or money to help get them back up and running. Information,
> news and links follow.
>
> As a side note, Mike and Heidi Peroni of Boistfort Valley Farm have
> been strong BALLE supporters for a long time. If you have enjoyed
> any of our Eat Local Now! diners you have enjoyed their produce.
>
> Please forward to your lists.
>
> Eric Magnuson
> BALLE Seattle
>
> --------------------------------
> Flooding Devastates Farms / Relief Fund Set Up
>
> Dozens of family farms, including several Tilth member farms, were
> devastated by last week’s floods in Southwest Washington. The
> Olympia Farmers Market has established relief fund and is helping
> coordinate volunteers to assist in recovery efforts at Boistfort
> Valley Farm, Helsing Junction, Rising River, and other farms in the
> area. For details see:
>
> Local Farmers Need Help!
> www.olyblog.net/local-farmers-need-help
>
> Below are links to news articles about the flood's impact:
>
> Long Recovery Awaits Farmers
> www.theolympian.com/101/story/294606.html
>
> Farmers Recovering from Flood Shock
> www.chronline.com/story.php?
> subaction=showfull&id=1197125350&archive=&start_from=&ucat=1
>
> Creamery Loses Sheep, Gains a Few Friends
> http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/342633_farm07.html
>
> For updates on the situation at Boistfort Valley Farm, including
> information about daily work crews and a link for cash donations,
> visit their website:
>
> Boistfort Valley Farm
> www.boistfortvalleyfarm.com
>
> For video of the situation at Boistfort Valley and neighboring
> farms see:
>
> Boistfort Valley Farms in Ruins
> www.king5.com/localnews/stories/NW_120707WAB_farms_devastated_KS.
> 79ba16ac.html
>
> Lewis County Family Lost Dairy Cows and their Home in Flood
> www.king5.com/topstories/stories/NW_120907WAB_dairycows_die_SW.
> 829694b4.html
>
>