Submitted by Comcast
As Spokane-area families begin the long process of recovering and rebuilding from recent wildfires, a new contribution will help local organizations provide both immediate assistance and longer-term support.
Comcast is contributing $75,000 to Innovia Foundation’s Spokane Complex Wildfire Response Fund, which supports individuals and families affected by the Spokane-area wildfires.
The contribution follows Comcast’s earlier emergency response, when the company opened more than 11,000 public Xfinity WiFi hotspots across Spokane County to help residents stay connected to family members, emergency information, and other critical resources.
“As families move from the immediate emergency into recovery, their needs don’t end when evacuation orders are lifted,” said Shelly O’Quinn, CEO of Innovia Foundation. “Comcast’s support will help trusted local organizations address unmet needs and help Spokane-area families rebuild in the weeks and months ahead.”
Supporting Spokane Families From Relief to Recovery
The Spokane Complex Wildfire Response Fund is designed to address needs that can continue well after the immediate danger from a wildfire has passed.
Comcast’s donation will help support immediate disaster-relief needs such as food and emergency shelter, as well as longer-term cleanup and rebuilding efforts.
Innovia Foundation distributes grants from the fund through vetted nonprofit organizations working directly with wildfire survivors. According to the foundation, 100 percent of tax-deductible donations to the fund are directed toward wildfire relief and recovery.
Spokane County Commissioner Chris Jordan said collaboration among the public, private, and nonprofit sectors will be important as the region rebuilds.
“Recovery from a disaster of this scale requires government, nonprofits, businesses, and residents working together,” Jordan said. “Support from companies like Comcast helps strengthen our community while our neighbors rebuild and recover.”
Keeping Residents Connected During the Emergency
Before announcing its financial contribution, Comcast responded to the wildfires by opening more than 11,000 public Xfinity WiFi hotspots throughout Spokane County.
The hotspots are available to anyone who needs them, including people who are not Xfinity customers, and are scheduled to remain open until 12 a.m. PT on Monday, August 31. Comcast said it will continue monitoring conditions and may extend access again if needed.
For a map of public Xfinity WiFi hotspots, located indoors and outdoors in places such as shopping districts, parks, and businesses, visit the Xfinity WiFi Hotspot Map. Enter a ZIP code, zoom in on the interactive map to view results, and click locations for details.
“From the earliest days of these wildfires, our focus has been on helping Spokane County residents stay connected to loved ones, emergency information, and critical resources,” said Keith Turner, Senior Vice President for Comcast’s Pacific Northwest Region.
“Opening more than 11,000 public WiFi hotspots to keep residents connected was part of our immediate response,” Turner added. “This $75,000 contribution extends our support into the recovery phase and will help Innovia and its nonprofit partners address the needs of residents as they rebuild.”
Together, the emergency WiFi access and contribution to Innovia Foundation are intended to provide support across different stages of Spokane County’s wildfire response, from keeping residents connected during the emergency to helping families and communities recover in the weeks and months ahead.
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