211 Activates Statewide Response as Washington Wildfires Displace Thousands

Quick Take  

• Washington 211 mobilized a statewide response to Washington Wildfires within hours and partnered with Airbnb.org to connect evacuees with temporary emergency housing  

• To date, we’ve referred hundreds of households and more than 3,000 people along with over 1,600 pet companions for temporary emergency housing

• 211’s team keeps hope alive for evacuees: “This was such a relief. With not knowing firsthand if we have a house to go back to, at least once we get into the Airbnb, we can sleep a little more soundly.” – Evacuee 

As wildfires spread across Eastern Washington, Washington 211 mobilized within hours to support residents evacuating their homes and searching for basic needs resources. In Spokane County, the Spokane Complex Fires have burned more than 10,000 acres and impacted more than 900 structures.

Partnership with Airbnb.org  

Within hours of the first evacuations, Airbnb.org and Washington 211 partnered to help people displaced from their homes access temporary housing. Airbnb.org works with local organizations before disasters strike so housing support can be made available quickly. Washington 211 identifies residents in need of temporary housing and refers eligible help seekers to Airbnb.org, which provides credits to book nearby Airbnb stays that meet their needs—often close to workplaces, schools or support networks.

Christoph Gorder, Executive Director of Airbnb.org, emphasized the role temporary housing can play as communities begin to recover:
“We’re grateful to work with our partners to help people displaced by the wildfires find a free temporary place to call home as their recovery process begins.” 

To date, we’ve referred hundreds of households for emergency housing provided by Airbnb.org. Those households represent more than 3,000 people and over 1,600 pet companions.

Crisis Connections CEO Michelle McDaniel said of the partnership:  
“As the provider of 211 in Washington, Crisis Connections is committed to ensuring those impacted by the devastating wildfires are connected to essential resources in their community. Through this partnership, 211 can now offer something no one should have to go without—a safe place to sleep tonight.”

211’s Ongoing Impact During the Spokane Complex Fires  

211 extended hours to meet the demand for people in need of emergency housing—ramping up in the early days of the response to 24/7 support for help seekers in the affected counties. As of August 11, 2026, 211 has received more than 1,440 calls related to disaster resources, including housing and shelter, food pantries and clothing.  
 
A family who lost their home in the fire shared their gratitude with Natacia, a 211 Certified Information & Referral Specialist and TBI Advocate: 
“This was such a relief. With not knowing firsthand if we have a house to go back to, at least once we get into the Airbnb, we can sleep a little more soundly.” – Evacuee 

Coordinating with Partners Across Washington  

Along with Airbnb.org, Washington 211 is coordinating with the American Red Cross, Catholic Charities, United Way and Washington State Emergency Management Division to support efforts provide housing, shelter and disaster resources to evacuees. These vital partnerships strengthen coordination across the state.  
 
Throughout the response, 211’s skilled information and referral specialists have helped navigate the complex needs of help seekers with understanding and compassion.  
 
A mother living out of state reached out for help for her son and his partner after they were evacuated and shared this with Kerri, a 211 Information and Referral Specialist: 
 “I can’t thank you enough for everything, it’s difficult being so far away. Your voice is so kind, and you’ve been so great to work with. I feel so much better right now.” 

211 Remains Central While Communities Rebuild 

Washington 211 will continue to support relief efforts. As our communities rebuild, 211 will continue to connect help seekers with the basic needs that we all deserve—food, shelter, health care, transportation and human kindness. 
 
“I’m grateful that I got to talk with a live person. I feel like I’ve had door after door shut on me or that I have to jump through hoops and hurdles to get through to live agents. Thank you for taking the time to listen to my story.” – A grandmother looking for resources for herself and grandchild