FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 17, 2025
Contact:
Pat Olsen, President, Oregon Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (ORVOAD)
Executive Director, Clackamas County Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (CCVOAD)
Phone: 503-887-4913
Email:
patolsen@ccvoad.org
ROWENA, Oregon — Oregon Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (Oregon VOAD)
announced today significant private-sector and nonprofit support to aid long-term recovery
efforts following the Rowena Wildfire, which devastated the community in June.
Oregon VOAD received construction material donations valued at $234,000 from Operation Tiny Home,
a $15,000 community outreach grant from The MITER Foundation, and critical transportation and
temporary storage support from J.B. Hunt to move and safeguard donated building materials. These
contributions will directly support rebuilding efforts scheduled to begin soon in Rowena.
“These vital contributions will make a meaningful difference for families working to rebuild
their lives,” said Pat Olsen, president of Oregon VOAD and executive director of Clackamas County
VOAD. “Time and again, I am inspired by the extraordinary generosity of our partners. Together,
we are turning hope into reality and rebuilding lives—one act of kindness at a time.”
The Rowena Wildfire, which ignited on June 11, 2025, near Rowena and The Dalles, burned 3,831 acres,
forced the evacuation of approximately 8,000 residents, and destroyed 63 homes. Oregon VOAD is
working in close partnership with the Wasco County Long-Term Recovery Group (WCLTRG) to provide
coordinated, survivor-centered recovery support.
“In the midst of heartbreak, the strength of community truly shines,” Olsen said. “ORVOAD and our
partners remain committed to standing shoulder to shoulder with the Rowena community as recovery
moves forward.”
The Wasco County Long-Term Recovery Group emphasized the importance of private-sector collaboration
in accelerating recovery.
“We at the Rowena Long-Term Recovery Group are incredibly grateful to Operation Tiny Home, The
MITER Foundation, and J.B. Hunt for their support of our rebuilding efforts,” said Andrew Danies,
deputy director of economic development for the Mid-Columbia Economic Development District. “We
also thank Peterson Cat and Discover Rentals in The Dalles for generously donating the use of
equipment. Support like this makes a real difference for families navigating the complex and
costly rebuilding process.”
Operation Tiny Home echoed that commitment to community recovery.
“Operation Tiny Home is honored to contribute materials and support to the Rowena rebuild efforts,”
said K. Gabrielle Rapport. “When a community experiences this level of loss, it is incredibly
moving to see organizations and neighbors come together in service. We are grateful to stand
alongside The MITER Foundation and others to help families rebuild their homes.”
About Oregon VOAD
Oregon Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (ORVOAD) is a statewide network of nonprofit,
faith-based, and community organizations dedicated to serving Oregonians affected by disasters.
Through collaboration, compassion, and coordinated response, Oregon VOAD works to ensure
communities recover stronger and more resilient.
Founded in 1985, ORVOAD is an affiliate of National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster
(NVOAD) and coordinates closely with the Oregon Office of Emergency Management and FEMA. Guided by
the principles of Cooperation, Communication, Coordination, and Collaboration, ORVOAD has helped
Oregon communities rebuild and recover for more than 35 years.
Learn more at
www.orvoad.org