Living Waters Church in Medford and El Tapatio in Ashland made themselves hubs for donations and those looking for needed supplies after being displaced by the Almeda Drive Fire.
Helping each other back up.
Donation and relief sites are popping up around the area... newswatch 12's josh shelton joins us live from one of those sites in ashland.
Josh, how are these places helping the communities most in need?
Brian, the main thing sites like this relief center at el tapatio in ashland are providing needed items. from deodorant and food to housing for those most in need.
Whether it's a church or restaurant, the communities devastated by fires are working to rebuild.
In the parking lot of el tapatio in ashland, canopy tops housing food, clothing, school supplies and many other necessities in life for those who lost everything in the almeda fire.
In addition to goods-- el tapatio is also providing assistance in finding something many people need now: housing.
Yahaira padilla says, "my number one priority is not thinking about today, but thinking about what happens in a few months, a few weeks, in years to come because it's going to take time for our community to heal from all this pain it's suffering."
The restaurant where the relief site is staying closed for right now-- focusing on the people in their community who need help the most.
Padilla says, "my father's focus is to just help his community and we'll take care of the rest when time comes."
Just up i-5 in medford, living waters church is also providing a space for people to get items they need.
A warehouse space the church wasn't sure what to do with, now with a greater purpose.
But it's not just the church helping.
Drew berryesa says, "yes, living waters is providing the space, we're providing the leadership for it, but this is the valley responding to the needs of our community and it's really a beautiful thing."
Any who can help is stepping up in any way they can.
The windermere reality group-- dropping off personal hygiene products this morning.
Devin zupan says, "everybody was wondering hey what is that i can do to give back and this was just one little thing and we're going to continue to strive to reach those that have been impacted and hopefully give as much back as we can."
A community hurt, helping itself back up on its feet.
El tapatio in ashland is offering services from 11 a-m to 6 p-m and living waters church's relief center
(Part 2 of 2) We take a look at a new board game that teaches lessons on how to interact with police.
