The recent wildfires have brought unimaginable loss to families throughout our region. Tens of thousands of residents have faced evacuation, hundreds of structures have been damaged or destroyed, and many people have returned to find that their homes, vehicles, and belongings are gone.
Behind every statistic is a family whose life changed in a matter of minutes. Some escaped with little more than the clothes they were wearing. Others are now trying to replace everyday necessities while navigating insurance claims, temporary housing, medical needs, transportation challenges, and the emotional weight of an uncertain future.
Our hearts are with every person affected, as well as the firefighters, first responders, volunteers, medical professionals, shelter workers, and neighbors who have stepped forward during this crisis.
At Spokane Hyundai, giving back to the community is not simply something we talk about. It is part of who we are and what we believe a local business should do. When our neighbors are hurting, we have a responsibility to help.
That is why Spokane Hyundai is proud to support the Women’s Healing & Empowerment Network, commonly known as WHEN, and its Cleone’s Closet Food Pantry and Resource Center as they respond to the immediate and ongoing needs created by these devastating fires.
WHEN Is Providing Critical Help Right Now
The Women’s Healing & Empowerment Network is a Spokane-area nonprofit founded in 2008. The organization provides education, crisis assistance, healing programs, supportive services, and practical resources for women, men, and children affected by abuse, violence, trauma, food insecurity, and other serious hardships.
During the current wildfire crisis, WHEN and its volunteers have stepped forward as an invaluable community resource. They are currently assisting affected individuals and families by:
Distributing clothing, bedding, and linens
Delivering food, drinking water, and other essential supplies
Transporting people who have lost vehicles to critical medical appointments
Helping individuals and families evacuate when required
Connecting displaced residents with additional community resources and support
These services are meeting immediate physical needs, but the effects of a disaster extend far beyond what can be seen.
A traumatic event of this magnitude can cause tremendous stress, grief, fear, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion. Those feelings may continue long after the flames are extinguished. Families may be grieving the loss of their homes and personal belongings while simultaneously trying to make urgent decisions about shelter, employment, transportation, childcare, medical care, and rebuilding their lives.
WHEN’s experience creating compassionate support networks is especially valuable during a crisis like this. Sometimes people need clothing, food, or transportation. Sometimes they need someone who will listen without judgment, help them understand available resources, and remind them that they do not have to navigate the next steps alone.
Cleone’s Closet Needs Our Community’s Help
Cleone’s Closet Food Pantry and Resource Center, a program of WHEN, serves Airway Heights and surrounding communities by providing free food, clothing, household essentials, furniture, hygiene products, and resource assistance to people in need.
The pantry was already serving families experiencing food insecurity before the fires. The current disaster has created an even greater demand for resources.
Cleone’s Closet currently needs donations of all kinds, including:
Simply put, if it is something a family would need after suddenly losing a home, Cleone’s Closet can likely put it to good use.
If you can donate money, supplies, or a few hours of your time, please consider supporting this important work. WHEN may also be able to coordinate the pickup of larger donations or donations that cannot easily be delivered. Please call Cleone’s Closet at 509-321-7071 to discuss your donation or arrange assistance.
Spokane Hyundai Is Serving as a Donation Drop-Off Location
To make donating more convenient, Spokane Hyundai is serving as a community drop-off location for items supporting Cleone’s Closet and WHEN’s wildfire-relief work.
Every contribution matters. A case of water, a package of diapers, a warm blanket, a child’s toy, or a box of household essentials may seem small, but to someone starting over, it can provide both immediate relief and a powerful reminder that the community cares.
Limited Transportation Assistance From Spokane Hyundai
We recognize that some residents have also lost their vehicles or are temporarily without reliable transportation because of the fires.
While availability is limited, Spokane Hyundai frequently has service-loaner vehicles in its fleet. If you have been directly affected by the wildfires and find yourself in urgent need of transportation for a day or two, please contact us.
When a vehicle is available, we will do our best to donate one or two days of transportation assistance for essential needs such as medical appointments, obtaining supplies, meeting with an insurance provider, or taking care of other critical responsibilities.
Loaner assistance is subject to vehicle availability, insurance requirements, a valid driver’s license, and the standard eligibility requirements for operating one of our vehicles. Vehicles will be coordinated on a first-come, first-served basis. We may not be able to accommodate every request, but we promise to consider each situation compassionately and help whenever we reasonably can.
Together, We Can Help Our Neighbors Begin Again
Recovery from a wildfire does not happen in a day or a week. For many families, the road ahead will be long. The most meaningful support will come not only during the immediate emergency, but also in the weeks and months that follow.
This is when community matters most.
Please join Spokane Hyundai in supporting WHEN and Cleone’s Closet. Donate what you can, volunteer your time, share this information, or reach out to someone who may be struggling. No single person or organization can meet every need, but together we can provide food, clothing, transportation, comfort, dignity, and hope.
Learn more, volunteer, request assistance, or make a financial contribution: www.whenetwork.com
Women’s Healing & Empowerment Network | Office: 509-323-2123 | whenetwork@gmail.com
In times of tragedy, our community’s greatest strength is one another.
Spokane Hyundai is honored to stand beside WHEN, Cleone’s Closet, and every neighbor working to help those affected by these devastating fires.