By Caryn Wheeler Clay, Executive Director
“In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing you can do is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.”
The holiday season often brings a mix of emotions. Amid the cheer and messages of joy, it can feel overwhelming for those whose lives remain uprooted, especially for fire survivors still navigating recovery. Yet, there’s hope to be found—not just in the progress we see, also in our actions and the connections we nurture.
For more than four years, our community has been recovering from the 2020 fires. Staying hopeful through four holiday seasons hasn’t been easy, but we’ve made significant strides thanks to programs like ReOregon. ReOregon efforts, while complex, are bringing real results:
These numbers might seem small, but they are big steps forward.
The ReOregon programs are important but incredibly complex. They bring the protections of civil rights and the challenges of navigating federal disaster recovery funding. This complexity can sometimes feel overwhelming for administrators and survivors navigating the process. It’s a classic case of analysis paralysis—the sensation of being so overwhelmed by options, requirements, or steps that taking action feels impossible.
However, the key to progress is action. During the ReOregon SAPA public hearings, we advocated for improvements to streamline these processes and minimize delays for the community. Here are some of the recommendations we made:
These changes can help more people return to homes faster. We expect to hear updates early next year on implementing these recommendations, but survivors don’t need to wait to take action.
It’s easy to hope for the perfect home or situation. But waiting for “perfect” isn’t the answer—it delays your chance to rebuild your life. The truth is, the best home is the one that’s available to you now. A home you can move into soon means safety, stability, and a fresh start.
Sometimes, we feel stuck because there are so many options or because we’re unsure what to do next. But the most important thing you can do is take action. Even small steps move you forward.
If you’ve applied to the ReOregon programs, staying involved is critical. The programs are here to help, and they can only work if you keep moving forward. If you’ve paused or withdrawn your application, know this: you can reopen it without starting over from the beginning. Don’t let frustration stop you.
Remember, recovery is a process. The home you get now might not be perfect, but it can be the foundation for your future. Rebuilding isn’t just about structures; it’s about reclaiming lives and futures. You’ve come this far. Keep going. Every step matters, no matter how small. Your way home is waiting.
