Surviving Wildfires and Building Community
What would you fear losing in a disaster?
For many, the answer is simple: family, home, livelihood. But for immigrant communities, there’s often another fear: the loss of documentation that protects their ability to live and work in the United States.
In 2020, Oregon faced one of the most devastating wildfire seasons in its history. Over 1 million acres burned, 11 lives were lost, and entire towns like Talent and Phoenix were destroyed. Thousands were displaced, including many Latino/a/e immigrants who had built their lives and livelihoods in the region since the 1990s.
Among them was Lucia*, an ICS client who lost not only her home but also every piece of documentation that proved her legal status. Without it, her future in the U.S. was uncertain.
A Legal Lifeline in a Time of Crisis
In the aftermath of the fires, ICS launched a mobile legal clinic as part of a resource fair in Medford to provide urgent legal support to immigrants like Lucia. Our team helped her navigate the complex process of replacing lost documents, which was a critical step in protecting her status. With ICS’s help over the years after the fires, Lucia celebrated a major milestone: she became a U.S. citizen.
Her story is one of resilience, but also of the power of community.
Mutual Aid in Action
ICS wasn’t alone in responding to the crisis. The fires sparked a massive community effort. Volunteers helped distribute more than two tons of donated food, clothing, and supplies to over 250 families. These efforts weren’t just about meeting basic needs; they were about restoring dignity and rebuilding trust.
Staying Connected, Staying Prepared
Since 2020, ICS has remained deeply engaged with wildfire-affected communities. We continue to provide legal services, raise awareness about disaster preparedness, and advocate for policies that protect immigrant families during emergencies.
The wildfires of 2020 were a stark reminder of how quickly lives can be upended. But they also revealed something powerful: when we come together, we can rebuild stronger than before.
*Note: Names and details in this story have been altered to protect the client’s identity.