By Kristin Goodwillie, Northwest Region 

Caleb Lyle was working on repairs to his home in Sumas, Washington, when he received an email from the Red Cross offering financial assistance following the devastating Washington floods.

He was skeptical.

Like many others, Caleb had already applied for help through several nonprofit organizations and hadn’t heard back.

“I hadn’t gotten anything yet. I doubt this will come through,” he remembers thinking.

Still, he decided to follow up. Caleb visited the Whatcom County fire station in Everson, where he met with a Red Cross caseworker. The process took just 10 to 15 minutes.

When his application was approved, Caleb learned he wasn’t just receiving assistance. He was the first person in Washington to receive this Red Cross Bridge Assistance.

Bridge Assistance is follow-up financial support for households whose homes were destroyed or suffered major damage. It helps cover essential costs and “bridge the gap” as families recover, especially when long-term aid isn’t yet available.

“They celebrated like I’d won the jackpot,” he said.

With a background in construction, Caleb plans to repair his home himself. He has the skills, but the damage is extensive. After back-to-back atmospheric rivers hit in December, his drywall was soaked up to four feet and the home’s flooring was completely destroyed.

“Just another project, I guess,” Caleb said, reflecting his steady, positive outlook.

The assistance, he says, is helping “stem the tide” of the costs required to rebuild. Looking ahead, he’s already planning improvements to make his home more resilient like using more flood-resistant materials.

Even in the midst of rebuilding, Caleb says he’s grateful. The losses, while significant, are replaceable. And the support he’s received from his community has made a difference.

Volunteers helped remove damaged flooring and drywall, hauling materials to the dump and easing the burden of cleanup.

“From the get-go, I didn’t expect handouts,” he said. “I bought a house in a floodplain. It’s my sword to fall on. It’s nice when it just comes to you. I’m not someone to ask for it.”

For others, that assistance has been critical.

“Red Cross saved me,” said Leslie Foy of Snohomish County. “Being in the Snohomish flood was devastating. I am so grateful for your help.”

Months after the flooding, recovery is still underway. Entire communities are continuing to pick up the pieces.

Red Cross volunteers have remained present by meeting people where they are, offering support, and reminding them they haven’t been forgotten.

For Caleb, that continued support stands out.

“Just appreciate what you’re doing,” he said. “The Red Cross is all the help I’ve gotten so far.”