How To Help Fire-Impacted Residents & Businesses In Hillsboro

Press release from the City of Hillsboro:

January 6, 2022

How to Help Fire-Impacted Residents & Businesses in Hillsboro

Hillsboro community organizations are working collaboratively to provide resources, support, and assistance to all affected by two devastating fires in Hillsboro on New Year’s Day Weekend.

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On Saturday, January 1, 2022: A total of 17 people were displaced by an apartment fire on East Main Street near SE 12th Avenue.

On Sunday, January 2, 2022: A four-alarm fire at the Weil Arcade building on East Main Street in
burned eight businesses to the ground and impacted nearly two dozen others.

In response, the Hillsboro Community Foundation, the Hillsboro Downtown Partnership (HDP), the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, the City of Hillsboro, and others are working together to help – and the community response has been overwhelming to date. Thank you to all who have reached out to ask how you can help those affected by the fires.

5 Ways You Can Help

• The Hillsboro Community Foundation has set up the Hillsboro Community Relief Fund to provide resources directly to those in desperate need. Donations can be made online and are tax deductible.
• Marcus Harvey, the owner of Portland Gear, has designed “Heart for Hillsboro” shirts and sweatshirts. Proceeds from the sale of these products will go toward the Hillsboro Community Foundation Relief Fund above.
• Insomnia Coffee is accepting donations of gift cards for essential items, such as gas and groceries, that will go directly to those displaced by the fires. Please drop off gift cards at the Downtown Hillsboro Insomnia location at 137 East Main Street.
• The Hillsboro Downtown Partnership is compiling a list of immediate needs for those affected and displaced by the fires. The list will be posted on the HDP Facebook page in the coming days.
• Other fundraisers are being planned throughout the community and will be announced through the Hillsboro Downtown Partnership. Be cautious of non-sanctioned fundraisers.

A Communitywide Approach

"What happens to our neighbors affects all of us, and we are in this together to help them recover," said Mayor Steve Callaway. "However you choose to support our friends and community members in need, you'll know it's the right thing for you and for them."

“It will take time for our community to recover, but it is imperative that we act now to assist the individuals and businesses impacted by the fires,” said Deanna Palm, President and CEO of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce. “There are immediate, urgent needs at this time,
and our entire community must come together to help those displaced.”

The Hillsboro Downtown Partnership, Washington County Chamber, and the City of Hillsboro will continue to share information on ways to help via their respective social media channels and websites.

“We encourage those in Hillsboro and beyond to consider making donations to these efforts,” said E.J. Payne, Director of the Hillsboro Downtown Partnership. “A little bit of help goes a long way.
Contributions of any amount will immediately help those impacted to rebuild and recover.”

January 6, 2022 update: Hillsboro Police Department detectives arrest suspect in four-alarm fire

January 3, 2022 update: Fire Investigation Continues in Downtown Hillsboro

This press release was produced by the City of Hillsboro. The views expressed here are the author’s own.