Wildfire Refugees Find Respite in Meridian RV Park

2020 has felt like a dumpster fire for almost 7 months now. In the last few weeks actual literal fire has engulfed the west coast, destroying homes, livelihoods, hopes, dreams, air quality. And it is in times like these where community and unity can make all the difference to those affected.

Mr. Rogers once said “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping. '” It has been incredible seeing the support from people across the country and even from other countries pour in to help. Just last week a team of firefighters from central Mexico arrived in Oregon to combat the fires.

It is of utmost importance to douse the fires, but there is so much more that needs to be done outside of that. What do the families who have lost everything do now? Where do they go? Who helps them during this time? I can not imagine losing everything I own and where I live. But if there's one thing I've learned about Idaho is that it's not short on helpers.

The KOA Journey RV Park in Meridian is using the overflow lot belonging to Expo Idaho to open up 38 additional spaces to accommodate wildfire refugees. The park manager, Rob Lindquist, told KTVB that although the spaces are meant as an interim for those on their way to finding permanent lodging, folks can stay as long as a week while they figure out their next steps.