FEMA workers have arrived in Whatcom County and will open a Disaster Assistance Center this Wednesday, April 22, at the Sumas Advent Christian Church at 125 Front Street in Sumas. The center will share space with Small Business Administration personnel and provide direct, in-person support to residents still working to recover from the severe flooding that struck the county in December 2025.
The December 2025 flood event was one of the most damaging in recent Whatcom County history, inundating homes and farms across the Nooksack River valley and surrounding communities including Sumas, Everson, Lynden, and rural areas throughout the county. A federal disaster declaration was approved following the storms and flooding that occurred December 5 through 19, 2025, opening the door to individual assistance for affected residents.
The new Disaster Assistance Center in Sumas gives residents who may struggle with online applications a place to sit down face to face with FEMA specialists and SBA representatives. Staff will help survivors apply for federal individual assistance, check on the status of existing applications, understand what types of aid they may qualify for, and navigate the inspection process. The center is free to use and anyone affected by the December storms is encouraged to stop in.
For those who cannot visit in person, applications are also available at disasterassistance.gov, by calling the FEMA helpline at (800) 621-3362, or through the FEMA mobile app. The application window remains open, and residents who have not yet registered are strongly encouraged to do so even if they are unsure whether they qualify.
Once a resident applies for FEMA individual assistance, a housing inspector will typically be scheduled within seven to ten days. Inspectors document damage to the home's structure, essential systems including electrical, plumbing, and heating, and personal property losses. Residents must be present during the inspection and should bring proof of occupancy or ownership such as a utility bill or deed. Inspectors never accept payment and always carry official FEMA identification.
FEMA assistance can cover a range of needs including temporary housing, home repair costs not covered by insurance, and other disaster-related losses. The Whatcom County Sheriff's Office Division of Emergency Management and the WhatcomReady program have been coordinating with FEMA throughout the recovery process and continue to provide updated guidance to affected residents.
Sumas and the surrounding communities along the Nooksack watershed have been hit by significant flooding in recent years, and the opening of this center reflects the scale of unmet need still present months after the December event. Residents who experienced flood damage to their homes, businesses, or personal property and have not yet connected with federal assistance programs are encouraged to act quickly.
The Sumas Advent Christian Church is located at 125 Front Street in Sumas. Hours and additional scheduling details are available through Whatcom County's official website and the WhatcomReady program. For flood recovery resources specific to the City of Sumas, visit the city's flood recovery page directly.
