Communities in United Way of Northeastern Minnesota's service area are still feeling the effects of this summer's wildfires and wildfire-related disruptions to their businesses/income.
UWNEMN continues to work closely with our colleagues in long-term recovery to share the most up-to-date opportunities to seek or offer help in the communities we serve.
WANT TO HELP?
NEED HELP?
Mental Health Resources:
- 988 Lifeline - 988
- Range Mental Health Center Mobile Crisis - 1-800-450-2274
- SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline - 1-800-985-5990
- For first responders:
- Safe Call Now - 206-459-3020
- MnFire Crisis and Peer Support - 888-784-6634
Resource Connection:
- Call 2-1-1 to speak with someone 24/7/365.
- Minnesota-based call center has access to a comprehensive list of local resources.
- Tell them your situation, and they'll tell you what help is available and where.
- Dial 2-1-1, text your zip code to 898-211, or search their database online.
Small Business Support:
- U.S. Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loan
- Low-interest
- Intended to help eligible businesses recover from financial losses caused by the wildfires, including lost revenue and ongoing operating expenses
- Applications are open now through July 22, 2027
- Entrepreneur Fund
- Microloans
- No-cost advising
- Small Business Development Center
- No-cost services are being expedited at this time.
- Assistance available for planning, managing, and growing (including marketing!)
Some resources are still available for residents recovering from last summer's wildfires:
Item Replacement
-
Justice North - 1-877-696-6529
- Can help replace lost and damaged documents.
- Services are free for eligible individuals.
- Call OR begin your application online.
Guidance and Support
- American Red Cross - 218-722-0071 ext 1
- Recovery Information - Access crucial information and get connected to community partner organizations that can provide additional resources.
- Disaster Health Services - Speak with trained Red Cross health services professionals about any health-related concerns. Replace medication or durable medical equipment that may have been lost in the fire.
- Emotional Support - Disasters are traumatic incidents. You or your loved ones can talk to Trained Red Cross Disaster Mental Health volunteers about your experiences.
- Spiritual Guidance - Connect with the Spiritual Care Team for spiritual support, care, and guidance.
- Justice North - 1-877-696-6529
- Can help with a variety of legal matters including proof of home ownership, insurance claims and denials, contractor repair scams, lease terminations, eviction prevention, access to government benefits, employment related issues, emergency custody, protective orders, and more.
- Services are free for eligible individuals.
- Call OR begin your application online.
- Disaster Distress helpline - 1-800-985-5990
- 24/7 crisis support
- Counseling for individuals who are experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters
More Resources
Safety
- There are many factors to consider when returning to a property after a wildfire:
- Be aware of continued risk; regularly check your property for signs of residual fires.
- Document property damage with photographs, conduct an inventory, and contact your insurance company for assistance.
- Wear protective clothing and respirator when cleaning.
Water
- Be aware that septic system lids may be damaged and need replacing.
- Contact the on-site wastewater team with questions.
- St. Louis County Public Health has MDH private well testing kits for distribution to residents impacted by May-June 2025 wildfires.
- North St. Louis County Contact: 218-471-7609
- South St. Louis County Contact: 218-725-5291
Thanks to the support of local individuals and businesses, more than $62,000 was raised in 2025, all of which went directly to Brimson fire recovery efforts.