Fire Help

wildfire in trees

Communities in United Way of Northeastern Minnesota's service area being impacted by wildfires and wildfire-related disruptions to their businesses/income.

UWNEMN continues to work closely with our colleagues in disaster relief and recovery to share the most up-to-date opportunities to seek or offer help in the communities we serve. Donations are simultaneously being collected and reinvested directly to those most affected.

DONATE: Regional
DONATE: Ely
Funding Application FAQs

NEED HELP?

Mental Health Resources:

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:

Mental Health Resources:

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:

N95 Masks

  • United Way of Northeastern Minnesota
    • 8 AM - 4 PM Monday - Friday (office closed Fridays, but masks will be in front entry)
    • 608 East Drive, Chisholm MN 55719

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.

Mental Health Resources

N95 Masks

  • Cook Government Service Center
    • 8 AM - 4:30 PM Monday - Friday
    • 9558 Sahawa Road, Cook, MN 55723
  • Scenic Rivers Health Services - 20 5th St SE, Cook, MN 55723
    • Limited supply.
  • Zup's - 201 US-53, Cook, MN 55723
    • Free to customers while supplies last.

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:

Mental Health Resources:

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:

Connect to Multiple Resources

  • Ely Community Response
    • Let Ely Community Response know what you need using this form, and they will connect you with someone who can meet your need.
  • 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.

Family Support

Food

Mental Health Resources:

N95 Masks

  • Ely St. Louis County Service Center
    • 8 AM - 4:30 PM Monday - Friday
      320 Miners Drive E, Ely MN 55731

Senior and Caregiver Support  

Small Business Support

Wildfire Mitigation

  • B&B Property Maintenance
    • Wildfire mitigation around homes and structures to reduce fire risk.
    • Will spend up to 4 hours per property.
    • Free of charge - tips appreciated but never expected.

Mental Health Resources:

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:

Mental Health Resources:

N95 Masks 

  • Hibbing Salvation Army
    • Message on Facebook or stop by in-person.
    • 107 W Howard St, Hibbing, MN 55746
  • St. Louis County Public Health & Human Services
    • 8 AM - 4:30 PM Monday - Friday
    • 1814 14th Ave. E, Hibbing MN 55746

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.

Mental Health Resources

N95 Masks 

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.

Mental Health Resources:

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:

Mental Health Resources

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:

Mental Health Resources

N95 Masks

  • Virginia Government Services Center
    • Public Health and Human Services (PHHS) Front Desk
    • 8 AM - 4:30 PM Monday - Friday
    • 201 South 3rd Ave., Virginia, MN 55792

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.

WANT TO HELP?

  • Resource Connection: Let Ely Community Response know if you have something you're willing to share or a service you're willing to provide using this form, and they will connect you with someone who needs your help.
  • Support local businesses!

To help meet the remaining need, a local cabin owner has committed a SECOND $25,000 match, adding $1 for every $2 donated to the Ely Wildfire Recovery Fund.

Donations made below are 100% tax deductible and will go directly to crisis response and recovery efforts related to the Ely area wildfire. 

 

Checks or cash can be mailed to 608 East Drive, Chisholm, MN 55719. Please include a note that your donation is intended for Ely Wildfire Recovery.

United Way of Northeastern Minnesota does not apply an administrative fee to any individual donations made to crisis funds.

Our thanks to the anonymous donors who matched $50,000 in funds raised for Ely! Their matching gifts are now reflected in our fundraising total. 

Disasters do not know borders. 
UWNEMN's Crisis and Disaster Recovery Fund supports communities across our service area. 

Donations made below are 100% tax deductible, can be designated for a specific community or purpose, and will help us support relief efforts now AND assist with long-term recovery efforts: 

 

 

Checks or cash can be mailed to 608 East Drive, Chisholm, MN 55719. Please include a note that your donation is intended for wildfire recovery.

United Way of Northeastern Minnesota does not apply an administrative fee to any individual donations made to crisis funds.


This page will be updated regularly. 
In times of crisis, information changes rapidly. Please take time to verify information before sharing, check back to this site often for verified information, and please contact katy@unitedwaynemn.org with updates you can verify!

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

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.