Deschutes First Response Fund

Deschutes First Response Fund is raising funds to support the unique needs of first responders as they work to keep our community safe during this unprecedented time. Best estimates put the peak of the current outbreak of COVID-19 at around the first week of May. We have time right now to prepare to support our local first responders as the pandemic grows to this high point. 

Our goal is $50,000. This money will be used to support the men and women on the front lines of this pandemic in three categories:

1. Immediate needs: We will drive dollars through local businesses (whenever possible) to purchase meals, lodging, services and equipment needed by first responders, in order to be supported during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

2. Family needs: This fund will ensure that first responders have adequate resources to care for their families so they can confidently go to work without concern for the safety and health of family members. This includes having proper access to childcare and caregiving during this time. 

3. Mental health support: We will use these funds to ensure that first responders who need access and funds for mental health services have them. 

Funds will be administered by a committee of regional leaders including Deschutes County Sheriff Shane Nelson, Deschutes County District Attorney John Hummel, and Redmond Fire and Rescue Chief Ken Kehmna. To request funds please fill out the Funds Inquiry Form at deschutesfirstresponse.org, where we will also keep an up to date log of contributions made out of this fund. We want to thank MidOregon Credit Union for hosting the local bank account that allows us to get these resources into first responders hands as they are needed. 

Over the coming weeks and months, this pandemic will continue to grow, possibly subsiding and then re-emerging. Deschutes First Response will be here to help provide the resources, small and large, needed by our first responders as they step up to battle whatever is on the horizon.