Matthew Kincanon has spent nearly a decade telling other people's stories. Now we're asking you to help with his — and with those of his colleagues.

Since 2017, Matthew has reported for FāVS News , a nonprofit religion newsroom based in Spokane, Washington, where he's covered the Native American community with care and consistency few other outlets in our region offer. Last year, he shaved a FāVS logo into his head to show his support for this newsroom. That's who Matthew is — all in, for the people and stories he covers.

On Aug. 1, the Old Trails fire burned through the Spokane area and destroyed Matthew's home. He and his fiancé, Natalie, got out safely, but nearly everything they owned did not. In his own words, here's some of what was lost:

His karate belts and medals

Natalie's books, memory boxes and other keepsakes

His entire film and video game collection, and every game console he'd owned since childhood

His books, journals, guitars and artwork made throughout his life

Mementos from his aunt and other relatives

Nearly everything he'd bought from Native-owned businesses

A Gandalf figurine given to him by Fr. Vance

A wolf blanket he'd had since he was 5

Most of his clothes and personal belongings

Matthew put it simply on Facebook: so many parts of his life burned to ash, but he still has his fiancé, his family and this community. He'll rebuild.

Matthew isn't the only one affected. Several other Spokane-area FāVS writers have been evacuated or have family members impacted by the fires this week, and more needs may surface in the days ahead. This fund is for all of them.

Now it's our turn to help our team.

Every dollar raised here will go toward Matthew and Natalie's rebuilding and toward support for other FāVS writers who need help in the coming days. Please consider giving what you can, and share this with anyone who might want to help.

Thank you for supporting our writers — and for showing up for the people who show up for this community every day.