^{By Allison Skoglind , Red Cross volunteer}

In the weeks leading up to Christmas, heavy downpours triggered an atmospheric river event that put residents of Paradise Park in Estacada on high alert. Situated along the Clackamas River, homeowners like Jessica Dowling closely monitored rising water levels while her husband prepared their home for the possibility of flooding.

A Rapidly Rising Threat

After cutting power, the Dowling family began emptying their basement and constructed a three-foot barrier using butyl tape, sandbags, and plastic sheeting. Despite their best efforts, the advancing waters proved relentless. Ultimately, the family faced nearly four feet of standing floodwater, leaving behind extensive damage to drywall, flooring, carpeting, their furnace, water heater, and remaining furniture.

The Dowlings’ 1,600-square-foot, fully furnished basement, where Jessica’s mother-in-law had been living just days earlier, was left completely uninhabitable.

^{Picture courtesy of Jessica Dowling}

Assessing the Damage, One Door at a Time

As the Dowlings and their neighbors began taking stock of the widespread destruction, American Red Cross volunteers Linda Sullivan and John Vinje were walking door-to-door throughout Paradise Park, conducting disaster assessments.

Linda, a Disaster Action Team (DAT) volunteer since early 2021, had responded to numerous emergencies, but this marked her first flood response. She was dispatched after an initial exterior assessment of the Dowling home indicated “major” damage, defined as floodwater of 18 inches or more in essential living spaces or structural damage to the home.

Immediate Support When It Mattered Most

Upon entering the Dowling residence, Linda confirmed that approximately four feet of contaminated floodwater covered the lower level of the home. Every surface would need replacement and thorough disinfection before restoration could even begin.

Given the severity of the damage, the American Red Cross provided financial assistance to help the family cover immediate expenses. The Red Cross also connected the Dowlings with mental health, emotional, and spiritual care resources, services designed to support families as they navigate the emotional toll of disaster.

According to Jessica, the financial assistance helped pay for water mitigation services, supplement insurance coverage, and allowed her husband to take time off work so he could stay home and begin their long road to recovery.

Life in Transition

Today, while the basement remains unlivable, it has nearly dried out. Some of the heavy equipment brought in by the water mitigation company, including air scrubbers and dehumidifiers, is gradually being removed.

Inside the home, the family has adjusted to a temporary new normal. Jessica’s mother-in-law has moved into the first-floor bedroom previously shared by her two granddaughters. In turn, the girls now share a bedroom with their parents.

While the arrangement can feel cramped and offers little privacy, Jessica says the most important thing is that everyone is safe and living together under one roof.

When the Emotional Impact Sets In

Looking back, Jessica recalls responding to the disaster in a practical, almost automatic way. There was so much work to do and so many people to coordinate with that she stayed in constant motion. But eventually, the emotional weight of the experience caught up with her.

That moment came when she saw her entire neighborhood come together by sharing time, resources, food, equipment, and support in every way possible. It was then that the full impact of both the loss and the compassion surrounding her truly set in.

Gratitude That Lasts Beyond the Flood

Despite the devastation left behind, Jessica remains deeply moved by the generosity of her community and the American Red Cross. Before this experience, she had never been on the receiving end of charitable support, especially from some people she barley knew.

That kindness, she says, is something she will carry with her long after her home repairs are complete and life returns to normal once more.

Help Families Recover From Disaster

To help ensure families affected by disasters—both locally and around the world—receive critical support, please consider making a gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund at RedCross.org.