THE MISSION
On November 23rd, 2021, a local bank in Abbotsford estimated that the economic cost of the flood will be in excess of $7.5 Billion dollars, which would be the most expensive catastrophe in Canadian history. Our mayor at the time, Henry Braun, indicated this rebuild would be measured in “years.” Even before the flood there was a rising concern for vulnerable populations in the Fraser Valley which includes, but is not limited to, migrant workers, indigenous communities, low income families, and [now] asset rich, money poor families and farmers who have been affected by the flood and may not be eligible for Disaster Relief Services or other forms of federal aid.
We determined at that time that the needs are immense, the recovery will be long, and the time to act is now. Thus, we formed the Abbotsford Disaster Response Coalition (ADRC).
Our vision is to provide both HELP and HOPE in the name of Jesus, through the stability of a coalition of local churches. The coalition will identify and meet the unique needs or “GAPS” that other agencies and organizations are not meeting. We envision this team to still be hard at work long after many of these agencies are gone. This is our neighborhood, and we believe that God has placed us here for such a time as this.
Fast forward to December of 2025, another flood hit our city. While we are grateful that the impact was less severe than 2021, the team is still ready and available to help meet needs in our community.
HOW TO APPLY
If you would like to apply for aid, please follow these three steps (in order):
STEP ONE
Please read through our Unmet Needs Assessment Guidelines by CLICKING HERE. Be sure to read this document in its entirety before applying. Not doing so may have you apply for things we cannot approve and, therefore, will result in an application rejection.
Please note - There are THREE separate application portals for our three different "buckets" of funds.
- Application 1 - Household furniture and appliances (through Leon's Furniture & Appliances)
- Application 2 - Outdoor incidentals such as mowers, tools, lawn furniture, and barbecues.
- Application 3 - Lumber and supplies for primary houses (through Blackwood)
STEP TWO
Only after you have read the above Unmet Needs Assessment Guidelines, you are welcome to apply. Remember that this application is for flood victims in the Sumas Evacuation ORDER and ALERT zones only.
APPLICATION FORM FOR FURNITURE & APPLIANCES
APPLICATION FORM FOR INCIDENTALS (MOWERS, BBQ's, LAWN EQUIPMENT)
APPLICATION FORM FOR LUMBER & SUPPLIES
STEP THREE
Upon completion of your application, you are all set! Please give 1-3 business days for our Program Coordinator to reach out to you for next steps. Thank you!
ALL APPLICATIONS WILL BE PROCESSED IN THE ORDER THEY ARE RECEIVED
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HOW TO GIVE
The ADRC has raised over $2 Million for flood response. If you would like to contribute to this ministry, please do so.
We are also accepting donations by:
CHEQUE - send your cheque to:
Gateway Community Church
Attention: Abbotsford Disaster Response Coalition
2885 Gladys Ave, Abbotsford, BC V2S 3Y2
EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) - You can also make larger donations by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT), please contact the office.
