The Whatcom Long Term Recovery Group Helps Families Elevate Their Homes for a Safer Future
The Whatcom Long Term Recovery Group (WLTRG) continues its mission of helping flood-impacted families return home safely and securely. One of the most impactful ways the WLTRG supports recovery is by assisting families with home elevation projects, a proven method to reduce future flood risk.
By working closely with contractors, case managers, and local partners, the WLTRG helps guide homeowners through the complex process of elevating their homes above flood levels. This not only protects the investment families have in their property but also provides peace of mind, knowing their homes are better prepared for future disasters.
The WLTRG’s role is to coordinate funding resources, provide advocacy, and connect families with technical expertise. Elevation projects are part of the long-term vision of recovery—ensuring that residents can rebuild stronger, safer, and with lasting resilience.
As families continue to recover from the devastating 2021 floods, WLTRG remains committed to walking alongside them every step of the way, from immediate relief to long-term rebuilding.
The Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Homeowner Elevation & Rehabilitation Program is a federally funded program designed to help homeowners recover from damages caused by the 2021 Western Washington Storm and Floods. Washington State received funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), with a portion specifically set aside to assist homeowners in Whatcom County whose homes were damaged by flooding. The program helps pay for repairs and home elevation projects needed to bring homes back to safe, livable conditions, especially when other resources such as insurance or FEMA assistance were not enough. Some funding may also be available to cover temporary housing costs while repairs are being made or to reimburse past housing costs from when families were displaced.
To qualify, applicants must have owned and lived in their home as their primary residence at the time of the 2021 floods, and the property must be located in Whatcom County. The program primarily prioritizes low- to moderate-income households (those earning at or below 80% of the area’s median income), though others may still qualify if funds are available. Homeowners who receive assistance are required to maintain flood insurance, and they must continue living in the repaired home for at least two years. The program is administered by the Washington State Department of Commerce in partnership with the Whatcom Long Term Recovery Group WLTRG, who will help families apply, guide them through the process, and manage construction work.
Want to learn more or see if you qualify?
Families interested in learning more or seeing if they qualify can complete an interest form by November 1, 2025. WLTRG case managers will follow up with application support and next steps.
