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Regional nonprofit pitches Nehalem Bay emergency cache network, asks Wheeler to collaborate
Summary
A volunteer‑run nonprofit described plans to inventory regional emergency supplies and pursue grants to build cache sites in North County; the group is seeking local partners, possible grant writing help, and locations outside tsunami/landslide zones.
A volunteer nonprofit described a multi‑jurisdictional effort to create emergency supply caches across North County and requested Wheeler’s collaboration and potential support.
“My name is Chris Johnson, and I’m current president of the board of the directors for,” said the presenter, identifying herself as leader of the volunteer organization working on regional preparedness; she said the group is modeling its effort on Cannon Beach’s cache network and aims to coordinate supplies across Nehalem, Wheeler, Rockaway and other nearby communities.
Why it matters: the nonprofit said existing emergency supplies are unevenly distributed across the region and that volunteers are growing thin; a coordinated cache network would aim to improve local response capacity after a major disaster.
What the presenter said: the organization has inventoried medical equipment, shelter supplies and communications gear and is proposing multiple cache sites in the northern county area. The presenter said Cannon Beach’s program — which includes several staffed caches and paid emergency‑preparedness staff — provided a model. She told council members that Wheeler likely needs multiple cache locations because of local geography.
Funding and next steps: the group asked for help identifying county property that could host caches and said it will pursue grant funding and hire a professional grant writer once the inventory and site plan are clear. The presenter said funding sources could include federal and state grants plus philanthropic support; she offered the nonprofit’s help in writing grants for a regional approach.
Council response: Mayor Mary Lefferta and several council members thanked the presenter and said Wheeler will work with the nonprofit. Council members asked whether Rockaway and other towns were involved; the presenter said Rockaway had expressed interest and that outreach to other towns and tribes was ongoing. The council and presenter also discussed coordinating with county GIS data to identify suitable locations outside tsunami and landslide risk zones.
No formal funding decision: council expressed support but did not make a financial commitment at the meeting; the nonprofit asked for collaboration, information and the city’s willingness to be a partner as it develops grant applications.
