In January 2026, heavy rains combined with a storm surge and record-high tides flooded portions of the low-lying coastal community of King Salmon. Many residents experienced damage to their homes as floodwaters rose. In response, several organizations have rallied to support recovery efforts.
Below is a summary of what’s been done so far, how donors can get involved in supporting King Salmon and disaster response, recovery and resilience in our community, and where to find additional resources on the scientific and social impacts of sea-level change.
Community Briefing on the Flood Event
Humboldt Community Organizations Active in Disaster (Humboldt COAD)—a nonprofit dedicated to supporting partnerships throughout all phases of disaster response—has been actively supporting the community since the floods began in early-January through community coordination and advocacy.
The group recently hosted a 90‑minute information session on the King Salmon flooding.
Featuring speakers from Humboldt COAD, the Cal Poly Humboldt Sea Level Rise Institute, and the National Weather Service, the session provides an overview of the flood event, recovery efforts, and long-term adaptation planning. This video is the first in a planned series, so stay tuned to Humboldt COAD for future updates.
View the video and get more updates: https://www.humboldtcoad.org/updates
Pay It Forward Humboldt
Pay It Forward Humboldt, which focuses on disaster preparedness, response, and recovery, is currently gathering information from residents affected by the record-high flooding. Visit their Facebook page to access the intake form and learn more about available support.
Pine Hill / South Bay Family Resource Center
The Pine Hill/South Bay Family Resource Center, with locations at Pine Hill Elementary and South Bay Elementary schools, provides direct support to families and households affected by the flooding.
Learn more at: https://southbayusd.org/23821
SBA Low-Interest Loans
Through the Small Business Administration, impacted homeowners, renters, business owners and nonprofit organizations may be eligible for low-interest disaster loans to help cover flood-related damages and losses.
Learn more at: https://humboldtgov.org/m/newsflash/home/detail/6144
Learn More About Local Sea-Level Rise
The Sea Level Rise Institute at Cal Poly Humboldt educates the public about the scientific and social impacts of rising sea levels through thoughtful, accessible resources. Research conducted through the institute has looked at risks from sea level rise facing King Salmon from a community perspective.
Visit the institute at: https://humboldtslri.org/
Laurie Richmond, co-chair of the Sea Level Rise Institute, also leads the Marine, Coastal & Community Resilience Research Lab at Cal Poly Humboldt. Learn more about her work at: https://laurierichmond.net/
Join us in Supporting Local Disaster Response & Resilience
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the Foundation has awarded a total of $15,000 in grants to three organizations that are leading the King Salmon recovery efforts. These funds were distributed through the Disaster Response & Resilience Fund.
If you would like to support the recovery effort in King Salmon and community preparedness for future events, please consider supporting the Disaster Response & Resilience Fund, along with these dedicated organizations, as recovery efforts continue.
Support the Disaster Response & Resilience Fund »
Support Pay It Forward Humboldt »
Support the Cal Poly Humboldt Sea Level Rise Institute »
Support Humboldt COAD »
South Bay Union Elementary School District – Family Resource Center (Contact this organization directly about making donations) »