The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services has issued Dear Provider Letter HCLA AFH #2026-033, providing recovery, reoccupancy, relocation, and emergency resource guidance for adult family homes affected by the recent wildfires.

Report or update your home’s status

Providers who evacuated and have not yet reported the evacuation should do so immediately through the Residential Care Services Online Incident Reporting Portal or by calling 800-562-6078.

Providers should also update RCS about:

• Whether the home has reopened or remains evacuated
• The anticipated return timeline
• Residents’ current locations, needs, and safety
• Residents who will not be returning
• Any property damage

Homes with a state contract should also notify their residents’ case managers. Questions involving payments, resident authorizations, or ProviderOne should be directed to the appropriate case manager.

Returning to your adult family home

Do not return until officials have issued a safe-return notice. Before residents return, providers should:

• Confirm the building and utilities are safe
• Carefully inspect the home
• Ensure staffing is sufficient for residents’ needs
• Use protective equipment when necessary
• Remove spoiled food and address other health or safety hazards

Relocations, applications, and capacity requests

Providers seeking an expedited relocation, expedited application or change of ownership related to the statewide emergency should contact:

BAAU@dshs.wa.gov

Questions about wildfire-related capacity increases should be sent to:

RCSBOA@dshs.wa.gov

Include the home’s name, license number, circumstances, type of request, and primary contact information.

Providers with available beds for alternative placements are encouraged to notify HCLA and DDA. Case managers can assist residents who cannot return to their previous adult family home.

Additional resources

Providers, staff, residents, and families may find assistance through:

• Spokane Complex Wildfire Response Resources
• DSHS Emergency Resources
• Spokane City Emergency Management
• Spokane Disaster Assistance Center
• HCLA office contacts by county
• DDA office contacts

Providers should review the complete DSHS Emergency Recovery, Reoccupancy, and Resources bulletin for all instructions and resources.

AFHC encourages affected providers to prioritize safety and contact AFHC Member Support if they need assistance identifying available resources.