TOOLBANK DISASTER SERVICES – August 2025 Update

TOOLBANK DISASTER SERVICES:

Tools That Rebuild Communities

From coast to coast — and even across the ocean — ToolBank Disaster Services (TDS) continues to put tools into the hands of those rebuilding, preparing, and protecting their communities. August brought a mix of urgent responses, long-term recovery work, and disaster preparedness efforts. From wildfire monitoring in the Rockies, to flood relief in Texas, to hurricane readiness in Puerto Rico, our teams and partners stayed on the move, ensuring the right tools reached the right place at the right time.

This month’s update highlights the incredible work happening across each of our territories — powered by local leaders, generous partners, and a nationwide network committed to one mission: equipping communities to rebuild stronger than before.

WEST TERRITORY:

LOS ANGELES (ART GARCIACANO)

• Providing continued support for both flood and wildfire mitigation efforts across Southern California.

SACRAMENTO (DAVID DELFIN)

• Actively engaged in wildfire response and preparedness efforts across
• Supporting Operation Tiny House, an Oregon-based organization currently fabricating Tiny Homes in Colorado for post-fire recovery housing.

MAUI (maui@toolbank.org)

• Continuing to support long-term recovery efforts following the devastating Lahaina wildfires.
• Ongoing tool provision and coordination with local partners as rebuilding

ROCKY MOUNTAIN TERRITORY:

DENVER (JAIME VALLE)

• Focused on community engagement and disaster preparedness in the Rocky Mountain region.
• Actively monitoring three wildfires in Rio Blanco County (west of Denver) and prepared to mobilize if conditions escalate.

SOUTH CENTRAL TERRITORY:

DALLAS (MATT SAUNDERS)

• In partnership with the Houston ToolBank, responding to severe flooding across
• MU-1 is currently deployed to San Angelo and the surrounding region for tool and logistical support.

NEW ORLEANS (DAVID MELANCON)

• NOLA received a custom-built, donated metal staircase from Lapeyre Stair, significantly improving warehouse safety, storage access, and inventory.
• Special thanks to Site Director David Melancon for leading the upgrade, with installation support from Bill Hess (TDS Director) and Board Member Deek.

SOUTHEAST TERRITORY:

TAMPA (CARSON CANADA)

• Supporting long-term recovery efforts in North Carolina and Tennessee through local LTRG partnerships.
• Actively monitoring Atlantic tropical developments as hurricane season peaks.
• Supported The Mission Continues Operation Tampa Bay Blitz – a 5-day service project week with hundreds of veteran volunteers

PUERTO RICO (ALEJANDRO CALAF)

• Our PR team as been assisting in a number of beach cleanups to help with trash and sargassum removal helping sea turtle hatchlings have a clear pathway to the
• In partnership with The Salvation Army and PR Goodwill, ToolBank Disaster Services supported the distribution of 200 disaster preparedness buckets to residents in the flood-prone community of Barrio Las Cuevas, Loíza.
• Continued hurricane preparedness efforts are underway, with additional distributions planned in collaboration with Techos Pa Mi Gente.

MIDWEST TERRITORY:

CHICAGO (JESS POHTO)

• Maintaining close coordination with the Kansas City Regional COAD regarding potential flood response needs.
• Recently completed a site survey in St. Louis following a tornado to assess future deployment needs.
• Windy City ToolBank partnered with the Pat Tillman Foundation and The Mission Continues for a large-scale service project during the Pat Tillman Leadership Summit on July 19, 2025.
• Tillman Scholars, veterans, and volunteers built over 100 park benches and picnic tables to be placed in green spaces across Chicago, creating lasting gathering places for local communities.
• The ToolBank provided critical tools, resources, and volunteer support to help bring this impactful initiative to life.

While each territory faces unique challenges — from wildfires to hurricanes, from flooding to tornado recovery — the common thread is resilience. TDS teams, affiliates, and volunteers are united in their dedication to standing alongside communities in moments of need and in the hard work of recovery that follows.

Every mile traveled, every tool loaned, and every partnership forged represents more than just disaster relief — it’s an investment in hope, safety, and the future. As we move into the peak of hurricane season and continue to monitor wildfire activity, we remain ready to respond wherever we’re needed next.