New volunteer-led group in Ely is making resources accessible – WDIO.com

Less than a week after wildfires broke out across the Superior National Forest and BWCAW, Ely Community Response was formed. “As I was looking at WhatsApp Ely, I just saw the outpour. People like, “I want to do something.” But I also heard that all of these crews have everything that they need and so, I was like, whoa, there’s a mix match here and I want to do something to be able to like channel resources,” said Emily Roose, one of six founders of the volunteer group. The group made a Google Form where people can offer support and donations and the response team will match those with people in need and so far, they’ve been able to meet all requests. “The form has about 90% offers and 10% needs and that’s really powerful. People are showing up like, “I have something to contribute. I want to help.”” said Lacey Squier, one of the volunteers. Located at the Ely Historic State Theater, the response team has given out free resources, N-95 masks, fans, homemade air purifiers, but they’ve also helped someone get an EpiPen and have pets evacuated. “It’s very heartwarming when someone comes through the door and says
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