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New Firewood Bank Research Published

Fueling Communities into the Future: A Survey Of Firewood Banks to Identify Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats To Organizational Sustainability was recently published in the Journal of Rural and Community Development. The authors, Sarah Butler, Eric Griffith, Richard Harper, Jessica Leahy, Brett Butler, Jacob Comiskey, Clarisse Hart, Jason Dampier, and Darian Dyer, used a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis to evaluate firewood bank leader survey data.

We have no new updates on the availability of funding for firewood bank grants. Once we do know, we will publish the details on firewoodbanks.org and in this newsletter.

On May 16th, the Red Feather Development Group hosted a hands-on workshop on chainsaw and wood splitter safety. Another key point to the day was to highlight the importance of firewood banks in community resilience. Red Feather works with and supports several firewood banks that serve the Hopi Reservation and Navajo Nation.

How the Washoe Tribe Built a Business to Sustain a Firewood Bank That Helps Elders Heat Their Homes (NV/CA)

“For years, the Washoe Tribe relied on volunteers to split wood from their forests and donate bundles to as many elders as possible. But, they didn’t have a consistent amount of volunteers – or wood. Now, they have a paid crew that works year-round.”

Firewood Project Aims to Help Area Veterans (ID)

"'We've got a chance to show up in a real, tangible way — by cutting and stacking firewood for local veterans and their families,’ volunteer team member Michele Murphree said in a flyer about the program. ‘[The program serves] those who’ve sacrificed so much for us. … This is sweat equity that matters. It’s about showing love with action and honoring the people in our community who’ve carried so much.'"

New Firewood Distribution Lot Nears Completion (NC)

"Starting this fall, qualified recipients will be able to load their firewood at this new in-town site, reducing dependence on volunteer deliveries and increasing access to heating assistance. "

Check out their website: wncfirewood.org

Firewood Program Strikes ‘Cord' with Community (ME)

“'The biggest change is seeing how many other wonderful people have come to join us,' said longtime member Lloyd ‘Ole’ Olson. 'And the camaraderie that exists in this group is really something else.'”

Check out this 2011 article on the same firewood bank group!

Winter Wood Run for Elders

While this Australian group doesn't formally call themselves a firewood bank, their work to process and distribute firewood to elders in their community aligns with the same goals and work of firewood banks in the United States.

"'The Elders Wood Run is a fantastic way to get hands-on and ensure we support our community and show respect to our Elders.'"