City of Detroit creates community group to rebuild after Lionshead Fire

DETROIT, Ore. — The City of Detroit is finding a way forward, with the help of its community.

This comes after the Lionshead Fire swept across the region, causing many to lose homes and businesses. Now the lakeside community is making a plan.

It started with the Detroit Lake Neighborhood Association. They're currently distributing donations through community groups, and also planning for the future: be it fundraisers, or connecting contractors to those in need.

"The number of people that have reached out and said 'hey, how can we help? I want to swing a hammer,' or 'I’ll come pick up garbage,' or whatever that is. You know, right now we need to allow FEMA to do their work and get the hazardous materials out but then what?" Elizabeth Smith said.

Jessie Kiefer-Layman lost her restaurant in the fire. She tells KATU, business owners are getting through this time by working together as a team.

"We just lost our business and some people lost their homes and their businesses. So one of the things that has been a huge comfort to us is kind of being able to put our efforts into something that’s going to benefit the community moving forward," Kiefer-Layman said.

Smith said she's still grieving everything her family lost. But the homeowner said she's confident Detroit can rebuild, and come out stronger.

“I have a ton of hope. I have a ton of hope because I’m seeing the spirit of the people of Detroit and I’m seeing the spirit of the people in the canyon. Not only that: Oregon, the nation, worldwide," Smith said.

Despite limited access into Detroit, neighbors said they will continue to come back and evaluate the need.