Salt Lake City — The Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation has pledged $100,000 to help Salt Lake City residents recover from devastating floods that struck the city’s west side in early October. The donation, announced Thursday, will go directly to the Westside Flood Relief Fund, which assists families whose homes were damaged by the record-breaking rainfall.
The foundation’s gift comes as part of a growing community effort to support the Westpointe neighborhood, where more than two dozen homes were inundated after a massive storm dropped 2.61 inches of rain over 14 hours on Oct. 3–4 — the second-wettest day in the city’s recorded history.
A Lifeline for Flooded Families
“Our hearts go out to the families and neighborhoods impacted by this destructive flooding,” said Don Stirling, executive director of the Miller Family Foundation. “The west side is an essential part of our community, and we’re grateful for the partnerships and efforts to help residents recover and rebuild.”
In addition to the foundation’s contribution, Larry H. Miller Real Estate committed $25,000 worth of building materials to aid in home repairs. Funds and materials are already being distributed to affected residents.
The financial support offers much-needed relief for many Westpointe families — a mix of blue-collar workers and retirees — some of whom have faced flood insurance denials despite severe property damage.
A Community Hit Hard
The flooding began when a drainage canal near the Willow Place community overflowed, sending water into streets, basements, and backyards. Several homes suffered more than a foot of water damage.
Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall declared a state of emergency on Oct. 7, enabling quicker access to state and federal resources. That same day, the Westside Coalition, a neighborhood advocacy group, launched the Westside Flood Relief Fund with an initial goal of raising $100,000.
Before the Miller family’s donation, the fund had collected just over $6,500 in its first month.
“This support from the Miller Family Foundation is transformational,” said Dan Strong, president of the Westside Coalition. “Funds like these allow us to provide immediate relief, help residents repair their homes, and strengthen our west side neighborhoods.”
A History of Community Commitment
The Miller family’s philanthropic arm has long supported Utah communities, from youth programs to infrastructure projects. Thursday’s donation continues that tradition of giving — this time aimed at helping residents rebuild both homes and hope.
With relief funds now flowing, community leaders say the next phase will focus on long-term flood prevention measures, including drainage improvements and neighborhood resilience planning.
