California Wildfire Relief Fund 2018

Nine months ago, two of the costliest wildfires in the history of the United States subsumed California in clouds of smoke. The Camp Fire in Northern California, the deadliest in the state’s history, began just hours after the Woolsey Fire in Ventura County. Both fires devastated communities in their paths, claimed numerous lives and caused a combined $20 billion in damages.

Through the support of thousands of donors like you, GlobalGiving was able to respond to the sudden crises and allocate emergency donations to local community-led organizations mobilizing relief efforts on the ground. Now in the longer-term phase of disaster recovery, the California Wildfire Relief Fund continues to support local organizations as they assist thousands of displaced individuals and provide resources for much-needed trauma healing.

The following recovery and disaster preparedness initiatives are currently underway thanks to your generous donation:

• The United Way of Northern California is pushing forward with case management and relocation resources for those still struggling to find housing, many of whom had to resort to living off the grid in campers and RV parks after losing their homes. Financial support for families who lost everything in the fire will cover related costs such as first month’s rent, security deposit, and utilities. 

To date, more than 8,000 individuals and families have been directly impacted by these efforts. 

• The collaborative Butte Strong Fund was launched in May by the North Valley Community Foundation as the organization turns its focus to long-term recovery in communities affected by the Camp Fire. Since its inception, funds have been allocated to meet a variety of needs such as fee reduction for those seeking a permit to rebuild homes on their properties, temporary workforce housing for the hundreds of workers in Butte working on debris removal, and bolstering  case management efforts to provide long-term holistic support to the many individuals and families who still need direct assistance. 

• The Humane Society of Ventura County is now better prepared to conduct its animal rescue operations thanks to the funding of a second 5-horse trailer. After the Woolsey Fire in Southern California, the need for more equipment and resources used in rescuing animals from spreading wildfires became alarmingly apparent. In the event of future disaster events, the HSVC says it is prepared to offer evacuation services and sanctuary for animals in harm’s way. 

After large-scale disasters such as the California Wildfires in 2018, the road to recovery is a long one. GlobalGiving will, in the coming months, continue to share stories of how your donation is helping communities to stabilize and heal.