Community Foundation Awards $400,000+ in COVID grants
By Kevin Heuer
As the CZU Lightning Complex Fires burn in northern Santa Cruz County, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to deepen economic instability for thousands across the county and infect people daily. Virus transmission concerns are elevated as nearly 1 in 4 county residents have sought temporary shelter due to evacuation orders.
In the seventh month of the pandemic, needs related to COVID-19 show no sign of abatement. Thanks to community donors, the Community Foundation responded with $435,562 in grants this week to support nonprofit partners providing emergency financial, food, and rental assistance for September. In addition, the Foundation has released $233,500 in the first week of responding to fires.
“We are now dealing with twin disasters,” said Community Foundation CEO Susan True. “As our neighbors manage economic distress, fear, disruption and chaos in their lives, it is the care of our donors, nonprofits, businesses — all of us that will help Santa Cruz County navigate this incredibly difficult time. We lean on each other.”
Since the announcement of school closures on March 13, the Community Foundation has given out a total of $8.5 million in response grants — including $5.5 million from donors with donor advised giving accounts at the Aptos-based nonprofit. Grant-making continues to prioritize those already disadvantaged by inequities: low-wage essential workers, frail seniors, undocumented families, and people with severe illness. Grantee partners include Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County, Center for Farmworker Families, Grey Bears, and Housing Matters.
“The requests for help we’ve gotten since March have been staggering,” said Roxanne Moore, program director for Community Bridges, including Mountain Community Resources, which serves the hard-hit San Lorenzo Valley.
Volunteers are needed by the nonprofit Grey Bears to pack food for those in need. • Photo Credit: Grey Bears
“The cutbacks in hours and layoffs mean people can’t pay the rent, the utility bill, the cell phone bill or even the grocery bill,” she said. “We’ve been able to be there for those families, first for the pandemic, and now in response to the fires. From day one, the support and trust from the Community Foundation has been critical to our ability to get needs met.”
True said, “We’re in this for the long haul.”
She added, “Recovery from COVID-19 and the fires will take years. When a disaster strikes, immediate relief takes the forefront. But national attention will fade and long-term needs will remain. The Community Foundation will still be here raising money and making grants to rebuild a stronger, more resilient Santa Cruz County. We are so grateful to everyone who has chosen to partner with the Community Foundation as we invest in long-term solutions and help those left behind by other aid programs.”
A full list of COVID-19 grants is available at: www.cfscc.org/covidgrants
A list of Fire Response grants is available at: www.cfscc.org/firegrants
How to Give to the COVID-19 Local Response Fund or Fire Response Fund
Tax-deductible donations, in any amount, can be made at the following:
- COVID-19 Response Fund: www.cfscc.org/donate/COVID.
- Fire Response Fund: www.cfscc.org/fire
Map showing where donations are coming from.
Gifts to each fund will be accepted as long as the need continues. The funds will provide financial support for Santa Cruz County organizations on the front line of COVID-19 and fire response. Contact the Community Foundation at (831) 662-2061 or [email protected] for help making a donation.
Visit www.cfscc.org/updates/fire-response-fund-grants to learn how your donations are helping.
Actions To Take
- GIVE SUPPLIES
The County of Santa Cruz is coordinating and accepting donations at two sites Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Santa Cruz County Warehouse: 1082 Emeline, Santa Cruz
South County Donation Site: 114 Walker Street, Watsonville
View the County’s Fire Resources website to view the items needed: www.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/FireResources.aspx
- DONATE TO THE FIRE RESPONSE FUND
Any donation size will help. Make an online donation here: www.cfscc.org/donate/fire
100% of donors’ gifts will be used for grantmaking. All donations are tax-deductible.
- VOLUNTEER
Volunteer at a Fire Shelter in Watsonville, Santa Cruz or Soquel: scvolunteercenter.org/vc_blog/fire-safety-and-how-you-can-help/
Learn about opportunities through the Volunteer Center: scvolunteercenter.org/vc_blog/fire-safety-and-how-you-can-help/
Help pack and distribute food with Second Harvest: www.thefoodbank.org/volunteer/
Resources: The County’s Fire Response website is the best location for current information: www.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/FireResources.aspx
- STAY INFORMED
CAL Fire San Mateo–Santa Cruz Unit Latest evacuation orders and most up to date info is posted on their Twitter page: twitter.com/CALFIRECZU
Map of fires and evacuations with zone: storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/f0121f7f2f0941afb3ed70529b2cee75
List of road closures: www.sccroadclosure.org/index.html
Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office: www.facebook.com/SantaCruzSheriffsOffice/
County of Santa Cruz Emergency Services: twitter.com/sccounty
Help To Be Received
- DIRECT AID
Victims of the fire can start an application for federal aid at disasterassistance.gov or 1-800-621-3362.
American Red Cross: Call 1-866-272-2237 for assistance.
- SHELTER & PARKING SITES
Map of current shelter & parking sites and occupancy on the Santa Cruz County website:
- In English https://www.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/FireResources.aspx
- En Español https://www.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/FireResources/FireResourcesSpanish.aspx
- FOOD
Family Resource Calendar Food pantry, meal sites, crisis support, and healthcare. http://craft-cfscc-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/AUGUST-Bilingual-Family-Resource-Calendar.pdf
Need Food? Call the Community Food Hotline (831) 662-0991
- TRANSPORTATION
Need a ride to an evacuation center or other safe destination in Santa Cruz County? Call Lift Line at (831) 688-9663
- MUTUAL AID
Santa Cruz Fire Assistance & Resources Facebook group for mutual aid. Post what you need and what you can offer. https://www.facebook.com/groups/santacruzcountyfireassistance/
Santa Cruz County Fire Assistance Community organized mutual aid. Post what you need and what you can offer. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1cw5alx8tNIWjpLN3XdhWSEqA7F3YMntk-GupPNcuJAs/htmlview#
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Kevin Heuer is director of engagement & impact at Community Foundation Santa Cruz County.