Winter Storms Response & Resources

Photo: Kevin Painchaud/Lookout Local

Our community has a history of coming together in times of disaster. In response to the winter storms of 2023 we are working with frontline nonprofits, public safety agencies, the small business community and others to support the county's storm-related needs.

How we're responding

The needs of responding nonprofits are evolving as they help people and neighborhoods assess damage, clean up, prepare for new storms, and recover from storm-related losses and hardships. Likewise, small business owners are assessing damage to their family businesses and are in touch with us about their needs. Our Disaster Fund will help them with urgent supplies and labor needs and other unreimbursed expenses they’re incurring as they respond to community needs.

Your Generosity at Work

We have already issued $510,000 in disaster grants. We will continue to prioritize support for organizations with deep roots and strong experience serving impacted communities, particularly those disproportionately affected by the disaster like seniors, the medically fragile, Spanish and indigenous language speaking communities, and small businesses.

Grantees Include:

How to help

‌Our Disaster Fund is a trusted place for neighbors to help neighbors who have been harmed by these storms. Thanks to the generosity of Julie Packard, Santa Cruz County community member and Executive Director of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, donations to the Disaster Fund are currently being matched dollar for dollar up to $100,000.

People who've lost housing or wages as a result of the storms may qualify for cash assistance to pay for a hotel, temporary rental housing, basic household items or related needs not covered by insurance or other sources.

Limited, one-time funding prioritizing those with the highest needs, is available thanks to donations to our Disaster Fund.

Other Resources:

California Flooding Home Clean-Up Hotline

Insurance Claim & Recovery Help

Managing Storm Impacts on Your Property & Other Guides from Resource Conservation District

Santa Cruz County Office of Response, Recovery & Resilience

FEMA

Small Business Administration has opened a Business Recovery Center at Capitola City Hall 420 Capitola Ave. M-F 8am-5pm

Questions?

For information about funding or grant applications: grants@cfscc.org

For questions about making a donation contact Donor Services Officer Hana Kong: YKong@cfscc.org