SurfMediaUnited Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) announced today that individuals and families affected by the Thomas Fire and/or January 9th floods can apply for direct financial assistance through the United Way Thomas Fire & Flood Fund beginning Monday, April 16th. The application window will be open through Friday, May 11th.
The United Way Thomas Fire & Flood Fund was jointly established by the United Ways of Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties to help the region recover. The Fund has raised more than $4.2 million in generous community donations; 100% of these donations will go directly to affected individuals and families, as well as the organizations serving them. To date, over $3 million has been allocated from the Fund and additional distributions are forthcoming.
In Santa Barbara County, the Fund’s goal is to assist with the long-term recovery of the families of the 23 individuals who lost their lives, the hundreds of individuals and families whose homes were damaged or destroyed, and the many others who were unable to work and are now struggling to make ends meet.
For the second phase of United Way Thomas Fire & Flood Fund distributions, applications from affected individuals and families will be solicited and approved for direct grants. This funding cycle will be carried out in partnership with Family Service Agency, UWSBC’s designated case management agency for the Fund.
Through providing evidence-informed case management, needs verification, and ongoing support, Family Service Agency will play a critical role in ensuring that both the near- and long-term needs of affected individuals and families are better met in an efficient and timely manner.
For the Fund’s Phase Two individual assistance distribution, the following classes of individuals are eligible to apply for funding:
Next of Kin for individuals who lost their lives as a result of the 1/9 Debris Flow. Eligible claimants include the estates of individuals who lost their lives as a result of the January 9 mudslide.
Santa Barbara County residents who have suffered damage or total loss of their primary residence (including renters) and/or personal property (includes vehicles) due to the Thomas Fire or 1/9 Debris Flow.
Santa Barbara County Residents who were unable to work during or after the Thomas Fire or 1/9 Debris Flow.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they were residents of Santa Barbara County and/or employed in Santa Barbara County at the time of the disasters.
In order to be eligible for funding, individuals must submit an application for individual assistance. For expedited review, applications may be submitted online at www.unitedwaysb.org/thomas-recovery. Individuals without internet/computer access or who require additional assistance may complete applications in person at:
United Way of Santa Barbara County
320 East Gutierrez Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 1pm-5pm
Contact: Melinda Cabrera
Montecito Center
1283 Coast Village Circle, Montecito, CA 93108
Open Monday through Friday 10am-3pm, Wednesday 6pm-8pm, and Saturday 10am-2pm
Family Service Agency
123 West Gutierrez Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Open Monday through Friday 9am-5pm
Contact: Alison Espinola
Applications will be accepted from April 16, 2018 through May 11, 2018. Applications must be received by 5pm on Friday, May 11, 2018 to be eligible for funding from this distribution. Late applications will be accepted past May 11th, but will only be reviewed at a later date, should additional funding become available.
To find application materials, please visit www.unitedwaysb.org/thomas-recovery.
