United for Our Neighbors

   

United for Our Neighbors: NorCal Disaster Fund

United Way of Northern California's Disaster Relief, Recovery, and Resilience

In the United States, the frequency and intensity of climate-driven disasters are on the rise, impacting 1 in 10 households. In California, devastating wildfires create hazardous conditions, spreading smoke, ash, and debris across the state, leaving long-lasting effects for years to come. Post-fire flooding and mudslides pose ongoing threats to infrastructure, water supplies, homes, and businesses. In winter, snow storms collapse roofs, knock down power lines, and continue to devastate the North State. In partnership with Tri Counties Bank, United Way of Northern California (UWNC) is raising money for our NorCal Disaster Fund because rain or shine, UWNC is here to help. 

 

United Way of Northern California is a Trusted Regional Leader in

Disaster Relief, Recovery, and Resilience

UWNC collaborates with partner organizations across various sectors to address the needs of communities affected by disasters. Our dedicated team is there every step of the way, assisting individuals and families in returning as close to their pre-disaster normal as possible, while also working towards long-term stability. At UWNC we understand the immense challenges faced by individuals and families impacted by disasters. Through our comprehensive programs, we provide essential support and resources to help them rebuild their lives. 

 

UWNC Disaster Programs:

Pre-Disaster: 

  • Preparation & Prevention Programs: UWNC is active in pre-disaster preparedness through our LISTOS program, which helps to build disaster resilience in our region's most vulnerable communities. Don't know where to start? Follow five easy steps to be disaster ready. Learn more at listoscalifornia.org.

Response Phase: 

  • UWNC's Immediate Emergency Financial Assistance (EFA) Program provides a one-time gift card of $100 to evacuees 
  • We provide Emergency Response Grants to locally based partners responding to disaster. Usually, these funds go towards gift cards, food for shelters, clothing/ shoes/ blankets, gas cards, supplies for organizations to sustain relief efforts etc.

Relief Phase: 

  • UWNC's Relief EFA provides a one-time gift card of $500 to disaster impacted households that have lost their housing to a disaster
  • Our RV Assistance program coordinates with partners to provide partial RV rental assistance for up to six months. This temporary solution allows disaster impacted households to be in a safe and stable location while they figure our their next steps

Recovery Phase: 

  • UWNC's Stable Household Opportunities Program (SHOP) provides small grants, ranging from $2,500-$5,000, to assist a household with moving expenses, furniture costs, down payments, or deposits on housing, all in an effort to get the household into a stable and sustainable housing situation
  • Our Unmet Needs Roundtable program collaborates with a Long Term Recovery Group (LTRG) to provide grants of up to $10,000 for uninsured/under-insured households that are rebuilding on their property following a disaster
  • UWNC participates with the local Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) chapters, a collaborative association, which can include national, state, and Community-Base Organizations, in alignment with the local jurisdiction, aimed at alleviating, mitigating, and reducing the impact of a disaster, while also removing the duplication of disaster recovery efforts

United for Our Neighbors: NorCal Disaster Fund

In partnership with Tri Counties Bank, United Way of Northern California remains committed to helping our communities, rain or shine. In order to meet the growing needs of disaster-impacted victims, we are aiming to raise $3 million for disaster relief. By donating to the NorCal Disaster Fund today, you can make a significant difference in the lives of families affected by disasters. Your support enables us to provide vital relief, facilitate recovery, and promote resilience. Together, we can rebuild and strengthen our communities. 

 

Donate Now

 

UWNC's Previous Disaster Work 

United Way of Northern California has been at the forefront of disaster response and recovery efforts, supporting communities during numerous crises. Since 2019, you have helped us provide over $4,140,519 to over 2,304 households impacted by fires. Together in 2023, we have served 70 households affected by flooding, purchased 100 propane tanks, and allocated $10,000. Through our collaborative approach and the generosity of our donors, we have made a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals and families, and we will continue to do so! 

 

 

COVID-19 Response

people wearing masks

United Way of Northern California is committed to serving our communities in times of disaster, and that includes the COVID-19 pandemic. When the virus first made its way into the U.S. in 2020, UWNC responded swiftly with grants, emergency aid, and funding for essential programs like food banks, personal protective equipment for frontline workers, and more. Realizing that things were not returning to "normal" as quickly as we all hoped, we launched campaigns like "Essential Heroes" that rewarded essential workers with $100 gift cards and "United We Mask" where our team surprised mask wearers with $50 to promote keeping our communities safe.

For more information on how we are responding to COVID-19, visit NorCalUnitedWay.org/covid-response. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Get Help

If you are a northern California disaster survivor in search of assistance, click “get help” to access the resources that are available in your area. Resources vary depending on location, however, the United Way network is actively responding to the needs of each community. Continue to check back for new resources as they are made available.

Get Help

 

 

Find information on United Way's response in past fire seasons in the drop-downs below. 

The following is a list of fires we have responded to or are responding to. For active wildfire information, click on the currently active fire's name. 

If you were impacted by a wildfire in the 2022 season only click here to fill out a pre-application intake form for immediate relief assistance.

Maeve, McKinney Fire Survivor 

Louis, McKinney Fire Survivor 

The 2021 wildfire season has proven to be one of the busiest to date. The following is a list of fires we have responded to or are responding to. For active wildfire information click on the currently active fire's name. If you were affected by a wildfire and are in need of resources or assistance, visit our service page, 211NorCal.org or click "Get Help" below.

If you were impacted by a wildfire in the 2021 season only, click "Get Help" to be taken to a pre-application intake form for immediate relief assistance.

Get Help

The 2020 Wildfire Season brought multiple blazes to the Northern California region and throughout the West Coast. United Way of Northern California (UWNC) responded to wildfires in our nine-county area, including the Northern Complex fire in Butte and Plumas counties, the Slater Fire in Siskiyou County, and the Zogg Fire in Shasta and Tehama counties, which have claimed lives and destroyed hundreds of homes. UWNC has provided financial support to individuals and agencies assisting those impacted by the fires.

Zogg Fire

The Zogg Fire started in Shasta County on September 27, 2020 and quickly grew in size due to warm and windy conditions. As of September 30, 2020, four fatalities have been confirmed and 146 structures have been destroyed in this 51,000 acre fire. For updated information on this wildfire, please visit the incident page.

Our Response

Our 211 NorCal service was immediately activated as the point of information for the Zogg Fire. Residents in the affected counties are able to call, text, or visit the 211NorCal.org webpage to access information on evacuation orders, available resources, and more. The Zogg Fire is ongoing and United Way of Northern California is monitoring the situation closely to determine the best ways to provide support. If you are able to do so, please donate to our Wildfire Relief fund.

Prior to the start of the fire, our staff has been working to prepare Tehama County residents for disaster using the Listos California program. Through community outreach, online communication, and activation of resources, residents have been taught things like how to prepare for a potential evacuation by packing a go-bag and how to sign up for emergency alerts in their area. Access our Disaster Preparedness Guide here.

North Complex Fire (Bear Fire), 2020

The North Complex Fire (Bear Fire) started August 18, 2020 and burned nearly 315,000 acres as of September 30, 2020. Of the nine counties we serve in Northern California, two have been impacted by the fire: Butte and Plumas counties. For updated information on this wildfire, please visit the incident page. 

Our Response

As of September 10, 2020, United Way of Northern California (UWNC) announced a total of $50,000 in emergency funding to six agencies helping residents affected by the North Complex Fire that has destroyed homes and forced thousands of evacuations in Butte and Plumas counties. Those agencies are as follows:

  • American Red Cross, $25,000
  • Oroville Hope Center, $5,000
  • Oroville Rescue Mission, $5,000
  • Oroville Southside Community Improvement Association, $5,000
  • Plumas Crisis Information & Resource Center, $5,000
  • Tzu Chi Foundation, $5,000

The North Complex Fire is ongoing and United Way of Northern California is monitoring the situation closely to determine the best ways to provide support. If you are able to do so, please donate to our Wildfire Relief fund.

Slater Fire, 2020

The Slater Fire (Devil Fire) started September 8, 2020 and has burned over 150,000 acres as of September 30, 2020. For updated information on this wildfire, please visit the incident page. 

Our Response

As of September 10, 2020, United Way of Northern California (UWNC) announced a total of $30,000 in emergency funding to two agencies helping residents affected by the Slater Fire that has destroyed homes and forced hundreds of evacuations in Siskiyou County. Those agencies are as follows:

  • Happy Camp Community Action Inc., $25,000
  • Rescue Ranch Adoption Center, $5,000

The Slater Fire is ongoing and United Way of Northern California is monitoring the situation closely to determine the best ways to provide support. If you are able to do so, please donate to our Wildfire Relief fund.

Prior to the start of the fire, our staff has been working to prepare Siskiyou County residents for disaster using the Listos California program. Through community outreach, online communication, and activation of resources, residents have been taught things like how to prepare for a potential evacuation by packing a go-bag and how to sign up for emergency alerts in their area. Access our Disaster Preparedness Guide here.

Donate

Camp Fire

The Camp Fire started in November 2018 in Butte County, and its impact has not ended. It was the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history to date. In just a few short hours, the fire destroyed nearly all of Paradise and many Ridge communities. It also:

  • Took the lives of 85 civilians
  • Burned over 150,000 acres
  • Destroyed 18,000+ structures, including almost 14,000 homes and 30 schools
  • Cost $16.5 billion in damages
  • Left thousands of individuals traumatized and in desperate need of resources

Our Response

With the help of generous partners and donations from people like you, United Way of Northern California’s staff and volunteers served over 8,000 households directly impacted by the Camp fire. What started with emergency response turned into a 2.5 year commitment to victims and their community.

UWNC delivered emergency resources to those evacuated and financial emergency assistance to those who lost 50% or more of their home. Provided Sustainable Housing Opportunities and long-term case management to survivors struggling to find safe and sustainable housing. And covered minor rebuilding costs to aide those moving back onto their properties and into safe housing.

In addition, UWNC invested $42,000 in call specialists for Butte-Glenn 2-1-1 an essential community resource connecting residents with community-based services. Funding was also provided to Community Based Organizations assisting wildfire victims through various services.

Through a generous grant from the Red Cross, UWNC provided many hours of therapy for Camp fire survivors and frontline workers desiring professional help to process through the traumatic experience.

A Back-to-School shopping spree replaced clothing, school supplies and toys for 280 children whose homes were lost in the fire. This event was only possible with the support of many community partners.

Carr Fire, 2018

The Carr Fire in July 2018 was one of the most devastating disasters to ever hit Shasta and Trinity Counties in Northern California. The fire:

· Was the seventh largest and most destructive fire in California history up to date

· Destroyed over 1,000 homes and about 500 other structures

· Burned nearly 230,000 acres

· Cost over $1.6 billion in damages

· Forced over 35,000 people to evacuate

· Took the lives of eight people, including three firefighters

Our Response

United Way of Northern California has led the way in emergency and long term wildfire recovery, helping local residents recover from the Carr Fire. From short-term financial assistance, connecting them to critical community resources to relocation, rebuilding and mental health support.

Thanks to the quick financial responses from caring individuals, corporations, and foundations throughout the nation, UWNC:

· Provided more than 1,200 emergency cash grants to get medical care, food, gas, temporary shelter, and basic need items to families whose homes were impacted during the fire

· Fulfilled more than 10,000 requests for local community resources through our 2-1-1 NorCal helpline

· Funded case management and unmet needs in partnership with the Community Recovery Team (CRT). Bridging the gap of fire victims being homeless to being housed

· Provided Back-to-School supplies to youth whose homes were lost in the fire

Support to Carr fire survivors wrapped up after 2 years and 9 months of daily support.

The Boles Fire had a tremendous impact on Siskiyou County in September 2014. It destroyed 150 residences and forced 1,500 people to evacuate Weed and Siskiyou County. 

Our Response

In response to this disaster, United Way of Northern California started the Boles Fire Relief Fund. This fund provided $105,608 to the Weed Recreation and Parks District to help finance the Weed Community Center, which was one of the 150 structures destroyed in the Boles Fire. United Way of Northern California is proud to announce that 100% of the money donated went directly to the relief effort. 

The new community center stands as a permanent symbol of the town’s resilience and spirit. It includes an event hall, multi-use recreation hall, commercial kitchen, meeting rooms, therapy pool, exterior courtyard, lobby area and covered entryway. Other major contributors to the center included the McConnell Foundation and Ford Foundation. 

United Way of Northern California also helped fund wildfire relief programs run by local partners including:

  • Madrone Hospice
  • Siskiyou Opportunity Center
  • Stable Hands
  • Siskiyou Domestic Violence and Crisis Center