Wildfire Recovery

 

 

United Way of Northern California (UWNC) is a trusted regional leader in disaster response, relief, and recovery, working with partner organizations across multiple sectors to meet the needs of communities impacted by disasters.

UWNC is there every step along the journey, helping individuals and families return as close to their pre-disaster normal as possible and achieve long-term stability. We do this through various programs designed to help survivors move to the next phase in their recovery process. 

 

 

Programs 

Pre-Disaster 
UWNC is active in pre-disaster preparedness through our LISTOS program, which helps to build disaster resilience in our region’s vulnerable communities. Don’t know where to start? Follow these five easy steps to be disaster ready:  
1. Get Alerts to know what to do 
2. Make a Plan to protect your people 
3. Pack a go-bag with things you need 
4. Build a stay box for when you can’t leave 
5. Help friends and neighbors get ready 

Learn how to be prepared for any disaster at listoscalifornia.org. 

Response~Relief~Recovery 

Response: When disasters strike in Northern California, UWNC engages and responds immediately: 

  • Grant distribution: UWNC provides immediate funding to locally based partner Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) responding to the disaster. These grants provide shelter, clothing, shoes, blankets, gas cards, and supplies for the organization to sustain relief efforts. 
  • Emergency Financial Assistance (EFA): UWNC provides a one-time $100 gift card to evacuees of a disaster within the initial 3-5 days for impacted households.

Relief: Once the aftermath of the disaster reaches the relief phase, UWNC transitions to provide several programs that meet the typical needs that arise.  

  • Relief EFA – Provides a one-time $500 gift card to disaster-impacted households that have lost their housing. 
  • RV Assistance Program – In coordination with partner CBOs, this program provides 90-day stays at an RV Park for households with a 5-wheel trailer, RV, or travel trailer. This program is a temporary solution for households to allow them to be in a safe and stable location while they figure out their next steps.

Recovery: During the disaster recovery phase, UWNC works to achieve long-term stability and address unmet community needs. 

  • Stable Housing Opportunity Program (SHOP) – In coordination with disaster case managers, the SHOP program provides grants to disaster-impacted households to assist with moving expenses, furniture costs, down payments, or deposits on housing, all to get survivors into a stable and sustainable housing situation.  
  • Program for Intermediate Needs (PIN) – Similar to SHOP, this program provides households with funds to meet recovery needs. 
  • Unmet Needs Roundtable(s) – Under and in collaboration with a Long Term Recovery Group (LTRG), we provide grants for uninsured/under-insured households that are rebuilding their property after a disaster. 
  • Counseling Connect Program – Provides funding to a certified counselor to cover the expense of a disaster survivor to receive up to eight therapeutic counseling sessions. 

How to Get Help
If you were impacted by the 2022 wildfire season, fill out our intake form here to see what programs you may qualify for.

 

United for Our Neighbors: NorCal Wildfire Fund 

 United Way of Northern California Launches Campaign to Raise $3 Million for Wildfire Survivors. 
Donations Welcome to Meet Growing Needs for 2022 Wildfire Relief & Recovery 

Over the past few months, images of smoke-filled skies and feelings of deep loss hit NorCal residents as wildfires tore across their communities. But relief and recovery for Northern California communities lasts long after the stark images have left the public eye. 

Organizations like United Way of Northern California (UWNC) stay involved well into the recovery process, dedicating millions of dollars to rebuild the lives of the Northern California communities. 

In order to adequately meet the growing needs of wildfire survivors, UWNC and partner Tri Counties Bank are launching the United for Our Neighbors: NorCal Wildfire Fund, aiming to raise $3 million for wildfire relief. The 2022 fire season has already been significant in Northern California, with more than 400 structures destroyed, over 200,000 acres turned to ashes, and six lives lost. 

Funds will go to support United Way's disaster work in its nine-county service area. Supported programs of the campaign include UWNC’s RV assistance program, the Stable Housing Opportunities Program (SHOP), the Unmet Needs Roundtable, the 2-1-1 referral system, grants to community service providers, and mental health services for survivors. 

United Way of Northern California is also involved in winter storm(s) and flooding relief. 

Your donations will support wildfire recovery and disaster services in our nine-county region. Click the “donate now” button below and select “Wildfire Disaster Fund” to give now. United Way of Northern California and Tri Counties Bank thank you for your generosity. 
 

Donate Now

 

(LEFT VIDEO) Testimonies are from 2022 McKinney Fire survivors from Siskiyou County in NorCal, where 185 structures were destroyed, and four individuals lost their lives (CalFire). Though Klamath River wears some scars after the McKinney Fire, the people of Siskiyou County are resilient and will come back stronger from this devastating fire. 
 

(RIGHT VIDEO) The Mill Fire in 2022 nearly wiped out the historic Lincoln Heights community in Weed, California, a town with a diverse population, including a historic black community with over 100 years of history in Northern California. According to Cal Fire, 3,935 acres burned in the Mill Fire, and two individuals lost their lives. 

2022 Wildfire Response

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 

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

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