Relief in the form of $1,500 from the United Way Thomas Fire and Flood Fund is on its way to the primary residents of households whose homes were destroyed or majorly damaged in the December blaze, United Way of Ventura County has announced.
In the latest round of funding, The American Red Cross of the Central Coast has identified more than 600 households whose homes were destroyed or majorly damaged, as classified by FEMA and CAL FIRE. United Way is distributing the funds to victims with the assistance of the Red Cross and 2-1-1 Ventura County. Similar to Phase I distribution, there are no income restrictions associated with this financial assistance.
“Rebuilding and recovering from the Thomas Fire will take years, and many victims may just be finding out they are in more difficult situations than they had thought,” said Eric Harrison, CEO, United Way of Ventura County. “Recovery has been a community effort, and we know residents will find these funds useful as they continue through the long-term process.”
Recipients of this latest round of funding will also be assessed for inclusion in Long-Term Recovery, the next phase in the United Way’s recovery efforts.
Identified households will be receiving a phone call from 2-1-1 Ventura County to assist with accessing services available from a variety of long-term recovery agencies and, in some cases, verify addresses if they have not been provided. Call 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211 to inquire about United Way’s amplified assistance and services from long-term recovery agencies.
To date, the United Way Thomas & Fire Flood Fund has raised more than $4.5 million.
Applications will remain open through August.
Since 1945, United Way of Ventura County has advanced the common good by creating opportunities for a better life for all. For more information about United Way of Ventura County, visit www.vcunitedway.org.
