Ford Motor Co. Fund Gives $75,000 for Fire Recovery Efforts

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The Ford Motor Co. Fund recently granted $75,000 to the Ventura County Community Foundation disaster relief fund to aid long-term Thomas Fire recovery efforts. Ford designated the funds to go to support Habitat for Humanity and the Ventura Boys & Girls Clubs.

The fund selected Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County to receive $50,000 for repairing and rebuilding disaster-damaged homes in the area.

“Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County appreciates the Ford Fund’s support for rebuilding efforts. As a nonprofit organization which has built 70 homes in Ventura County and repaired hundreds more, Habitat stands ready to support Ventura County residents with housing needs following the Thomas Fire,” said Steve Dwyer, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County.

The fund designated $25,000 for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Ventura for a teen leadership program that will focus on disaster relief efforts and leadership opportunities, giving the teens training in volunteering and how to be involved in the community.

“The Thomas Fire has had both devastating and unifying effects for our community. Although the families that we serve were affected by the fire, there was a greater effect on the community members who regularly give financial support to charities like ours. We were so grateful the Ford Fund reached out to us and asked how they could assist not only our organization, but to also give relief to our community,” said Patricia Birmingham, Ventura Boys & Girls Club CEO.

Since the Dec. 4 start of the Thomas Fire, the foundation has secured more than $1.7 million in contributions for support of relief and recovery efforts and has made grants totaling $1.5 million to nonprofit organizations engaged in front-line relief efforts. Currently, the foundation holds approximately $1 million dedicated for mid- to long-term relief strategies in its community disaster fund.

“We are thrilled by the Ford Motor Co. Fund’s incredible support to our community during this recovery period,” foundation CEO Vanessa Bechtel said.