Cara família da Fundação Comunitária do Condado de Ventura,

Today, I am reaching out to you with an urgent appeal for assistance on behalf of the resilient residents of Oxnard, Ventura and Port Hueneme, who were devastated by the catastrophic floods that struck our communities in late December. These families are in desperate need of your support to rebuild their lives and homes.

On the early morning hours of December 21, 2023, a rogue storm cell developed off the coast of Ventura County, eventually making landfall, and dropping nearly 3.25 inches of rain in just 45 minutes. Flash flooding occurred as a result of the high-intensity rain causing water intrusion to over 400 homes, 50 of which saw water over 18 inches in the structure. Nearly 650 vehicles were either severely damaged or destroyed because of this incident.

The aftermath of this event has left a trail of destruction in its wake, particularly for those who were not covered by flood insurance. Many of the affected residents are seniors living in low-income communities, making them particularly vulnerable to the financial burdens brought about by this disaster. Making matters even worse, local agencies have been unsuccessful in qualifying for FEMA assistance due to damage thresholds having not been met.

Prior to receiving help from the FEMA Individual Assistance Program, Ventura County Emergency Managers must demonstrate the severity by documenting at least 1,200 destroyed structures. Absent meeting this high threshold and obtaining FEMA assistance, residents are left with just one option for help: a low-interest disaster relief loan from the Small Business Administration. To qualify for a loan, you must be a U.S. Citizen and be capable of paying back the funds you have borrowed. Many of the areas impacted were home to low-income residents incapable of paying back a loan, as well as undocumented individuals who do not meet the eligibility requirements of the Small Business Administration.

Eis como a sua generosa contribuição pode fazer uma verdadeira diferença:

1. Emergency Relief1. Ajuda de emergência: O seu donativo prestará assistência imediata, incluindo alimentos, vestuário e abrigo temporário, às pessoas que perderam tudo nas inundações. O seu apoio ajudará estas famílias a recuperar a sua posição durante estes tempos difíceis.

2. Home Restoration2. Recuperação de casas: O nosso objetivo é ajudar estes residentes a reconstruir as suas casas e vidas. O seu financiamento será utilizado para remediar o bolor e restaurar as casas danificadas, assegurando que estas famílias têm novamente um local seguro e estável para viver.

3. Community Support3. Apoio comunitário: Os idosos que vivem nestas comunidades enfrentaram desafios sem paralelo. A sua ajuda ajudará a estabelecer redes de apoio para eles, incluindo o acesso a cuidados de saúde, transporte e serviços de aconselhamento para lidar com o trauma emocional que sofreram.

4. Long-Term Resilience4. Resiliência a longo prazo: A sua contribuição também apoiará iniciativas destinadas a reforçar a capacidade de resistência destas comunidades contra futuras catástrofes. Trabalharemos em conjunto para implementar medidas que reduzam o risco de tal devastação voltar a acontecer.

Your support can truly make a significant impact on the lives of those who have been most severely affected. No donation is too small, and every dollar brings us one step closer to rebuilding our community.

The County of Ventura and the Cities of Ventura, Oxnard and Port Hueneme have partnered with the Ventura County Community Foundation to serve as the fiduciary agent for donations. A multiagency advisory group comprised of local government officials has been established to oversee the distribution of funds. Thanks to the generosity of VCCF, 100% of your donation will be distributed to the community.

To contribute, please visit the VCCF website ou contact us directly at (805) 330-6976.

Together, we can be the beacon of hope these families desperately need during this challenging time. Your generosity will not only rebuild homes, but also restore faith in the power of compassion and community.

Thank you for considering this request, and for your ongoing commitment to making a positive change in the lives of those who need it most. Your support means the world to us.

Em gratidão,

Patrick Maynard Director – Sheriff’s Emergency Services

Donate Now to Support Our Community

Os residentes do Condado de Ventura estão a precisar de assistência urgente após as históricas e destrutivas inundações repentinas de dezembro de 2023. Mais de 400 casas e 650 veículos foram danificados, e predominantemente idosos e famílias de baixa renda estão sem seguro ou assistência da FEMA para se recuperar.

“While the scale of this flooding was small relative to FEMA’s national standards, the devastation was immense to our residents; the lack of swift, robust support is starting to feel like Katrina for them. They await a calvary that’s nowhere in sight.” Alexander Nguyen, Oxnard City Manager

“The storm impacted vulnerable members of our community including seniors on fixed incomes, and the road to recovery is long and difficult. Members of our community are struggling, and need your help to recover.” James Vega, City Manager of Port Hueneme