Ventura County storm fund
Urgent Storm Relief needed for Ventura County
Dear Ventura County
Community Foundation Family,
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.
Your generous contribution makes a real difference:
Emergency Relief
Your donation will provide immediate assistance, including food, clothing and temporary shelter, for those who have lost everything in the floods. Your support will help these families regain their footing during these trying times.
Home Restoration
We aim to help these residents rebuild their homes and lives. Your funding will go towards remediating mold and restoring damaged homes, ensuring that these families have a safe and stable place to live once again.
Community Support
Seniors living in these communities have faced unparalleled challenges. Your assistance will help establish support networks for them, including access to healthcare, transportation and counseling services to address the emotional trauma they’ve endured.
Long-term resilience:
Your contribution will also support initiatives aimed at enhancing the resilience of these communities against future disasters. We will work together to implement measures that reduce the risk of such devastation happening again.