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The wildfires that swept through the North Bay last October are out, but the scar on the community is one that will last a generation.
Since Day One JFCS has collaborated with many integral organizations in the North Bay to make sure disaster victims are able to access all the help available to them. Last month JFCS honored first responders and survivors at the JFCS Fammy Gala after the deadliest wildfire disaster in California history.
First Responders and Victims of the North Bay Wildfires JFCS Fammy Video
During the initial days and weeks after the fires JFCS helped people with their immediate needs, providing counseling and emotional support; financial assistance with basic needs like food, clothing, beds, and transportation; and education workshops on applying to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and filing home/rental insurance claims. We also offered emergency financial assistance—including distributing gift cards and helping fire survivors pay bills.
Despite the initial crisis being over, new people continue to walk into the JFCS Sonoma office each day to receive support. While the entire community was affected, many have been able to move on with their lives. However, thousands remain overwhelmed, experiencing fragmented or difficult sleep, and are depressed and/or anxious. They are struggling with the idiosyncrasy of government regulations—shocked to find they were under-insured when they thought their renter’s or homeowner’s coverage was adequate. The frustration, stress, and grief continue to take a toll.
JFCS has deployed care managers and psychologists from around the Bay Area to Santa Rosa to meet the growing demand for services in recovery so that residents can move forward with their lives and heal.
We continue to provide direct social services to the many families, adults, and children whose lives have been turned upside down by this natural disaster, including: disaster recovery case management and assessing, and both immediate and long-term assistance.
Special Thanks to Our Donors and Partners:
Champions: All First Responders Statewide, Delivering Good, Inc./B Strong, Koret Foundation, Dianne & Tad Taube/Taube Philanthropies, Tipping Point Emergency Relief Fund, and IsraAid.
Supporters: Coldwell Banker, JCC Sonoma County, Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund, Redwood Credit Union Community Fund, Inc., Sonoma County Job Link, Synagogue Communities Nationwide, Tuft & Needle, and United Policy Holders.
And our gratitude also to the hundreds of individual donors and volunteers whose kindness is helping to rebuild lives.
If you are in Sonoma County and need help, call 707-303-1500, email [email protected], or visit www.jfcs.org/firerelief.
Give today to support the long-term recovery for North Bay fire survivors. Visit www.jfcs.org/donate.