Help for California wildfire victims
Many Californians have suffered displacement resulting from a few wildfires in the state. So, the Burlingame-Hillsborough publication Patch provided suggestions for assisting those who are dealing with loss.
The Northern California Kincade fire in Sonoma County is reported to be 68% contained. This fire broke out October 23 in the hills east of Geyserville and burned a 121-square mile area. Damage so far includes the destruction of 352 structures, 167 of those being homes. Additionally, 33 more homes have been damaged.
With that in mind, many Bay Area residents may want to lend a hand to those who have suffered crushing losses.
Here are some ways to help fellow Northern California residents, or even those throughout California.
Disaster Relief efforts for Kincade fire:
A resilience fund provided by the Community Foundation of Sonoma County is accepting donations.
World Central Kitchen, which provides meals for those affected by natural disasters, is accepting donations. The organization also needs volunteer help to assist in preparing meals for those who have lost their homes, or are still under evacuation orders. Sign up here.
The United Way of Wine Country is accepting donations to a fund established for victims of the Kincade fire. Give here.
The American Red Cross is seeking volunteers to assist evacuees at shelters and relief sites. Find out how to volunteer at this link.
Sonoma Family Meal needs volunteers and donations to join in providing meals for the displaced.
Corazon Healdsburg is an organization dedicated to caring for the Spanish-speaking community. The group focuses on assisting undocumented immigrants and their families, and is accepting donations to a special Kincade relief fund.
Statewide organizations providing disaster relief:
The California Fire Foundation provides immediate, short-term relief for Californians impacted by wildfires and other natural disasters. The foundation’s relief program is called Supplying Aid to Victims of Emergency (SAVE).
The Center for Disaster Philanthropy also has a California Wildfires Recovery Fund to assist California residents experiencing losses.
The California Attorney General’s office provides a list of precautions here to avoid charity scams.
