Remembering January 9, 2018
With the anniversary of the tragic and devastating events of January 9, we wanted to share a new video from our partner, baba2films.
Remembering January 9, 2018: Their Words, Their Photos.
The video presents eight Montecito firefighters who tell their unscripted, riveting stories from the tragic and devastating events on January 9. Each member of the Montecito Fire Department and the hundreds of other first responders had to improvise solutions to incredibly difficult challenges. Montecito Fire Department alone is credited with saving at least 800 residents.
We want to thank all the first responders, community organizations and individuals who have helped so many continue their road to recovery.
Fund Distribution Information
7/24/2018 Press Release - United Way Thomas Fire and Flood Fund Exemplifies the Power of Caring Community;
Close to $2 million Distributed in Santa Barbara County
United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) expects to have distributed to the community 100 percent of the United Way Thomas Fire and Flood Fund donations allocated to Santa Barbara County–by the week of July 23, the nonprofit announced today. Phase 2 funds will have gone to assist households representing more than 1,200 Santa Barbara County individuals and families and 20 community organizations.
The United Way Thomas Fire & Flood Fund was jointly established by the United Ways of Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties to help the region recover. One-hundred percent of these donations will go directly to affected individuals and families, as well as the organizations serving them.
Funding distribution at a glance:
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United Way Thomas Fire and Flood Fund allocation for Santa Barbara County: $1,958,000
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United Way Thomas Fire and Flood Fund distributed to community organizations in Santa Barbara County: $711,000
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United Way Thomas Fire and Flood Fund awards were distributed to 421 Santa Barbara County individuals/households (representing more than 1,200 individuals): $812,659 (next of kin, damage or loss of personal property, and/or inability to work)
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Restricted donor funds allocated to support ongoing preparedness, recovery, and rebuilding efforts in Montecito: $99,341
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Southern California Wildfire and Flood Fund distributed to community organization in Santa Barbara County (delivered in partnership with the United Way of Greater Los Angeles): $335,000
Please see below for more information on funded agencies.
Disbursements made to Santa Barbara County individuals and families ranged in size from $500 to $10,000 and were based on recommendations made through Family Service Agency’s case management process to determine and verify needs. Santa Barbara County residents who were eligible for assistance included next of kin for individuals who lost their lives as a result of the debris flow; those who suffered damage or total loss of their primary residence (including renters) and/or personal property (including vehicles); and people who were unable to work during or after the Thomas Fire or debris flow. Funding criteria were reviewed and finalized by UWSBC’s Long Term Recovery Committee, a multi-sector group of community leaders actively involved in the community’s disaster recovery efforts.
United Way Thomas Fire & Flood Fund - Individual Assistance
The Phase 2 Individual Assistance application window has closed. Through this distribution, $812,659 in funding has been awarded to 421 individuals and households, representing more than 1,200 Santa Barbara County residents. Santa Barbara County residents who were eligible for assistance included next of kin for individuals who lost their lives as a result of the debris flow; those who suffered damage or total loss of their primary residence (including renters) and/or personal property (including vehicles); and people who were unable to work during or after the Thomas Fire or debris flow.
United Way Thomas Fire & Flood Fund - Funded Agencies
Update - On July 25, 2018, United Way of Santa Barbara County's Long Term Recovery Committee announced that 18 Santa Barbara County agencies received United Way Thomas Fire & Flood Fund funding.
For the full listing of agencies funded by the United Way Thomas Fire & Flood Fund, click here.
On February 15, 2018, United Way of Santa Barbara County's Long Term Recovery Committee announced the selection of 16 Santa Barbara County agencies to receive phase one funding from the United Way Thomas Fire and Flood Fund, a total of $501,000.
For the full listing of funded agencies and a description of their funded services, click here.
For the press release regarding Phase One Funding Distribution, click here.
Southern California Wildfire & Flood Fund Distribution - Funded Agencies
On April 11, 2018, United Way of Santa Barbara County announced seven additional grant awards totaling $335,000 to support Thomas Fire and flood recovery. These funds were delivered in partnership with the United Way of Greater Los Angeles, which has established a Southern California Wildfire and Flood Fund.
Long Term Recovery Committee Members
Barbara Andersen
Santa Barbara Foundation
Melinda Cabrera
United Way of Santa Barbara County
Jim Caesar
UCSB Emergency Services
Geoff Green
Santa Barbara City College Foundation
George Leis
Montecito Bank & Trust
Steve Ortiz
United Way of Santa Barbara County
Ben Romo
County of Santa Barbara
Rick Scott
United Way of Santa Barbara County Board Chair