805UndocuFund Awarded $75,000 Grant from Communities for a New California Education Fund

805UndocuFund Receives Historical State Funding from the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services as a Subgrantee

VENTURA805UndocuFund is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded a $75,000 grant from the Communities for a New California Education Fund, as part of a larger grant initiative by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CAL OES). This significant funding marks the first time 805UndocuFund has indirectly received state funds from CAL OES, positioning us advantageously for future state funding as we can now proudly state that we are a past grantee.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support from the Communities for a New California Education Fund and CAL OES,” said Primitiva Hernandez, Executive Director of 805UndocuFund. This grant will significantly enhance our ability to prepare and protect our immigrant communities against extreme weather events. By mobilizing, educating, and empowering our Latine community, we can build a more resilient future for all.”

This funding is part of the READY Program grant initiative, aimed at strategically investing in and empowering communities to enhance their resilience against the impacts of extreme weather events. The READY Program is designed to support and expand community-led initiatives, actively engaging residents in becoming READY Ambassadors. This initiative is vital for fostering a culture of preparedness and resilience within vulnerable communities, particularly those disproportionately affected by climate change and extreme weather.

Key Objectives of the READY Program Grant Initiative:

  • Community Mobilization: Support initiatives that actively engage community members in becoming READY Ambassadors, driving community mobilization efforts.
  • Educational Outreach: Fund projects that increase awareness and understanding of emergency preparedness, climate impacts, and the vital role of community involvement.
  • Advocacy and Amplification: Empower READY Reps to serve as advocates within their communities, amplifying emergency preparedness messaging and contributing to a resilient culture.

805UndocuFund’s Role and Planned Initiatives:

With this generous grant, 805UndocuFund will implement a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening community resilience and preparedness in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. The funding will support the following key activities:

Community Mobilization: 805UndocuFund will engage community members through a targeted canvassing campaign, training a new cohort of READY Ambassadors who will lead local mobilization efforts. These Ambassadors will be pivotal in driving community-wide participation in emergency preparedness activities.

  • Educational Outreach: The grant will enable 805UndocuFund to organize two community summits; one in Santa Barbara County and a subsequent in Ventura County dedicated to emergency preparedness, climate impacts, and the importance of community involvement. These conferences will be specifically designed to address the linguistic and cultural needs of the diverse communities we serve, ensuring inclusivity and broad participation.
  • Advocacy and Amplification: READY Reps will be empowered to act as advocates within their communities, spreading vital emergency preparedness messages and fostering a resilient mindset. These representatives will play a crucial role in amplifying the importance of readiness and resilience through various communication channels.

About 805UndocuFund: Established in 2018, 805UndocuFund provides direct disaster relief and support to undocumented individuals and families in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. We mobilize resources when disaster hits, providing short-term financial relief to undocumented residents, and advocate for long-term systems change to ensure they are effectively included in disaster planning, preparedness, response, and recovery.

For more information about 805UndocuFund and our initiatives, please visit 805undocufund.org or contact Primitiva Hernandez at phernandez@805undocufund.org or (805)538-7056.