United Way of Ventura County update for Feb. 20

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President’s Message 
Dear Friends,

Thanks to the generosity of over 13,000 donors to the United Way Thomas Fire and Flood Fund, we are  helping our community members who have been directly affected by the disaster.

Starting this month, disaster victims are able to apply for the next phase of relief funding. Between now and April 30, we will distribute as much as $1.5 million for individual hardship assistance. Prior to the New Year, United Way provided immediate assistance in the form of $500 prepaid credit cards to approximately 1,000 Ventura County residents whose homes were destroyed by the Thomas Fire.

From now through March 15, application forms for victims will be available at vcunitedway.org and 211ventura.org. Applicants can also call 2-1-1 or text “ThomasFire” to 898-211 to find out more. Local agencies will assess the need and eligibility of each applicant. Eligibility will be based on family size and income limit of 120% or less of Area Median Income. Funds will support Ventura County residents’ expenses related to housing, livelihood/income, and habitability of their homes.

Since the fund expanded to include flood relief and joint fundraising efforts with our partners at United Way of Santa Barbara, an additional $500,000 has been donated for fire and flood assistance along the Central Coast.

The outpouring of support has been incredible, and we’re so proud to be able to distribute these funds to help residents who have lost so much. We have a long way to go to rebuild  our community, but nobody is in it alone. Whether you lost a home, income, or have been impacted in another way, I encourage you to give 2-1-1 a call and learn more about the resources that are being extended to you and your neighbors. Since 1945, your local United Way has been there for Ventura County. Together, united, we will rebuild and recover stronger than ever.

In service,
Eric Harrison 
President & CEO 
United Way of Ventura County