United Way of Ventura County update for June 4

For the first several months of 2018, almost all of Gareth Williams’ meals came from just a crockpot and toaster oven. Since early December, he had been living out of his workplace’s conference room after being forced out of his Ojai home the night the Thomas Fire ignited. The following day, Gareth received a call at 7 a.m. and learned that his house had burned to the ground. Without a chance to salvage any of his possessions, he was left with nothing but his two dogs, which were rescued by a neighbor. 

“When you’re faced with instances that flip your entire world upside down, sometimes you have to look for ways to turn lemons into lemonade,” Gareth said. “Even though I had lost everything, I had to stop and realize that I was far better off than most people. I had a place to go.”

Although he was grateful for his temporary housing solution, Gareth grew tired of being confined to the conference room. He began looking for financial assistance opportunities and came across the United Way Thomas Fire and Flood Fund while scrolling through social media. United Way of Ventura County helped restore some of his hope by granting him two months of rental assistance.

“I was delighted when United Way was willing to help out with rental assistance,” he said. “The donation made to me is invaluable, and United Way has been able to provide cash at a time when survivors like me really need it.”

On the weekend of April 21, Gareth was finally able to move out of the small conference room and into a rental home in Ojai that stood just 50 feet from his previous one. Though the view of his destroyed home is a constant reminder of the challenges he’s faced, Gareth has been able to move forward one day at a time.

Being able to assist those who need us most in the aftermath of the fire and flood has been incredibly rewarding. We are heartened by the generosity and kindness offered by our community and proud to see how it improves the lives of others, just like Gareth. But as we know all too well, hardship occurs throughout the year, not just during times of disaster. For many in our county, struggling to get by is a daily occurrence, and our programs to assist them rely on the long-term sustainability of our donors. If you have not renewed your annual gift to United Way, please do so by our fiscal year end of June 30.

For all that you’ve done and for all that you continue to do, we thank you.