If you are looking for places to donate, offer services or if you yourself need support in the wake of the Thomas Fire and Montecito Mudslides, we would like to direct you to the following resources.
Por esta guía en español, haga click aquí.
General:
1. Thomas Fire Help: An incredibly useful compilation of resources whether you're looking for assistance with recovery or for ways to help.
2. State Business Resource Guide: Provides information on resources available to you through the state of California, including tax relief (both State and Federal), business loans, free business advising and insurance assistance.
3. City of Ventura: Health and safety information updates in the wake of the fire and resources for locals including information about Ventura County Recovers.
4. Ready SB County: Stay up to date with the latest information on health and safety in the wake of the fire and mudslides. Through this website you can sign up for Aware & Prepare alerts and find storm preparedness tips.
5. VC Emergency: Get updated information from Ventura County officials on the mudslide hazard areas in Ventura County.
6. Spanish Language Resources: MICOP and CAUSE are among several community organizations in need of volunteers, donations, and/or support making up-to-date information available in Spanish in both SB and VTA counties.
7. 805 UndocuFund: A collective effort among Ventura and Santa Barbara County-based grassroots organizations to assist local undocumented immigrant individuals and families who have been economically impacted by the Thomas Fire and the mudslides in its aftermath and are excluded from many relief programs such as FEMA assistance and Disaster Unemployment Assistance.
Work & Business:
8. Insurance Assistance: The California Department of Insurance is available to provide assistance with insurance questions or disputes. For immediate assistance call 1-800-927-4357. The department's website offers guides on key insurance items, including Top Ten Tips for Wildfire Claimants and Don’t Get Burned After a Disaster.
9. Unemployment Benefits: If you — as a self-employed person — or any of your employees has lost work, immediately file or advise your workers to file for unemployment insurance. Be sure to indicate the first date of lost work and clearly state that the fire is the cause for the loss. Click for information on how or where to file for unemployment insurance.
10. Economic Development VC Consultations: The Small Business Development Center has a team of Business Advisors immediately available to advise businesses in these challenging times. Services are free of charge and cover financial, accounting, marketing, strategic recovery planning and other post-disaster challenges. For more information, contact Alondra Gaytan at 805-409-9159.
11. Relief for Non-Profits: VCCF's Sudden and Urgent Needs (SUN) Fund is receiving donations and accepting applications from Ventura-based nonprofits for grants of up to $5,000 to help avoid the loss of critical safety net services. Application form can be found here.