1. What is the Santa Barbara Tea Fire Response Fund (SBTFRF)?

SBTFRF is a collaborative community response to assist people who have been negatively impacted by the devastating Santa Barbara Tea Fire of November 13 to 17, 2008.

Response Fund Partners will assist in fund raising efforts as well as making grants and providing benefits to the individuals and families affected. Additionally, SBTFRF works with most public and private agencies involved in providing direct services to fire victims.

2. Who is currently involved?

KEYT-TV, Santa Barbara Foundation, Santa Barbara Bank & Trust, Catholic Charities, Santa Barbara City Housing Authority, Red Cross, Family Service Agency, Jewish Family Services, 211, Cumulus Broadcasting, Rincon Broadcasting, Santa Barbara News-Press Radio, United Way of Santa Barbara County, Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Services, Cal-Volunteers, Unity Shoppe, SBParent.com, Santa Barbara Association of Realtors, Santa Barbara Chamber of Commerce and more to be added.

3. How much of my donation will be used to help fire survivors?

100% of your donation will be used to benefit survivors of the Tea Fire. All costs of the Fund will be paid from other sources.

4. What kind of donations will be accepted by SBTFRF?

Cash, check, debit card, credit card.

Until we are best able to determine the exact need of those affected, we will not be accepting material goods.

5. How will my donation be used?

Donations will be used for categories of assistance such as: school supplies, home business, transportation, furniture, clothing, medical, counseling, living expenses, and housing. People affected by the Tea Fire include students, renters, seniors, uninsured, significantly under-insured, young children, families, and others.

The plan is for donated dollars to be used for providing direct services to affected individuals and families. Some donations will be made directly to individuals and families by professionals from the appropriate agencies. Some donations will be used to partially reimburse charities for unreimbursed, extraordinary expenses incurred while serving Tea Fire affected people. If more than $450,000 is raised, the SBTFRF will operate for 12 months and provide public quarterly reports of disbursements of funds and services.

6. Is there as a screening process for determining eligibility?

Yes. A two-tiered, public-private partnership will provide screening at the social worker/case manager level and an oversight committee of local leaders will provide direction and assurance that all monies are used appropriately.

Those affected by the Tea Fire need to be registered with FEMA and the Red Cross. To register with FEMA survivors should first call the FEMA registration number 1-800-621-3362 (TTY 1-800-462-7585) or go online at www.fema.gov. A FEMA representative will also be at the Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) located in the Santa Barbara County Administration Building, 105 East Anapamu St. Red Cross registration needs to be done in person at 2707 State St.

7. How Do I Apply for Assistance?

Individuals and families affected by the fire who desire assistance must apply at the American Red Cross at 2707 State St. in Santa Barbara from 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday. Applicants should bring proof that their house was burned down, damaged, or that they have been adversely affected by the fire. Examples include a driver’s license with the destroyed home’s address or utility correspondence sent to them at the address in question. All applications are confidential.

Red Cross has offered to provide the case management service. If you have already applied to Red Cross you do not need to apply again. An American Red Cross Case Manager will meet with you to discuss your un-met needs. To set an appointment with a Case Manger contact the American Red Cross at (805) 687-1331.

8. What is the difference between SBTFRF and Red Cross?

Every disaster and the people affected have short and long-term needs. The Red Cross is the first line of disaster response and relief. SBTFRF is concerned with the long-term community recovery and people rebuilding their lives. SBTFRF supports Red Cross efforts and Red Cross supports the longer term efforts of SBTFRF.

9. How do I get more information?

Call United Way of Santa Barbara County at 805-965-8591 or visit www.unitedwaysb.org

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