Thomas Fire and Flood Fund
Santa Barbara County Fund Guidelines
Phase Two – Individual Assistance
Purpose
In the wake of the Thomas Fire and resulting devastating flash floods, United Way of Santa Barbara County has partnered with United Way of Ventura County to establish the United Way Thomas Fire and Flood Fund.
In Santa Barbara County, the United Way Thomas Fire and Flood Fund, at the direction of a volunteer committee, will respond to the short- and long-term needs of the victims and evacuees, as well as the organizations serving them.
Use of Funds
Every dollar contributed to the United Way Thomas Fire and Flood Fund will be used to fund services that address the short and long term needs of the individuals and families affected by the disasters.
Immediate needs – limited to funding agencies directly assisting survivors with basic needs, employment, or other critical needs.
Mid to long term recovery activities – funding focused on helping people rebuild their lives, strengthen families, and create self-sufficiency.
For the Fund’s Phase Two Individual Assistance Distribution, the following classes of individuals are eligible to apply for funding:
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Next of Kin for individuals who lost their lives as a result of the 1/9 Debris Flow. Eligible claimants include the estates of individuals who lost their lives as a result of the January 9 mudslide.
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Santa Barbara County residents who have suffered damage or total loss of their primary residence (including renters) and/or personal property (includes vehicles) due to the Thomas Fire or 1/9 Debris Flow.
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Santa Barbara County Residents who were unable to work during or after the Thomas Fire or 1/9 Debris Flow.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they were residents of Santa Barbara County AND, if applicable, employed in Santa Barbara County at the time of the disasters.
Application Process
In order to be eligible for funding, you must submit an application for individual assistance. For expedited review, please complete your application online.
Individuals without internet/computer access or who require additional assistance may complete applications in person at:
United Way of Santa Barbara County
320 East Gutierrez Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 1pm-5pm
Contact: Melinda Cabrera
Montecito Center
1283 Coast Village Circle, Montecito, CA 93108
Open Monday through Friday 10am-3pm, Wednesday 6pm-8pm, and Saturday 10am-2pm
Family Service Agency
123 West Gutierrez Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Open Monday through Friday 9am-5pm
Contact: Alison Espinola
Applications will be accepted from April 16, 2018 through May 11, 2018. Your application must be received by 5pm on Friday, May 11, 2018 to be eligible for funding from this distribution. Late applications will be accepted past May 11th, but will only be reviewed at a later date, should additional funding become available. Upon submission, your application will be sent to Family Service Agency, United Way of Santa Barbara County’s contracted partner agency for case management services. A representative from Family Service Agency will contact you to set up an appointment to review your application. Please do not contact Family Service Agency; they will contact you.
You must bring the required documentation to this meeting in order for your application to be reviewed. Acceptable documentation is as follows:
Proof of primary residency at time of the Thomas Fire and/or 1/9 Debris Flow. You are required to bring a Photo ID (Driver’s license, US or foreign passport, or CA ID card) and one of the following documents: Tax Return, Voter Registration, Utility bill or bank statement.
For applicants under the “loss of job or work: class, proof of employment documents at time of the Thomas Fire and/or 1/9 Debris Flow that show proof of loss of job or work. You are required to bring one of the following documents: 2 pay stubs, Letter from employer confirming closure at time of disaster, Other documents subject to approval.
During your meeting, you and your Family Service Agency representative will review your application and required documentation, as well as discuss your needs. It is your responsibility to honor your appointment time. Your application will not be considered complete until you meet with your assigned Family Service Agency representative. Due to the high volume of applications received, FSA will contact you as time allows.
Upon completion of your application and your meeting with Family Service Agency, United Way of Santa Barbara County will review your full application and funding recommendation from FSA and provide written notice of a funding decision.
Please note: UWSBC retains the right to adjust final funding decisions based upon total number of applicants and funding available.
Disbursement of Funds
Distribution of funds from the United Way Thomas Fire and Flood Fund for Santa Barbara County needs is overseen by the Thomas Fire and Flood Long Term Recovery Committee. The members of this committee represent a cross-section of our community.
Below details the maximum funding caps per individual class. Amounts may be increased or decreased based on recommendations from FSA case managers. Depending on the size of the award, grants may be awarded in two phases.
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Next of Kin for individuals who lost their lives as a result of the 1/9 Debris Flow - $10,000 per family member lost to next of kin
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Loss or Damage of primary residence and/or Personal Property (vehicles included) due to the Thomas Fire and/or 1/9 Debris Flow - No more than $10,000
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Loss of Job or Work due to the Thomas Fire and/or 1/9 Debris Flow - No more than $5,000
*If you qualify for funding in any of the above funding classes, but cannot provide sufficient documentation, maximum grant awards will not exceed $2,000.
All funds must be used as presented in your application. Proposed changes to the use of funds must be agreed upon by the United Way Thomas Fire and Flood Fund disbursement committees in writing.
Please note: grant award checks must be cashed within 90 days of issue date.