Dear Friends,

Our rural community once again stands restless beneath smoky skies as the flames from the Ranch and River fires (Mendocino Complex Fire) scorch the hillsides, threatening thousands of homes and families. 

The Disaster Fund was created to embrace the needs of our community when they become monetarily impacted by a local disaster. Following the October 2017 Redwood Complex Fire, the Fund has become our pathway to recovery. With new firestorms raging we once again look to a future of recovery, rebuilding and resiliency. As of today,  July 31, 2018, both the Ranch and River fires (Mendocino Complex Fire) have increased to 74,408 acres burned with 10% and 8% containment (respectively) while 7 residences and 3 outbuildings have been destroyed. Evacuation centers are set up in both Mendocino and Lake counties to aid the 10,000 evacuees who have fled the smoke and danger posed by these two fires.

After the loss of 36,523 acres and 402 homes in the October 2017 fires, our community faces re-traumatization in the midst of smoky skies. The funds we have raised to-date support not only the rebuilding of physical homes for survivors, but the emotional recovery for the many people suffering trauma from the October firestorm. The emotional and spiritual wellbeing of our community is as critical to recovery as the brick and mortar homes which will offer shelter. For those experiencing post-traumatic stress, contact the Redwood Resource Room (707) 621-8817 or [email protected] for more assistance.

If you would like to help those impacted by the fires in Mendocino County or to our neighbors in Lake and Shasta Counties, please consider giving through the following established relief funds.

If you would to give to those impacted by the fires in Mendocino County, The Community Foundation of Mendocino County continues to manage The Disaster Fund. To help close the gap in rebuilding our community, you can still make a tax-deductible donation to the  Disaster Fund for Mendocino County.

If you would like to give to Lake County who is experiencing their third year of devastating wildfires, you can contribute directly to North Coast Opportunities' Wildfire Relief Fund at  https://www.ncoinc.org/disaster-recovery/.

If you would like to give to Shasta County who is facing an intense and extensive recovery effort, the  Shasta Regional Community Foundation Disaster Relief Fund at http://www.shastarcf.org/funds/cdrf has been set up to accept online donations towards short and long term recovery. Choose the "Community Disaster Relief Fund" from the drop-down menu.

We appreciate the generosity and support of our community near and far in supporting the recovery of our survivors as well as those of our neighbors.

Stay well. Stay safe.

Warmly,

Megan Barber Allende

President/CEO