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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A Year Later, Red Cross Still Helping Survivors of 2017 California Wildfires
SANTA ROSA, CA (November 5, 2018) – One year after wildfires ravaged homes and livelihoods and devastated the lives of thousands of people across California, the American Red Cross is still helping people affected by some of the largest and most destructive wildfires ever seen in California, causing tragic losses and forever changing lives.
Through the extraordinary support of the American public, the Red Cross raised $29.3 million, including the value of critical donated goods and services, to help California wildfire survivors. As of October 8, 2018, the Red Cross had already programmed approximately $18.9 million, or 65 percent, on emergency relief and recovery efforts for people affected by the 2017 California Wildfires. The remaining funds will be used to help with unmet needs for individuals and families impacted by 2017 California Wildfires, as well as to expand longer-term community-based recovery services in the affected areas. And, 91 cents of every dollar received for Hurricane Irma will be spent on our services to people affected by Hurricane Irma.
“The Red Cross continues to provide vital services and financial assistance to our communities across the state that were the most affected by 2017 California Wildfires,” said Trevor Riggen, Regional CEO of the American Red Cross Northern California Coastal Region. “It is because of the generosity of each donor that we can focus on recovery efforts long after a disaster. Together with community organizations with whom we have longstanding partnerships, we can continue to provide hope and help.”
Full details are available in the Red Cross’ 2017 California Wildfires One-Year Update.
EMERGENCY RELIEF
More than 4,400 American Red Cross disaster workers from across the U.S. – over 90 percent volunteers – answered the call to help impacted residents across California. During the emergency response, the Red Cross:
RECOVERY EFFORTS ONGOING
One year after 2017 California Wildfires devastating impact, the Red Cross continues to stand with wildfire survivors, providing ongoing recovery assistance as they pick up the pieces and rebuild their lives. Recovering from disasters of this magnitude can be a challenging and time-consuming process. Since the fires, the Red Cross has worked alongside a wide range of partners, including government and non-profit partners, community and faith-based organizations, and Long-Term Recovery Committees to support recovery for affected residents as they pick up the pieces and rebuild their lives.
The Red Cross is providing financial assistance for severely impacted California households in need of recovery support and whose homes experienced major damage or were destroyed by the 2017 wildfires or debris flow. As of October 8, the Red Cross has already provided $1,500 each to more than 3,000 households, and we continue to work with more residents every day. This assistance is helping individuals and families pay for temporary housing, make essential repairs to damaged homes, replace lost appliances and furniture and much more.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
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