At the Volunteer Center, Disaster Recovery Operations are in full swing. We are grateful to all who have donated time, resources, funds, and compassion to our neighbors in need.
Since the storms hit over one week ago, our staff immediately:
- Coordinated with local government and public safety agencies to staff evacuation shelters
- Mobilized volunteers for sandbagging in flood zones.
- Began assessment of our local neighborhoods and building a database of residents and businesses who need help
- Called in AmeriCorps volunteer disaster crews to assist local volunteers with clean-up
- Distributed critical flood resources, safety, and recovery information county-wide.
- Volunteers are ready to assist neighbors and business owners who need help with clean-up.
Please keep reading to learn how you can receive help, volunteer, and stay prepared.
Photo: Aisha Charves, VC’s Career Services and Healthy Connections Program Coordinator, leading efforts to begin clean-up in her hard-hit community of Paradise Park.
GET HELP WITH CLEAN-UP
You don’t have to clean up alone.
The Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County provides trained, compassionate volunteers ready to shovel mud and debris, fill dumpsters, and clean, protect, or discard items.
- If you need assistance with clean-up for a home or business, request free support here.
- Community Bridges offers up-to-date information on available Flood Recovery Resources, including interviews with insurance and flood claim experts. Click here to learn more.
VOLUNTEER
Check this link for updates on where Emergency Volunteers are needed: https://www.scvolunteernow.org/flood
Join a flood clean-up crew: register on our website, and a volunteer coordinator will contact you. Volunteer clean-up crews will be deployed to various locations across the county to begin clean-up. While MLK Day of Service projects were scheduled, the forecast of rain delayed these efforts.
Please register as a volunteer and you will be alerted when new projects are announced. Volunteers will be needed for weeks to come.
DONATE
Your donations to the Volunteer Center Disaster Recovery Operations ensure volunteers are safe and equipped in the field as they begin to clean-up the aftermath of these catastrophic storms. Donating online is quick, easy, and your gifts will go to work in our community right away.
BE PREPARED:
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY EMERGENCY INFORMATION
Preparing for an emergency is vital, and the recovery process can be long and difficult. The County is providing these resources to individuals and businesses impacted by winter storms and flooding. More info here.
Shelter Services and Evacuation Information
If you need support accessing services, dial 211 to speak to someone who can help or visit the 211 website. All 211 calls are free and confidential.
