Here’s How You Can Help With The Northern California Disaster

October 13, 2017 Michael R. Dimock

The disaster in Northern California is overwhelming. Dozens have perished, thousands of families are displaced and structures destroyed. Livestock, pets, vines and food and wine production facilities have been lost. In addition to the amazing efforts of the first responders from all across the state, a positive aspect of this event is the outpouring of aid from good people. Homes all across the nine Bay Area counties have been opened to provide shelter and love. Restaurants are offering free meals, farms are donating food. And now many philanthropic funds have been spawned to help in what will be a very long recovery period. Here are the agencies or funds that I have identified and trust are legitimate.

The Redwood Empire Food Bank is accepting cans of fruit and vegetables, staples, frozen meats, boxed produce and packaged beverages.

If you can, the best way to give is money. Here are organizations receiving donations that will be used for present and the long-term recovery.

We all know that Latino communities are the backbone of our food system from farm to table. They will have a more difficult time recovering. Please consider these communities first.

La Luz Center in the town of Sonoma. They are a catalyst for change in Sonoma Valley through health, education and financial security services for immigrants. Donate here.

The Latino Community Foundation, in collaboration with the North Bay Organizing Project and Graton Day Labor Center (two frontline groups) have created the Northern California Wildfire Relief Fund. Donate here.

The Farmers Guild and Community Alliance with Family Farmers have created the North Bay Fire Recovery Fund for aiding small farmers who are the least well-resourced in the agriculture community.

For the wider community, we recommend the following:

State Senator Mike McGuire (providing great leadership through this disaster), Redwood Credit Union, and the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, have created the North Bay Relief Fund. Donate with a check payable to RCU Community Fund. Include “2017 North Bay Fire Relief” in the memo, along with a note on which county you’d like to support. Mail to: P.O. Box 6104, Santa Rosa, CA 95406

The Community Fund of Mendocino County has created the Disaster Fund for Mendocino County. Donate here.

The Napa Valley Community Foundation has created the Napa Valley Fire Relief Fund. Donate here.

For our pets and animals, which have suffered greatly in this disaster, I recommend you support the Sonoma Humane Society and the fund created by Western Farm Center, a hub of animal and pet feed and supplies. Checks should be sent to their main facility with “Tubbs Account” written on the check’s memo line. Western Farm Center, 21 W 7th St. Santa Rosa 95401. Call if you seek more information 707-545-0721

Thank you for opening your hearts and financial resources to help our North Bay agricultural communities recover.