Resources for Those Impacted by California Fires

 To all our folks who may have been severely impacted by the wildfires that have plagued our area the last couple weeks,  Information on FEMA ( Federal Emergency Management Association) and Disaster relief  can be obtained at www.Disasterassistance.gov to start the process.

Also, for families that are displaced because of the fires, The Handlery Hotel on Union Square in San Francisco is offering discounted rates of $75.00 a night and complimentary parking for 1 car. They will also give you a 10% discount at Macy's just down the street from the hotel.

Solano County: A Local Assistance Center for SOLANO COUNTY residents impacted by the fire opens tomorrow. Visit, solanocountyrecovers.org for more info. 

Santa Cruz County:

  • Santa Cruz County Human Services benefits hotline: 1-888-421-8080

  • Evacuees may be eligible for CalFresh (formerly known as food stamps.) Apply at calfresh.org. Apply by phone at 1-888-421-8080 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. Information is at santacruzhumanservices.org.

  • Federal assistance for individuals and businesses: Santa Cruz County residents affected by the wildfire may be eligible for temporary and permanent housing, crisis counseling, disaster unemployment assistance and other help. Register at DisasterAssistance.gov Registration for federal assistance is here in Spanish. Call 1-800-621-3362 for help or questions.

  • Accommodations:

• Visit Santa Cruz County has a regional hotel availability list that is updated hourly. Visit San Jose also has a hotel availability list.

• No-cost shelter may be available through Airbnb. Registration and information here.

• Free hotel rooms throughout the Bay Area are available for evacuees. Proof of residency is required. Hotels may allow for pets, but check first. Transportation and food may be available. To register, visit one of the official county shelters here to get an application.

• The American Red Cross Northern California Coastal Region may be able to help with hotel vouchers. Call 1-800-733-2767.

• A Santa Cruz church network has a public spreadsheet with a list of people and churches offering places to stay.

• For those unable to secure alternative accommodations: Santa Cruz County has a list of official county shelters. The list is updated frequently with availability.

Shelters are open to county residents. Pets are welcome under the owner’s control and preferably with a pet carrier. Behavioral health specialists will be on site for support. 

Lift Line provides transportation to shelters and other safe locations. Call 831-688-9663.