Help For California Mudslide Victims

2020 Wildfires, Mudslides, and Recovery

2020: A Ruthless Year

2020 was all-around a different kind of year. In the midst of a global health crisis unlike anything most of us have experienced in our lifetimes, Californians were being inundated with natural disasters starting with one wildfire and leading to complete devastation in some areas after multiple wildfires and debris flows caused by mudslides. While most American’s were seeking refuge from COVID-19 in the safety of their homes, many California residents were forced to leave their homes to seek refuge from the wildfires that burned their property and the mudslides that continued the destruction. 

4% of California Charred and Looking for Answers

By the end of 2020, 4,397,809 acres of California had been scorched by the wildfires affecting over 10,000 structures leaving devastation for many Californians and businesses. When many thought their pleas for mother nature to help by sending rain had been answered - instead heavy rain caused mudslides to continue to ravage California. With concerns of the runoff contaminating water supplies and complete devastation, families and business owners were left in shock and wondering how they will overcome such an unprecedented emergency. 

Call To Action

After the fires subsided and the mudslides found a place to rest community members, organizations, and volunteer services braved the pandemic to begin cleanup of hazardous materials and residents began to assess the damage of their homes and businesses. All were prepared for a long-term recovery process. CERV of the Monterey Peninsula jumped into action to begin offering answers, information, and assistance resources to those affected with the help of others who wanted to help Monterey County begin to recover. 

CERV awarded $130,000 in grants going to residents impacted by Mudslides and Debris Flow caused by 2020 Wildfires.

CERV of the Monterey Peninsula received grants from The Community Foundation for Monterey County ($120,000) and The California Fire Foundation ($10,000). The purpose was to help residents impacted by mudslides and debris flow resulting from 2020 wildfires in Monterey County. CERV wants to thank our community partners. We will continue to work together to find ways to help.  

“We are pleased to provide support for relief efforts related to the 2020 wildfires,” wrote Laurel Lee, Vice President of Community Impact at the Community Foundation for Monterey County.

“We are pleased to assist CERV in their efforts in raising public awareness about emergency preparedness by awarding them this grant,” wrote Rick Martinez, Executive Director of the California Fire Foundation.

CERV’s Mission

CERV of the Monterey Peninsula has a mission to support local CERT programs, build public awareness about emergency preparedness, and promote the community's capacity to respond to natural disasters and man-made emergencies. CERV supports local CERT programs and community preparedness through networking, grant writing, workshops, collaborating with local businesses and other organizations, and co-sponsorship of community events. 

Recovery is Possible with Preparation and a Drive to Support the Community

While 2020 gave everyone a run for their money, CERV continued to forge ahead to help communities recover from the savagery of the pandemic and natural disasters to stay true to the mission and provide support and resources following a harrowing natural disaster and stepping up to help people in a time of need.