California Strong, a nonprofit organization created by California professional athletes to provide immediate financial support to victims after disasters, distributed its second round of funding to over 60 families who were impacted by the Woolsey Fire. More than $250,000 was distributed May 10 in Westlake Village at the Yarrow Family YMCA.
Passing out funds to recipients were two of California Strong founders, Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff and Mike Attanasio of the Milwaukee Brewers ownership group.
"There are so many members of the community who are still immensely affected by the fires," says Goff. "California Strong is dedicated to helping with their critical financial needs so they can begin to rebuild their lives."
An initial round of $1 million in California Strong funding was distributed on February 8 in Los Angeles to victims of the Woolsey Fire and Borderline shooting and on February 28 in Northern California to those affected by the Camp Fire. California Strong's original financial assistance application deadline was January 25. Based on the high volume of applications received after the deadline, it was clear that there were many more families who needed help financially including rental assistance.
California Strong went to community foundations to raise additional funds. Grant money came from the Ventura County Community Foundation and the United Way of Greater Los Angeles. Once the funds were secured, all open and vetted applications were able to be fully funded.
Selected Camp Fire applicants will receive grant money later this month.
"Fire victims whose homes have been lost or damaged often have to continue paying their monthly mortgage and homeowner fees while living in rental property. These costs can be overwhelming among other things," says Attanasio. "The distributions will hopefully relieve some of that burden.