United Way of the Wine Country Launches Flood Recovery and Wellness Fund

United Way of the Wine Country (UWWC) is launching the Sonoma County Flood Recovery and Wellness Fund. The purpose of the fund will be to support flood survivors to get back on their feet. All funds raised will be used to support flood relief through agency partners in the region. Visit unitedwaywinecountry.org or call 707-528-4485 to support the fund.

Flooding this week caused an estimated $155 million in damage. There is damage to an estimated 2,600 properties. About 1,900 homes were affected, with 1,760 sustaining major damage. In addition, an estimated 578 businesses were impacted, forcing many to consider whether to reopen.

Lisa Carreño, President/CEO, advised: “The extent of the recent flooding and its impact on families, especially low- and moderate-income families along the Russian River, Laguna de Santa Rosa, and small businesses in the region demand our attention. Every family and every business matters as we recover and rebuild from fire and flooding. We need to rally around them, because our recovery will be stronger if we can rebuild together.”

Karissa Kruse, United Way Board Chair and President of Sonoma County Winegrape Commission, added: “We are hopeful that we can once again tap into the caring power of our community. We understand that there may be donor fatigue around what feels like yet another disaster, but that does not diminish the help that our neighbors need now.”

“Once the damage has been assessed and the needs are clearer, UWWC will develop our funding strategy based on the amount of funding that we are able to secure,” reported Jennifer O’Donnell, Executive Vice-President, who has been overseeing United Way’s fire relief grants to individuals, neighborhoods and other strategic partners since 2017.

About United Way of the Wine Country

United Way of the Wine Country mobilizes the caring power of our community through leadership, community engagement and effective investment. For over 50 years, United Way has been dedicated to improving lives locally through lasting solutions for residents in addition to serving as a vital link for nonprofit organizations, businesses and government leaders in Sonoma, Mendocino, Lake, Humboldt and Del Norte counties. United Way advances the common good by focusing on what matters most in education, financial stability, and health, through fund raising, advocacy, and increasing volunteerism. For more information, visit www.unitedwaywinecountry.org.