2018 California Wildfires Immediate Assistance Program
Friday, May 3, 2019 will be the final day for 2018 California Wildfire survivors to apply for the American Red Cross 2018 financial assistance program. After May 3rd, no new enrollments will be accepted.
In the aftermath of 2018 California Wildfires, the American Red Cross provided shelter, food, relief supplies, and comfort to thousands of wildfire survivors. The Red Cross also provided financial assistance to help severely affected households purchase immediate necessities like groceries and clothing. This first, immediate phase of assistance has closed. No new clients can be enrolled at this time.
The Red Cross has begun a second phase of financial assistance to Californians whose homes were severely impacted by the 2018 wildfires. This financial assistance will allow people to make their own decisions and prioritize their family’s recovery needs. Funds can help families replace household items, offset transportation costs, or support other recovery needs.
- If you are a 2018 California Wildfire survivor and have already received financial assistance from the American Red Cross, you do not need to do anything at this time. We will be reaching back out to you directly. Please be patient as we are we are attempting to reach over 10,000 households with a second phase of individual recovery assistance. You can expect to be notified shortly via text or email.
- If you have not yet received financial assistance from the Red Cross, but your home sustained major damage or was destroyed as a result of the 2018 California Wildfires, you may be eligible for financial assistance. The fastest and easiest option to determine eligibility and to enroll in the Basic Assistance Program is by calling 1800-RedCross, and selecting option 5. If you are having trouble or are uncomfortable enrolling over the phone, you may call your local Red Cross office during normal business hours to speak to someone. The local Red Cross office may have staff available daily, or by appointment, to assist with enrollment.
- If you are a survivor of the 2018 California Wildfires, but your home was neither destroyed nor sustained major damage, please call 211 or visit https://redcrossdisasterresources.auntbertha.com to learn what services you may be eligible for.