The January 2023 winter storms resulted in widespread damage across Ventura County. A Major Disaster Declaration was authorized by local, state and national government entities and includes Ventura County. As a result, Ventura County residents, businesses and public agencies may be eligible for disaster assistance programs.
Totally Local VC and the Local Love Project have compiled a list of outreach and assistance resources that may be of use to you if you were impacted by these winter storms. We will continue to expand and update this list in an effort to bring you the most current information on what help and assistance is available to you.
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Here is our Winter Storm Assistance List
National Assistance
DisasterAssistance.gov
Apply for assistance online or call 800.621.3362
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)
FEMA is responsible for coordinating the federal government’s response to natural and man-made disasters. The site keeps you up-to-date on what they’re doing. For information on the storm and how to get help, go to FEMA California Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides.
Here is some additional downloadable information on the types of assistance that may be available under the FEMA Individual Assistance Program:
- FEMA Individual Assistance Program Overview
- FEMA Help After a Disaster
- FEMA Individual Assistance Program and Policy Guide
Project Porchlight
If the financial impact of a natural disaster is causing you distress and you aren’t sure what to do next, Project Porchlight can be an unbiased, free source of advice and support. Trained professionals can help with assessing your disaster impact and developing a recovery plan, assisting with your FEMA aid and insurance paperwork. Ongoing check-ins and advising for up to one year. Call 877.833.1742 to talk to a counselor. Or submit a request online and someone will call you.
State of California Assistance
United Policyholders (UP)
The UP website can help you understand what types of damages are typically covered in a home insurance policy. UP offers tips, information, sample letters and tools to help each person recover the full amount they’re entitled to and avoid and solve problems during the insurance claim adjustment process. You can also email them at info@uphelp.org.
Ventura County Assistance
VCEmergency.com
The official Ventura County Emergency Incident Information Source. They provide a vast wealth of information on all kinds of storm recovery assistance, including access to local, state, and federal assistance.
Disaster Recovery Center, Ventura County Fairgrounds
A Disaster Recovery Center at the Ventura County Fairgrounds started operations on February 8, 2023. It is open from 9:00 am until 7:00 pm, 7 days a week until further notice. Recovery specialists from FEMA and the US Small Business Administration will be available to provide information on available services, explain assistance programs, and help survivors complete or check the status of their applications. Additionally, representatives from numerous County of Ventura agencies will be on site to answer your questions, including Ventura County Public Works, Ventura County Resource Management Agency, the Ventura County Assessor’s Office, Ventura County Human Services Agency and the Farmworker Resource Program.
It is located in Santa Rosa Hall at the Ventura County Fairgrounds,10 W Harbor Blvd, Ventura, CA 93001.
Local Love Project
The Local Love Project will be hosting distributions of household cleaning supplies and non-perishable food items. For information on assistance and distribution locations, email us at info@localloveproject.com. To volunteer and assist with filling and distributing sandbags, email us at volunteer@localloveproject.com.
Catholic Charities of Ventura County
Catholic Charities will be offering disaster case management assisting impacted households in development of a recovery plan and connecting households to available resources. Call Shaun McCarty at 805.590.8182, or email him at smccarty@ccharities.org.
HELP of Ojai
A basic needs provider to people in Ojai to assist clients when they are at their most vulnerable. Programs include food boxes, senior nutrition, transportation and more. For Ojai Valley residents, assistance with case management, short-term housing, and clothing is available. Case managers are available via phone at 805.640.3320, Monday-Friday from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm. HELP of Ojai is located at 108 S Montgomery St, Ojai, CA 93023.
The Salvation Army
A small amount of disaster relief funds are available to provide one-time assistance to families in Ventura who lost home dwellings due to water damages caused by the Winter Storm. Call them at 805.659.3598. They are located at 650 S Petit Ave, Ventura, CA 93004.
Food Share
Direct food assistance is available for individuals displaced or with loss of power, food, additional costs and in need of support. Go to their website to locate a nearby pantry providing food free of cost. You can also download the Food Share app and locate food pantries near them. No appointment needed to visit a pantry. If you like, you can call them at 805.983.7100 or email them at info@foodshare.com.
Humane Society of Ventura County
A Pet Food Bank, housed within the Humane Society shelter, offers free dry and wet dog and cat food any time Monday-Saturday from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. The shelter is located at 402 Bryant St, Ojai, CA 93023. Call them at 805.646.6505 or 805.646.5031, or email them at animals@hsvc.org.
DoorDash Pet
DoorDash, Interface Children and Family Services Ventura County 211, Humane Society of Ventura County, and United Way have partnered together to deliver free dog and cat food to underserved communities across Ventura County. Pet owners in need can order free pet food through DoorDash within a ten-mile radius of one of our host locations. To enroll in this public service, call 844.984.0946. You must live within ten miles of one of our host locations to qualify. Locations can be found online at HSVC.org/doordash.
Ventura County Assessor’s Office
Property tax relief may be available to Ventura County property owners whose property sustained more than $10,000 in damage from the January 2023 storms. For additional information on program eligibility, visit the Ventura County Assessor’s Office Disaster Relief Exemption Page. To file a claim, complete the Calamity Application Form and return it by email at return it by email at assessor.disaster@ventura.org. Claims must be filed within twelve months of the date of damage.
County of Ventura Public Works Agency
If your property requires EMERGENCY REPAIR WORK, such as significant grading work to stabilize or repair damage done by the January storms, download and review the information and regulations surrounding emergency flood repairs.
Ventura County Sherriff Emergency Services
Did your agricultural operation sustain significant damage related to the January storms? If so, please REPORT STORM DAMAGE TO YOUR AGRICULTURAL OPERATION. This information is vital to securing State and Federal assistance for Ventura County Residents. Please complete and submit a damage report.
