During the past six months we have witnessed the power that results when the community comes together to help our neighbors. Your donations have allowed us to assist families in a myriad of ways including: helping to put food on their tables, purchase basic need items, keep a roof over their heads, and navigate the complex and long road to recovery. More specifically, we are providing the following:
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In Pajaro: We are working with families to develop a recovery plan, navigate insurance and FEMA benefits, assess necessary home repairs and partnering with a volunteer construction agency to complete those repairs, so families can return to safe, sanitary and secure housing.
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In Santa Cruz Mountains: We are continuing our efforts to help people impacted by the wildfires and the recent storms to rebuild their homes and access available resources they may need.
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In Monterey and San Benito Counties: We are providing urgently needed financial aid and other resources to survivors, many who were left unemployed, homeless or unable to pay rent or afford other basic necessities.
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In San Luis Obispo County: We are coordinating with our partner organizations to provide community-wide long-term recovery efforts.
Together as one, we made a positive difference in the lives of 15,000 individuals and families across in the four counties that we serve—Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz, and San Luis Obispo.
Below is our most recent efforts in helping storm survivors in Monterey County.
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Disaster Relief for Monterey County Residents
Providing hope to 300+ families in Salinas and South County
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Throughout the month of June, our dedicated staff has been working to deliver the much needed storm assistance to the Monterey County community. Under the Monterey County’s Disaster Assistance Fund program, we have distributed financial aid to over 300 low-income families impacted by the storms to residents of Salinas, Greenfield, Gonzalez, Soledad, King City, San Lucas and San Ardo. Households were also provided with Listos California emergency preparedness information and resources.
We provided funds to low-income individuals and families who do not qualify for federal assistance, the majority of whom are agricultural workers who suffered great losses during the winter storms--unemployment and/or homelessness.
Thank you Monterey County Board of Supervisors for approving this much needed resource for our community and recognizing Catholic Charities as a trusted agency to administer the Storm Assistance Program funds in our area along with Community Bridges and Door to Hope.
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People wait patiently in line to receive Storm Assistance benefits at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Greenfield, CA
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Catholic Charities staff distributing Disaster Relief at Our Lady of Ransom Catholic Church in Ardo, CA. |
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People wait patiently in line to receive Storm Assistance benefits at our Salinas Office. Salinas, CA
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Diaper Drive
5,177 diapers donated to Catholic Charities
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On Monday, May 15th, Christ Child Society of Monterey Bay volunteers were on hand at St. Angela’s Church in Pacific Grove to collect boxes of diapers from drive-thru donors for families in need. More than 400 boxes of diapers were collected from various churches, schools, and individuals. The diapers were distributed to various nonprofit partners, including Catholic Charities.
We received a total of 5,177 diapers for distribution. The diapers were greatly appreciated by families who were affected by the recent storms. We thank Christ Child Society of Monterey Bay's for their generosity and support.
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For many of our clients, diapers are essential in their household. |
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Diaper donations help support mothers and babies in need. |
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Personal Care Items for Storm Survivors
Pebble Beach Company Foundation donates 7,500 hygiene products for storm survivors and people in need
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Our thanks to The Pebble Beach Company Foundation for their donations of over 7,500 personal care items, including shampoo, conditioner, body wash, body lotion, and bar soaps for flood and storm survivors and low-income families. The items were packaged into 500 amenity bags by St. Angela Merici’s Faith Formation Group in Pacific Grove for Catholic Charities.
The 500 bags are currently being distributed to storm survivors and families in need in Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Benito, and San Luis Obispo counties.
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500 amenity bags were packaged with care by St. Angela Merici's Faith Formation Group. |
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These amenity bags are being distributed to families and individuals who were affected by the storms. |
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Thank You!
Our thanks to the following organizations for their tremendous support in our disaster relief efforts
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Thank you for making a difference in the lives of those impacted by the storms and floods.
Disaster Case Management:
- Catholic Charities California
- California Department of Social Services
- Catholic Charities of Santa Cruz County
Direct financial assistance:
- Community Foundation Santa Cruz County
- Community Foundation for Monterey County
- Community Foundation for San Benito County
- Catholic Charities USA
- Diocese of Monterey Parishes and Parishioners
- Farmworker Caravan
- Individual Donors
Volunteer Support:
- Ministerio Hispano, Diocese of Monterey
In-Kind Donations:
- Pebble Beach Company Foundation
- Christ Child Society of Monterey Bay
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Welcome - Bienvenidos 🎉
In the past six months, we welcomed the following new hires to our team to better serve our communities
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Our organization is growing! We are excited to have talented and dedicated individuals join our team. These new staff members bring valuable skills and experience to their respective departments. Together, we will continue to build a better future for our communities.
Administrative Staff
- Maria Del Toro, Intake Receptionist (Seaside)
- Sheryl Sousa, Intake Receptionist (Watsonville)
- Zachary Dawn, Accountant (Seaside)
Family Supportive Services Program
- Mayela Anaya, Family Resource Specialist (San Luis Obispo)
- Rosa Beltran, Family Resource Specialist (Salinas)
Disaster Relief Program
- Nancy Anaya, Disaster Case Manager Coordinator
- Leslie Ayala, Intake Referral Specialist
- Celeste Islas, Disaster Case Manager
- Maria Godinez, Disaster Case Manager
Immigration and Citizenship Program
- Kim Velasquez, Immigration Resource Specialist- Removal Defense
- Stephania Isidro-Diaz, Immigration Case Specialist (Salinas)
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In partnership and with much gratitude,
Angela Di Novella, MSW
Executive Director
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Our mission is to provide service to people in need, to advocate for social justice, and to call other people of good will to do the same. |
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