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LIST: Resources providing aid to flood victims in San Diego & how you can help

Scroll for links to storm response, recovery, fundraisers and 10News' continuing coverage of this story.
san diego street flood january 22 2024
Gregory Bull/AP
A car sits partially submerged on a flooded road during a rain storm Monday, Jan. 22, 2024, in San Diego.
san diego street flood january 22 2024
Posted at 3:10 PM, Jan 25, 2024
and last updated 2024-04-23 12:44:14-04

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — It's been nearly three months since historic rainfall and flooding impacted the San Diego area, and local communities are still joining forces to provide aid and lend a hand to victims of the Jan. 22 storm.

According to a FEMA spokesperson, more than $22 million in federal aid has been distributed to San Diego residents to help them repair the damage to their homes and property. More than 2,900 applications for aid have been approved following the presidential disaster declaration.

The money from FEMA is also helping people secure temporary lodging and rental assistance as they work to get their homes fixed.

Individuals, families and business owners in San Diego County impacted by the storm had until April 19 to apply for disaster assistance.

Now that the application period has ended, FEMA has provided insight into the various circumstances that determine how long it takes for a grant to be issued. FEMA says it can take as little as a week or even two months or longer. The criteria are as follows:

  • How long it takes to schedule a home inspection to verify damage
  • Waiting for the insurance settlement because FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payouts
  • Delays in getting other documentation to FEMA, to processing an appeal if applicable.

A spokesperson told 10News on Monday, April 22, that 200 applications from San Diegans were still pending, since the applicants still needed to submit documentation connected to their claim. FEMA says its inspectors are working to process more than 450 outstanding inspection orders.
The spokesperson says many of those outstanding orders came from the deadline rush, but there was also a backlog because inspectors weren't able to schedule times to review the cases of certain applicants.

Here's a breakdown of where the $22 million that's been approved so far has gone:

  • $9.2 million for repairs -- grants are meant to help applicants return their home to a safe and livable condition.
    • Average grant: $9,000
  • $9.2 million in temporary rental assistance
    • Average grant not relevant here because the number may be skewed by those who have applied for and gotten continued rental assistance.
  • $3.9 million for other needs -- grants to help pay for personal property replacement and other serious storm-related needs—such as moving and storage fees, transportation, childcare, and medical and dental expenses.
    • Average grant: nearly $1,800

Here's how you can check the status of your application:

Below, you'll find more information on how FEMA is helping those affected by January's severe storms and flooding:

The San Diego Foundation has launched the San Diego Flood Response Fund to support communities and organizations doing their part to aid storm victims. The foundation accepts donations, and the money will be used for emergency grants to nonprofit service organizations on the front lines of the disaster response.
The foundation followed through on its initial promise and matched $100,000 in donations. On Feb. 6, it announced that more than $830,000 had been raised; however, the goal is to raise at least $1.5 million. The foundation says it will match new donations up to $500,000.

You can make a donation here.

If you need shelter because of storm damage or flooding, San Diego County is providing 30 days of temporary housing. This includes people who have already used vouchers for short-term hotel stays. New applications for emergency housing will be accepted through Feb. 23. You can call 211 to apply.

Below, you'll find more links to information from the city, county and community groups related to storm response, including sandbag locations and free vehicle removal:

The Jackie Robinson Family YMCA is collecting donations, including gently used blankets, pillows, jackets and towels. They're also collecting personal hygiene items. It's located at 151 YMCA Way, San Diego, CA 92102. The facility is open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Jackie Robinson Family YMCA is also offering mental health support — send an email here to get connected.

Individual members of the community are also organizing donation drives to help victims as well. After handing out home-cooked meals in Barrio Logan all week, the Hernadezes are now collecting supplies at the following addresses:

  • 576 Garrett Ave., Chula Vista, CA 91910
  • 642 S 33rd St., San Diego, CA 92113

For small businesses and nonprofits, the city will provide emergency relief grants up to $2,500 per applicant. Applications will be accepted from Feb. 12 to Feb. 27.

A common device for direct aid tied to our stories is the crowdfunding platform GoFundMe.

Below, you'll find a list of the GoFundMe fundraisers connected to the flooding stories 10News has covered so far:

Although the Red Cross has closed its emergency shelters, the organization will still help if you need assistance: 1-800-RED-CROSS.

ABC 10News is committed to telling this story from start to finish. Our team of journalists will keep a pulse on the storm recovery as developments happen, and we will continue to check in on how the victims are doing. Find our robust coverage of the storm and its aftermath below.

CONTINUING COVERAGE:

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