In the wake of the devastating wildfires in 2017 and 2020, UpValley Family Centers (UVFC) has been a lifeline for many in our community, thanks to grants from NVCF.
The 2020 fires took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, creating unique challenges. “Many of our clients in 2020 had no insurance and were on fixed incomes, making recovery even harder,” Susana Garcia-Sanchez, UVFC Disaster Case Manager, shares. “But with NVCF’s support, we could help stabilize their lives.”
Staff had to meet clients where they were. “We might focus on housing, while our client is more worried about needing a car to get to work. He’s not thinking ‘I need a place to stay’. He’s thinking, ‘I need to buy a car because that’s going to provide me income,’” shares Susana.
Beyond financial aid, UVFC helps connect clients with other services, like mental health, legal services, and access to food. Tania Lopez, Program Manager, emphasizes, “That [support] made all the difference for families. Some folks had no means of paying their rent; we were able to keep them housed.”
One success was helping a small business owner who had lost everything in 2017. Through NVCF’s financial support, the client was able to rebuild her life and her business. “As we were going through the process [of replacing her modular home lost in the fires], she became pregnant,” Tania shares.
“Now we see their family in the community, they’re happily back in their home.”
Tania reflects, “Without NVCF, there’s a lot we would not have been able to do. The Foundation’s quick action and generous grants were vital in offering immediate assistance to those who lost their homes or jobs.”
Learn more about our disaster recovery work: napavalleycf.org/disaster