The James M. Cox Foundation has awarded a $100,000 grant to the Chicano Federation to support its emergency relief efforts in the wake of the destructive flooding in San Diego last month.
The Chicano Federation is providing emergency assistance to dozens of residents who were displaced from their affordable housing units in City Heights and Shelltown, two low-income neighborhoods hit hardest by flooding.
Many residents also lost their vehicles to water damage.
“Most of the families staying in our affordable housing complexes already had very little to begin with and now they’ve lost it all,” said Chicano Federation CEO Liz Ramirez. “It’s so heartbreaking to see, but I’m just grateful that they’re safe.
“Our organization and tenants are grateful to the James M. Cox Foundation for this $100,000 grant that will enable us to provide our displaced families with the support and necessities they need as soon as possible.”
The grant will be used to help provide:
- Temporary emergency shelter at nearby hotels for more than 70 tenants — including a newborn who was just 10 days old when the floods forced residents to evacuate.
- Weekly groceries and items for basic needs including diapers and toiletries.
- One-on-one case worker support for displaced tenants.
- Alternative transportation for those whose cars were damaged or swept away in the flood.
- Emergency restoration of 30 completely flooded units including remediation and construction.
- Appliances and other furniture needs once the units are habitable again.
The James M. Cox Foundation is the charitable arm of Cox Enterprises, parent company of Cox Communications, and named after the company’s founder.
“The James M. Cox Foundation always steps up for communities in need, and I’d like to thank the foundation for doing so, once again, by expediting this generous and much-needed donation,” said Sam Attisha, senior vice president and region manager for Cox Communications’ West Region.
“We’ve partnered with the Chicano Federation for nearly 20 years to make a positive impact in our community, and the work they’re doing in the wake of this disaster is critical. This grant will help the Chicano Federation address both the immediate and long-term needs of displaced San Diegans.”
The Chicano Federation is accepting donations online to help residents with immediate temporary housing, food, daily living essentials and transportation needs as they remain evacuated from their homes and their vehicles were damaged and inoperable.
