A local agency has been awarded nearly $1 million in emergency funding by the state to provide assistance to residents hit hard by January’s storms, it was announced Thursday.
With this award, from the California Employment Development Department and Workforce Development System, the San Diego Workforce Partnership will collaborate with the county, city and San Diego Labor Council on temporary job-creation projects.
San Diego County Board of Supervisors Chair Nora Vargas said the funding will provide “essential aid, including rental assistance, legal services, transportation and childcare support” to individuals and businesses in need.
“No one predicted the unprecedented impact of these storms that resulted in severe flooding, property damages and displacement across the county, and we stand ready, willing and able to help our neighbors throughout San Diego County in their time of need,” she added.
According to the workforce partnership, an estimated 20,000 employers and 80,000 jobs stand at risk from temporary or permanent damages, the majority of which was to small businesses.
“I’m grateful these funds will help provide much-needed relief and temporary employment opportunities to help rebuild and recover,” said San Diego County Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe, adding that she has seen first hand the “catastrophic” nature of the flooding.
According to a statement from the partnership, officials will collaborate with local authorities to assess needs and get relief to the most severely impacted communities.
“This is an opportunity to come together and focus on supporting San Diegans who were affected by the winter storms,” said Tony Young, interim president and CEO of the workforce partnership. “We are dedicated to this effort and this funding will enable us to provide critical assistance to those in need.”
Additionally, the organization will continue to engage directly with local employers to support recruitment, retention and business continuity efforts.
“Now is the time when the San Diegans impacted by the flood disaster most deserve to feel and be supported,” said San Diego City Council President Sean Elo-Rivera. “This award could not have come at a better time.”
– City News Service