Here’s How You Can Help Montecito Victims

(Photo: Ryan Cullom, American Red Cross)

Source: County of Santa Barbara

Firefighters greatly appreciate that the community wants to make donations of food, clothing, and money, but they want the community to know that they are adequately taken care of and ask that you donate to disaster relief organizations such as the American Red Cross, Foodbank of Santa Babara County, etc. United Way of Santa Barbara County is also a lead agency for the region accepting cash donations. Do not bring donations to the Incident Command Post.

If you are wanting to financially support the incident, please be advised that individuals often take advantage of the situation by setting up false GoFundMe websites and other types of fundraising accounts that are not legitimate. If you are interested in donating to help in an incident, call and verify that the beneficiary is authentic.

Here are verified ways the community can donate and support efforts throughout the community:

United Way of Santa Barbara County has joined forces to directly support those individuals and families affected by the January Storm through the United Way Thomas Fire and Flood Fund. Nonperishable food, new clothing, toiletries and monetary donations are being accepted at the agencies listed below. Used clothing, bedding and toys are not being accepted. 

United Way of Santa Barbara County 

Monetary donations are accepted at:

• www.unitedwaythomasfirefund.org
• Call: (805) 965-8591
• 320 E. Gutierrez St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101

American Red Cross

Monetary donations are accepted at:

• www.redcross.org
• Text “redcross” to 90999

Foodbank of Santa Barbara County

Monetary Donations, nonperishable foods, and fresh produce are accepted at:

• 4554 Hollister Ave., Santa Barbara, CA 93110
• 1525 State St., Ste 100, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
• 490 W. Foster Rd., Santa Maria, CA 93455

Salvation Army

Unopened and canned food and monetary donations are accepted at:

• 423 Chapala St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Unity Shoppe

New clothing, shoes, blankets, toiletries and monetary donations are accepted at:

• 1401 Chapala St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Direct Relief International

https://www.directrelief.org/ways-to-give/

Habitat for Humanity

Accepting volunteers and monetary donations: www.sbhabitat.org or call (805) 692-2226.