How to Help Communities and Individuals Impacted by Deadly California Storms

Rebecca Aizin
·3 min read
Gerardo Medina, 21, is cleaning up water inside Union Station on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023, in Los Angeles, CA. The torrential rain led to flooding in the pedestrian walkway inside Union Station.
Gerardo Medina, 21, is cleaning up water inside Union Station on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023, in Los Angeles, CA. The torrential rain led to flooding in the pedestrian walkway inside Union Station.
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Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times via Getty

Powerful winter storms are continuing to devastate California with extreme winds and rainfall, leaving many communities in need of help.

As of Wednesday, nearly 5 million people were under flood watch as the rain moved north to Northern and Central California, including Sacramento and the North Bay, according to CNN.

At least 18 people have died since the storms started in late December and spread around the state, following a decades-long drought, per the outlet. The damage has also resulted in flooded neighborhoods, fallen trees, and massive mudslides.

RELATED: Police Identify Boy, 5, Who Was Swept Away in Calif. Flood as He and His Mom Headed to School

"We've had six storms in the last two weeks," California Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis told CNN. "This is the kind of weather you would get in a year and we compressed it just into two weeks."

According to the National Weather Service, over the past 16 days, some portions of Central California have gotten over half of its expected annual precipitation, reported KRON-TV.

Together, the storms have been "one of the deadliest disasters in the history of our state," Brian Ferguson, California Governor's Office of Emergency Services spokesman said Wednesday, per the outlet.

Here are some ways you can help.

This aerial view shows residents navigating their flooded town in Planada, California, as an "atmospheric river" continues on January 10, 2023. - Relentless storms were ravaging California again Tuesday, the latest bout of extreme weather that has left 14 people dead. Fierce storms caused flash flooding, closed key highways, toppled trees and swept away drivers and passengers -- reportedly including a five-year-old-boy who remains missing in central California.

JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty

GoFundMe

GoFundMe has set up a page where people can donate to those in need at this time through verified fundraisers.

"The GoFundMe community is coming together to help people who are raising money to rebuild, offset medical expenses, and cover memorial costs," reads a message on the page. "Donate to verified California storms and flooding fundraisers today to help people rebuild and recover."

The page will continue to be updated as more fundraisers are verified.

RELATED: Mom and Daughter Saved in Dramatic Rescue After Sinkhole Swallows 2 Cars in Storm-Battered California

One featured fundraiser was set up on behalf of the family of 2½-year-old Aeon Tocchini, who was killed when a tree fell on his family's home.

"On the evening of January 4th our worst nightmare became reality," his aunt wrote, noting that the boy was was often referred to as "Goldie" by his family because of his golden hair and because "he shined like the sun."

"If you ever had the joy of meeting Goldie, you would know the light that I speak of," Haskins added. "His light still shines so brightly in our hearts, and always will."

The list also includes a fundraiser launched by the mayor of San Mateo.

"We cannot wait for FEMA or the State, we need to step up when we see our neighbors and our local businesses in need," Mayor Lee wrote on the page, which has raised over $50,000 as of Thursday morning . "That is the San Mateo Way. San Mateans want to help folks get back on their feet."

Drivers barrel into standing water on Interstate 101 in San Francisco, California on January 4, 2023. - A bomb cyclone smashed into California on January 4, 2023, bringing powerful winds and torrential rain that was expected to cause flooding in areas already saturated by consecutive storms.
Drivers barrel into standing water on Interstate 101 in San Francisco, California on January 4, 2023. - A bomb cyclone smashed into California on January 4, 2023, bringing powerful winds and torrential rain that was expected to cause flooding in areas already saturated by consecutive storms.

JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty

Santa Cruz County Disaster Fund

One way to donate locally is to the Santa Cruz County Disaster Fund which will help residents of the region as it was battered by extreme flooding, with rainfall up to five inches and winds up to 75 miles per hour, according to The New York Times.

The money will help nonprofits in the county serving "vulnerable populations on the front line of flood," and relief and recovery work, the site says. Donations will also go to affected small businesses.

Donations can be made through Santa Cruz County's Community Foundation site.

RELATED: Parents of 5-Year-Old Boy Swept Away in Calif. Flood Share His Final Sweet Words to His Mom

Gerardo Medina, 21, is cleaning up water inside Union Station on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023, in Los Angeles, CA. The torrential rain led to flooding in the pedestrian walkway inside Union Station.
Gerardo Medina, 21, is cleaning up water inside Union Station on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023, in Los Angeles, CA. The torrential rain led to flooding in the pedestrian walkway inside Union Station.

Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times via Getty

California Community Foundation

The California Community Foundation provides emergency support for L.A.'s unhoused population as they are particularly vulnerable during the stormy season.

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They work with local organizations such as Safe Parking LA, LA Family Housing, and Village Family Services to provide immediate relief.

A donation to the organization will go toward beds, food, and shelter.