How to help San Diegans impacted by flooding: Where to donate, volunteer

Above: Drone 5 flying over damage to San Diego’s Southcrest neighborhood after Monday’s flooding.

SAN DIEGO — Hundreds of San Diegans were devastated by the catastrophic flooding brought on by the winter storm that slammed the region Monday with record-breaking rainfall.

Areas of southeastern San Diego, South Bay and near the Tijuana River Valley were among the hardest hit by the storm, with nearly four inches of rain falling in those areas within a matter of hours as the storm’s core moved directly overhead.

In those communities, roads became rivers of flood water, sweeping away cars and overtaking homes. Since then, residents have been left to dig the remnants of their home out of piles of mud and other debris.

Widespread damage from the deluge prompted multiple emergency declarations from local and state officials, with the goal of opening up more resources for the community to recover. However, officials say it may be weeks — if not months — before that help may materialize.

MORE: Downpour from storm drenches San Diego

In the meantime, a slew of community organizations are working to help victims of the flooding or support other disaster relief efforts. Here are a few places seeking donations or volunteers to aid in San Diego’s recovery from the storm.

For those impacted, the City of San Diego and County of San Diego have lists of resources available on their respective websites.

Ways to donate to help flood victims

San Diego Foundation

The San Diego Foundation launched the San Diego Flood Response Fund in coordination with the County of San Diego earlier this week to deploy resources to organizations in the community supporting relief efforts. Currently, the nonprofit is matching all donations up to $100,000 and is only accepting monetary donations.

GoFundMe.com

GoFundMe.com has launched a centralized hub for all verified fundraisers hosted through its website, relating to flooding from winter storms across the country. Individual fundraisers to go directly to those impacted by the San Diego flooding are listed at the top of the hub, as of Friday.

County of San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce

The County of San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce (CSDBCC) will be providing grant funding and technical assistance to businesses affected by the flooding, particularly focusing on those located within San Diego County’s fourth supervisorial district who was hardest hit by the storm.

To donate to the fund, people can do so either through the San Diego Foundation or by contacting CSDBCC President and CEO Donna DeBerry at ddeberry@sdblackchamber.org.

American Red Cross

American Red Cross is one of numerous organizations aiding those impacted by the flooding on Monday, including running three temporary shelters for displaced residents. More information on the resources it currently has available for those impacted can be found here.

Jackie Robinson YMCA

The Jackie Robinson Family YMCA has opened its doors to community members impacted by the floods, offering services like free showers and mental health support.

According Jackie Robinson Family YMCA staff, they are looking for donations of gently used blankets, jackets or towels, as well as personal hygiene items. If you would like to donate any of these items, they can be dropped off at the location at 151 YMCA Way between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. They are also accepting monetary donations through the YMCA of San Diego County.

San Diego Humane Society

The San Diego Humane Society is accepting donations of new or gently-used blankets, towels, flat sheets and pillow cases for displaced pets at any of its shelters across the county from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Monetary donations can also be made online.

Looking for other ways to help instead of donating?

Help Southcrest and Shelltown

The office for San Diego City Council District 4 will be organizing a clean-up event in Southcrest and Shelltown Saturday, Jan. 26 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. For more information about the event, call the office at 619-236-6644.

Councilmember Vivian Moreno will also be holding a clean-up on Saturday in Southcrest, launching at 8 a.m. from the Southcrest Recreation Field at 4149 Newton Avenue. For more information on this clean-up, contact the San Diego City Council District 2 office at 619-236-6688.

National City Neighborhood Clean-Up

District 2 in National City is hosting a community clean-up day on Saturday, Jan. 27 from 8 a.m. to noon. Residents will be able to bring trash and other waste for free disposal. More information on the event, which will be held at the football field parking lot across from El Toyon Park on South U Avenue, can be found here.

Pillars of the Community

Pillars of the Community and other community organizations are working to connect volunteers to residents who were impacted by the storm. According to the group, they are particularly searching for volunteers who can lift heavy objects. For more information, contact 619-630-7195.

Know of any other events happening to help San Diegans affected by Monday’s storm? Email them to ddawson@fox5sandiego.com.

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