How to help those affected by Tropical Storm Hilary in the Coachella Valley and beyond

Ema Sasic, Palm Springs Desert Sun
Updated ·4 min read

Tropical Storm Hilary's heavy rainfall and winds may be long gone in the Coachella Valley, but its devastating effects are still seen and felt in many communities.

As residents and cities continue cleanup efforts caused by flooding, a number of assistance efforts are underway to help those most affected.

Inland Empire Community Foundation

The Inland Empire Community Foundation is now accepting online donations to the Inland Empire Disaster Relief Fund to assist local nonprofit organizations as they help those most impacted by the storm.

"IECF has a long-standing commitment to fostering resilience within our communities. When challenges arise, our support is unwavering. With the ability to mobilize funds for nonprofits so they reach our neighbors who are most in need, we invite community members to donate today to the IECF Disaster Relief Funds," Jeremy Hobbs, IECF board vice chair, said in a statement. "As a region, we are not just weathering the storm, but building a brighter future, rooted in compassion, solidarity, and enduring care."

The Inland Empire Community Foundation is a nonprofit, public charity that helps people, families and businesses through permanent charitable funds, according to its website.

Contributions made to the Inland Empire Disaster Relief Fund will be used to address the short- and long-term needs of those affected by the storm, the nonprofit said. The foundation added that it will work with other local nonprofits and service providers to identify "the greatest needs and best resources for helping these communities recover in the days and weeks ahead."

Donations can be made online at:

TODEC Legal Center

TODEC Legal Center, a nonprofit that provides resources and empowers the immigrant community, is fundraising to help eastern Coachella Valley storm victims. Donations can be made at https://todec.org/donate/

Many had their homes damaged, explained TODEC Executive Director Luz Gallegos, and farmworkers are unable to return to work and are struggling to financially provide for their families.

"We need to take care of the workers, and that's what I told the governor. If our farmworkers are well, their families and community are thriving," Gallegos said. "It just hurts our hearts that (it takes) a crisis like the pandemic, something like this, to shine a light on inequities that have existed for decades.

Days prior to the storm, Gallegos said the nonprofit utilized its unrestricted funds to provide gift cards and protective gear, such as rain boots and jackets, to east valley residents.

City of Palm Desert and American Red Cross

The City of Palm Desert stated that 30 to 40 residents in the Spanish Walk neighborhood have been displaced due to the Mid-Valley Channel overflowing its embankments. The city is providing shelter and working with the American Red Cross to offer supplies and other essential goods. Officials say those wanting to help displaced residents can visit www.redcross.org

Palm Springs Air Museum

The Palm Springs Air Museum is collecting donations to help Cathedral City residents adversely affected by Tropical Storm Hilary. The donation fund can be found at indiegogo.com/projects/tropical-storm-hilary-flood-relief-efforts#/ The museum is hoping to raise $20,000 to support flood victims. Donations can be made through Oct. 21.

Anyone who donates $200 or more will receive one free ride on the museum’s C-47 Skytrain. The promotion is limited to one per person.

Around 60 out of 315 homes in Cathedral City's Canyon Mobile Home Community had flooding either in the houses or garages. Additionally, 14 seniors were pulled from a Cathedral City home care facility Monday after a mudflow that developed late Sunday night trapped several people in cars and homes.

"During these difficult times, our hearts extend to all in our community who’ve felt the impact of the recent storm,” museum Vice Chairman Fred Bell said in a statement. "The Palm Springs Air Museum wants to be a beacon of hope and solidarity as the community faces adversity."

Other resources

The Riverside County Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder offers property tax relief to residents if a major calamity, such as fire or flooding, damages or destroys their property. To learn more, visit www.rivcoacr.org/disaster-relief

Disaster recovery information is also available on the county's Emergency Management Department's website at https://rivcoready.org/active-events/disaster-recovery

Ema Sasic covers entertainment and health in the Coachella Valley. Reach her at ema.sasic@desertsun.com or on Twitter @ema_sasic.

Coverage of nonprofits in the Coachella Valley for The Desert Sun is supported by a grant from the CIELO Fund through the Inland Empire Community Foundation.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Help is available to those affected by Tropical Storm Hilary