On April 11, the County of Alameda activated our Disaster Relief Fund to help address the growing needs facing our residents, community-based organizations, first responders and health care workers due to the COVID-19 pandemic and emergency declarations.
To address the extraordinary impact of the Coronavirus pandemic, the County is reaching out to our philanthropic, business, private, public non-profits and other partners to support vital needs by donating to our COVID-19 Disaster Relief Funds.
“Alameda County has a proud history of rising up to help those in need during emergencies and disasters – and the crisis we currently face is like none other in recent history,” states County Administrator Susan S. Muranishi. “Looking ahead, we are just beginning to understand and address the impact of the pandemic. What we do know, without doubt, is that many will certainly face financial struggles and unforeseen challenges in the days, weeks and months ahead.”
The COVID-19 pandemic, related emergency declarations and public health orders are impacting residents and community partners. As we all strive to flatten the curve and support our most vulnerable populations, the number of people affected by the virus will climb.
The Alameda County Board of Supervisors approved reactivation of the Disaster Relief Fund at its meeting on March 31, 2020, a fund it initially established in response to September 11, 2001. It has been reactivated numerous times in response to tragedies including Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the Northern Japan Earthquake/Tsunami in 2011, the fatal Ghost Ship warehouse fire in Oakland in 2016 and the 2018 California wildfires.
Due to the enormous and varied needs facing the community and the health care systems at this time, the County has established two separate funds:
The first is the COVID-19 Disaster Relief Emergency Fund that will provide needed services to those directly affected by the pandemic. All monetary contributions will assist residents that are directly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds will provide emergency relief to families, youth and seniors that may need assistance. Support will include needs such as emergency childcare, shelter and food aid, personal protective equipment (PPE), continuation of client benefits, emergency relief for community-based partners and other services directly related to combating the pandemic.
The second is the COVID-19 Disaster Relief Recovery Fund that will accept cash donations to purchase PPE and other supplies to assist those fighting the pandemic, such as first responders, emergency workers and health care providers. Donations will be accepted from individuals, philanthropy and businesses.
Please note that donors must designate either the Emergency or Recovery Fund along with your donations.
Cash donations may be contributed by sending a personal check payable to the Alameda County Disaster Relief Fund c/o the Auditor-Controller Agency, 1221 Oak Street, Room 238, Oakland, CA 94612 (Tax ID # 94-6000501). Credit card donations can be made through the Disaster Relief Fund website. Please identify whether funds are being donated to the Emergency or Recovery fund.
In addition to the Emergency and Recovery Funds, the County is also organizing donations of much needed personal protective equipment (PPE). We can only accept new items in original packaging.
Supplies we need include:
- N95 or P100 Respirator Masks
- Surgical Masks
- Protective Gowns
- Disposable Gloves
- Hand Sanitizer
- Disinfectants & Wipes
- Goggles & Eye Protection
To donate please visit: https://acgovcares.org/#ppedonations
We thank you for your generosity of spirit. Because of your contributions we are able to support each other in the face of crisis and uncertain times.