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Natural Disaster Relief

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CZU LIGHTNING
COMPLEX FIRE

In 2020, a massive wildfire burned 86,000 acres through Santa Cruz and San Mateo Counties and forced mandatory evacuations on 60,000 households. When the fire was finally contained 37 days after it started, 911 homes were reduced to smoldering mounds of rubble, and thousands of Santa Cruz County residents were displaced. Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay stepped in to help fire survivors rebuild their lives, offering hope and practical support when it was needed most.

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OUR COMMITMENT

As part of our commitment to disaster relief, Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay partnered with SCCLTRG’s Volunteer Re-Build Program to provide long-term recovery solutions. This includes constructing new homes specifically for families who lost everything in the CZU fires. At our Rodeo Creek Court development in Santa Cruz, two Habitat homes have been designated for fire survivors—offering safe, affordable places to call home. Families like the Polittes, along with a local military veteran, have worked side by side with volunteers to build these houses, turning heartbreak into hope and resilience.

BEYOND THE RE-BUILD

Beyond building new homes, our team provides guidance, resources, and community connections for those navigating the complex road to recovery. We believe everyone deserves a decent place to live, especially those whose lives have been disrupted by disaster.

Your support, through donations, volunteering, or advocacy, makes it possible for Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay to help families return home and rebuild their futures stronger than ever.

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