AARP Foundation Announces $1.2 Million in Grants to Help Victims of California Wildfires

Donations Will Be Used to Provide Relief to People - Especially Those 50 and Older - Who Have Been Displaced or Otherwise Impacted by the 2018 Camp and Woolsey Wildfires

News provided by

AARP Foundation

Feb 19, 2019, 12:05 ET

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- AARP Foundation today announced the grant recipients of its fundraising campaign for the victims of the California wildfires. With matching funds from AARP and AARP Foundation, the grants will provide $1.2 million to help people impacted by the fires' destruction.

"When a disaster strikes, few are more vulnerable than older adults," said Lisa Marsh Ryerson, president, AARP Foundation. "We are grateful to all who contributed so generously to our relief fund, which will help older adults to recover and rebuild."

The grants will be given to organizations offering direct aid and legal services, such as FEMA application submissions, that help older adults who survived the wildfires. Grantees also include organizations that provide relief to veterans and developmentally disabled adults.

Grantees of AARP Foundation's California wildfire relief fund include:

North Valley Community Foundation
Legal Services of Northern California
United Way of Northern California
Community Action Agency of Butte County
California Vocations, Inc.
Chico Veterans Resource Center
Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles
Ventura County Community Foundation
California Community Foundation

The 2018 California wildfires have long-lasting effects on their respective communities. In Northern California, the state's deadliest wildfire on record — the Camp Fire — destroyed more than 10,300 buildings and displaced more than 52,000 people. The Woolsey Fire, in Southern California, forced more than 200,000 to evacuate and left hundreds of buildings in ruins.

For more information on AARP Foundation and its relief fundraising efforts, please visit AARPFoundation.org.

About AARP Foundation

AARP Foundation works to end senior poverty by helping vulnerable older adults build economic opportunity and social connections. As AARP's charitable affiliate, we serve AARP members and nonmembers alike. Bolstered by vigorous legal advocacy, we spark bold, innovative solutions that foster resilience, strengthen communities and restore hope.

To learn more visit aarpfoundation.org.

SOURCE AARP Foundation