Show Up for Humboldt County's Earthquake Response

On December 20, 2022 a 6.4 magnitude earthquake hit rural Humboldt County in the early morning, followed by over 60 substantial aftershocks. The small towns and Tribal communities hit the worst- Fortuna, Ferndale, Loleta, Rio Dell, Bear River Rancheria, and Wiyot Tribe- have left community members without housing, power, and/or water, just days before the new year. Outlying communities also suffered compounding challenges with interrupted energy, winter weather, and accessibility issues. "Recovery costs are still being documented," said Bryna Lipper, CEO of the Humboldt Area Foundation and Wild Rivers Community Foundation, "but the epicenter struck economically distressed and very low income areas, with early reports of severe gaps in insurance and/or individual resources for reconstruction." Formulas that trigger a FEMA declaration for federal support are unlikely to be met because of property values in this context. The state of California has declared it a disaster.

NCG members, Humboldt Area Foundation and Wild Rivers Community Foundation (HAF + WRCF) have mobilized their Community Response Team and are coordinating with the local Community Organizations Active in Disasters to conduct outreach on urgent and priority needs of the community. The Foundation is awarding grants to the organizations and Tribes serving the most vulnerable in the community through its Disaster Response and Resilience Fund on a rolling and immediate basis. The Fund provides critical resources during disasters, including public health emergencies such as fires, droughts, earthquakes, flooding, and other natural and man-made events and aims to build capacity within our communities to help mitigate future disasters.

Demand for the Fund's resources has already exceeded its balance following grants made in the last few days. NCG invites our member community to show up for this trusted fund as it serves the most vulnerable in our community who remain impacted by this disaster. 

You can learn more by contacting Laurel Dalsted at [email protected] and clicking the link below. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FUND