Memorandum
Date: March 12, 2024
To: The Honorable Lake County Board of Supervisors
From: Jessica Pyska, District 5 Supervisor
Subject: Presentation of American Red Cross Community Adaptation Program
Executive Summary:
The Red Cross is working to strengthen local partner networks in 15 disaster-prone counties across the country where families are already struggling with chronic social issues, including the County of Lake.
• The climate crisis is taking a heavier toll on frontline communities - low-income families, older adults, communities of color and people with disabilities in disaster prone locations - many of which face other systemic challenges.
• Further, climate-driven disasters are forcing families from their homes, communities and support networks. This is especially dire for those who lack the resources to get back on their feet or already depend on social services, such as food banks or free health clinics.
When families with underlying vulnerabilities flee from their homes because of extreme weather, they tend to remain displaced for longer periods of time, experience an increased risk of poverty, and suffer from worsening chronic housing, hunger and health challenges.
• As the nation’s largest provider of emergency sheltering, the Red Cross works one-on-one with people to help them recover after disasters. Firsthand, we see how struggles with long-term health conditions, food insecurity, and the availability of safe and affordable housing are worsened by disasters. By forging new partnerships with local nonprofits that provide services related to health, hunger and housing the Red Cross seeks to build more resilient communities that are better equipped for the climate crisis.
• Together, we’re developing immersive collaborations focused on holistically enhancing our partner’s ability to deliver services and improve access to health and mental health services, nutritious food and safe housing for local families who are underserved.
• Our field staff work together with partners to design enhancements that increase the partner’s capacity and capabilities to deliver community services before, during and after disasters. Some of the support we will provide to partners could include grants, subject matter expertise, data sharing and analysis, volunteer exchanges, training and materials or equipment.
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Estimated Cost: ________ Amount Budgeted: ________ Additional Requested: ________ Future Annual Cost: ________
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☐ Well-being of Residents ☐ Public Safety ☒ Disaster Prevention, Preparedness, Recovery
☐ Economic Development ☐ Infrastructure ☐ County Workforce
☐ Community Collaboration ☐ Business Process Efficiency ☐ Clear Lake
Recommended Action: Presentation Only.