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Collaboration helps Freeze Fund

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Contributed by: Michael Hoffman on 4/9/2007

When the crop-devastating freezing temperatures hit Ventura County and other parts of the state in January, the livelihood of several thousand agricultural workers was disrupted. In Ventura County alone, the freeze and its repercussions in the berry, citrus and landscaping industries hit an estimated 15,000 workers.

Since then, however, a coalition of community organizations have worked to distribute more than $330,000, primarily to help people with basic needs: housing and food.

Within days of the freeze which caused $281 million in damage in the county, three groups helped spearhead a response: the United Way of Ventura County, the Coastal Alliance United for Economic Sustainability and the Ventura County Community Foundation. The trio helped organize a group of 30 community organizations to funnel money quickly to those in need. Shifting into quick response mode, the grassroots groups took on particular needs and acted rapidly, said Hugh Ralston, the community foundation's president and CEO.

"They have really been able to collaborate," Ralston said.

Seventy percent of the money from the Freeze Fund, as the program is known, has covered housing costs. The remaining 30 percent has gone for food. More than $440,000 has been raised, with the majority coming from the California Endowment. Organizers hope to eventually bring in $600,000 for the fund.

The need for help is shifting with the seasons. With the strawberry harvest picking up, Ralston expects assistance to move from the Oxnard plain to the Santa Clara River valley. Avocado and citrus trees in that region will take longer to bounce back from the damage.

To contribute to the relief fund, send your donation to the VCCF, Suite 150, 1317 Del Norte Road, Camarillo, CA 93010.

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