Home Care Providers Camp Fire Fund
Tax deductible
United Domestic Workers of America (UDW/AFSCME 3930) represents over 3,500 In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) providers in Butte County. IHSS provides home care to low-income seniors and people with disabilities - some of the people most impacted by the Camp Fire. Many of those providers care for family members, loved ones and neighbors. They perform the essential work of feeding, dressing and caring for people with disabilities and seniors. Tragically, more than 500 of our members live in the areas of Magalia and Paradise that are estimated to be a total loss and more than 2,000 are impacted by the fire evacuation. Many are currently displaced, living in parking lots and hotels far from their homes.
ONE MEMBER’S STORY
One UDW member impacted by the Camp Fire is Tina Cuadra. Tina’s client, her husband, is a recipient of a liver transplant and needed to relocate as far from the toxic smoke as possible to protect his critically weakened immune system. They are currently living in a Motel 6 in Anderson, California, approximately 60 miles north of Chico. Three years ago, she bought her home in Paradise from her grandfather; on Saturday she got visual confirmation that it was destroyed by the fire. The insurance company is covering the costs of her motel; however, they are running out of money to support their basic needs. Their motel room does not have a stove nor a washing machine. She can barely afford to buy groceries even though she is unable to cook anything. They have been surviving for the past two weeks on non-perishable foods – most of it donated by “good Samaritans.” She has also received clothing donations but due to her husband’s highly sensitive condition, and the lack of access to a laundromat, neither of them have worn the donated clothing. She was denied Cal-Fresh due to her housing situation. Due to her husband’s condition, limited local resources, and diminishing finances, she is unable to travel to Chico to access the resources there.
Tina and her husband are one story of many; their struggle sheds light on the issues evacuees face when relocating outside of Butte county – access to disaster relief services are limited.
BUTTE HOME CARE WORKERS NEED HELP
UDW has created a relief fund for their members who have been impacted by the Camp Fire. Funds are needed for immediate relief such as food, clothing, gas and personal care items. Some IHSS providers and clients are also reporting an urgent need for wheelchairs, shower chairs and other durable medical equipment. As time goes on and the immediate tragedy gives way to long-term grief and rebuilding, these individuals will need secure housing, health care, employment and other tools to rebuild their lives.
IHSS providers in Butte County are an indispensable asset to their clients and their communities that allow their clients to live at home in dignity and comfort and dignity instead of an institution. But these crucial workers make only $11 an hour in Butte County. Providers like Tina face an uncertain path as they attempt to rebuild their lives and care for their vulnerable clients.
Please support the Butte IHSS community by contributing to this fund.
ONE MEMBER’S STORY
One UDW member impacted by the Camp Fire is Tina Cuadra. Tina’s client, her husband, is a recipient of a liver transplant and needed to relocate as far from the toxic smoke as possible to protect his critically weakened immune system. They are currently living in a Motel 6 in Anderson, California, approximately 60 miles north of Chico. Three years ago, she bought her home in Paradise from her grandfather; on Saturday she got visual confirmation that it was destroyed by the fire. The insurance company is covering the costs of her motel; however, they are running out of money to support their basic needs. Their motel room does not have a stove nor a washing machine. She can barely afford to buy groceries even though she is unable to cook anything. They have been surviving for the past two weeks on non-perishable foods – most of it donated by “good Samaritans.” She has also received clothing donations but due to her husband’s highly sensitive condition, and the lack of access to a laundromat, neither of them have worn the donated clothing. She was denied Cal-Fresh due to her housing situation. Due to her husband’s condition, limited local resources, and diminishing finances, she is unable to travel to Chico to access the resources there.
Tina and her husband are one story of many; their struggle sheds light on the issues evacuees face when relocating outside of Butte county – access to disaster relief services are limited.
BUTTE HOME CARE WORKERS NEED HELP
UDW has created a relief fund for their members who have been impacted by the Camp Fire. Funds are needed for immediate relief such as food, clothing, gas and personal care items. Some IHSS providers and clients are also reporting an urgent need for wheelchairs, shower chairs and other durable medical equipment. As time goes on and the immediate tragedy gives way to long-term grief and rebuilding, these individuals will need secure housing, health care, employment and other tools to rebuild their lives.
IHSS providers in Butte County are an indispensable asset to their clients and their communities that allow their clients to live at home in dignity and comfort and dignity instead of an institution. But these crucial workers make only $11 an hour in Butte County. Providers like Tina face an uncertain path as they attempt to rebuild their lives and care for their vulnerable clients.
Please support the Butte IHSS community by contributing to this fund.
Fundraising team (2)
Amanda Ream
Organizer
United Domestic Workers of America B5 Corporation
Beneficiary
Cherie Parker
Team member