A Day to Remember in San Diego
January 22, 2024, marked a tragic day in San Diego when catastrophic flooding affected more than 2,500 homes, particularly in Southeastern San Diego. The flooding destroyed homes, displaced families, and left many businesses in ruin, including the Joe & Vi Jacobs Center building. But amid this devastation, a beacon of hope emerged in the form of local organizations stepping up to rebuild and support the community.
The Need for Community Support After the Floods
The aftermath of the January floods left thousands in need of immediate help. Over 9,000 people applied for FEMA assistance, but even with these efforts, there were not enough resources to meet the overwhelming demand. The road to recovery is long, with homes still under repair, and many families still without a permanent place to call home. The Harvey Family Foundation, Urban Collaborative Project CDC, Jackie Robinson YMCA and many other community-based organizations stepped in to help those in need.
The Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation Steps In
To help meet the urgent needs of affected families, the Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation partnered with several key organizations, including the Jacobs Family Foundation, City Heights CDC, and the California Health Care Foundation. Through these partnerships, the Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation was able to collect $50,000 in grant funds to aid in the recovery process.
On October 20, 2024, during the Harvey Family Foundation Family Day event, the Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation provided $50,000 in funding to two vital community organizations: the Harvey Family Foundation and the Urban Collaborative Project CDC, each receiving $25,000. These organizations have been on the frontlines of recovery efforts, working tirelessly to rebuild homes and support displaced families.
A Word of Gratitude from the Harvey Family Foundation
Armon Harvey, Executive Director of the Harvey Family Foundation, expressed deep gratitude for the support. “During the time of devastation and disaster, philanthropy continues to fill the void where so many other agencies have fallen off,” Harvey said. “We can’t thank the Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation enough for doing just that, filling another void in helping families get back home for the holidays. This $25,000 donation will go to the most vulnerable of the January 22 floods to help them return home.”
Building a Future of Preparedness and Resilience
In addition to their efforts to help those displaced by the floods, the Harvey Family Foundation, Urban Collaborative Project CDC, Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation and partners are planning to create a disaster preparedness plan for the community. This network will ensure that future disasters are met with a robust, community-driven response, helping families and neighborhoods recover faster and more effectively.
Strengthening San Diego’s Community Resilience
The devastating floods of January 2024 reminded San Diego of the importance of community collaboration and the power of philanthropy. The efforts of the Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation, the Harvey Family Foundation, and the Urban Collaborative Project CDC exemplify the strength of local partnerships in the face of adversity. With continued support, the community will not only recover but emerge stronger and more resilient, ready to face future challenges together.
Donate to Harvey Family Foundation and Urban Collaborative Project CDC to support flood recovery efforts.