Damage from California atmospheric river storms has been extensive across the state. (Photo: CAL FIRE)
Since late December, virtually all of California has been repeatedly hit by severe storms bringing unusually heavy rainfall and strong winds.
On Jan. 9 alone, as much as 90 percent of all Californians were under a flood watch. Nearly two dozen people have been killed in storm-related incidents and damages are already racking up in the tens of millions around the state, especially as the risk for mudslides and sinkholes continues to rise. While major road closures and evacuation orders made earlier this week have largely been lifted, the state is bracing for another impending storm system that is expected to make landfall by Friday and last through the weekend.
In light of the hazardous weather, the California American Legion says that Legionnaires displaced by the storms can seek assistance from The American Legion’s National Emergency Fund, or NEF. The fund provides up to $3,000 for relief to individuals or up to $10,000 for American Legion Posts and can cover costs such as temporary housing, food, clothing, and other emergency-related expenses.
The full eligibility requirements for NEF applications can be found here and applicants can listen here for assistance filing a request.
Since its inception in 1989, the NEF has provided over $8 million in relief to Legionnaires weathering natural disasters. Most recently, California veterans affected by the Creek Wildfire were able to apply for assistance. Anyone able to do so can donate to the NEF here.
Author: Christian Southards
Coming from a family with a proud military background and wanting to contribute his writing skills to a worthy cause, Christian began writing for the California American Legion in August of 2020. His father is a 25-year Army Veteran and his grandfather served in the Navy during Vietnam.
