California firefighters continue to battle fires throughout the state after Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in five counties more than two weeks ago. The Creek Fire, which is currently burning in Madera and Fresno counties, is now the largest fire in California history. As of Sept. 23, the Creek Fire had burned nearly 300,000 acres and was only 32% contained.
The California American Legion says that Legionnaires who have been affected by the fires may request assistance from the American Legion National Emergency Fund (NEF). Grants provided by the Legion can be used for emergency provisions such as diapers and temporary housing for those who have been displaced by the fires.
The American Legion National Emergency Fund
The NEF was established in 1989 to provide assistance to victims of Hurricane Hugo. Since then, it has been used to provide relief to Legionnaires who have been affected by major disasters such as Hurricane Katrina as well as previous wildfires in California.
In order to be eligible for an NEF grant, applicants must be active members of the American Legion or Sons of the American Legion and must be able to prove displacement from their primary residence due to a declared natural disaster. Funds received are intended to cover immediate needs, such as food, water and temporary housing.
Individual NEF grant applicants may receive up to $3,000 in assistance. Additionally, American Legion posts affected by a declared disaster may receive up to $10,000 so long as the post can demonstrate an inability to perform its four pillar duties.
In 2020 alone, the NEF has donated more than $106,000 to natural disaster victims throughout the United States.
For Assistance Applying to the NEF
Legionnaires or Sons members who require assistance with an NEF grant application can visit the NEF’s website for detailed instructions on how to apply. Alternatively, readers can also listen here for the National Emergency Fund Grant Application Procedures.
Readers can also donate to the American Legion National Emergency Fund to help Legionnaires currently affected by the California wildfires.
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.
