Coast Guard Foundation Disaster Relief Reaches More than 130 Coast Guard Families
Active Hurricane Season, Wildfires in the West Impact Coast Guard Members
An active hurricane season, coupled with wildfires on the West Coast, has left Coast Guard members living in these areas with significant damage to their homes and property. Now, as they begin the long road to recovery, the Coast Guard Foundation is there to help them rebuild and restore their residences and personal spaces.
To date, we’ve helped 132 families with grants up to $3,000 each to cover insurance deductibles, home repairs, temporary housing, and essential household goods. We partner with the Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers Association to deliver the grants to eligible Coast Guard members in an efficient, timely way so repairs can begin as quickly as possible.
“I appreciate all you do to help all of us in times of need.”
Storm Damage from Three Hurricanes
Roofs ripped off houses; trees crashed through fences and homes; several feet of water throughout properties; no power for weeks; mold spreading throughout homes from water damage and high heat. These are just a few of the challenges that Coast Guard members are confronting after three major hurricanes made landfall across the Gulf Coast and Florida.
“The needs are great,” said Susan Ludwig, Coast Guard Foundation president. “It’s our hope we can help Coast Guard members facing significant losses from these storms so they can return to their homes in short order.”
“Thank you for your time and assistance during this difficult time for our family.”
West Coast Wildfires
While hurricanes were churning in the Atlantic Ocean, the West Coast was ravaged by wildfires in California, Oregon, and Washington. Coast Guard members stationed in these regions saw significant damage to their homes, and in some cases, complete loss of personal property.
The Coast Guard Foundation’s support helped members who were forced to evacuate because of fires and environmental concerns caused by thick smoke and compromised air quality.
“I was evacuated from my home very last minute. I was only able to grab a handful of clothes and sentimental items,” said a YN2 from Air Station San Francisco. “The status of my home is currently unknown, as there is no fire support in my neighborhood. I am very grateful and appreciative of anything that can be provided to assist me in this crisis.”
Unfortunately, the Petty Officer did lose their home in the fire; the Coast Guard Foundation grant provided start-up funds for a new rental and replacement of essential clothing, furniture and living supplies while they waited for their insurance claim to process.
"Life is in no way what it used to be, but I am slowly finding a new sense of normal...I am very thankful for the contributions of the CPOA and the Coast Guard Foundation to help me rebuild."
To send your support to the Foundation’s disaster relief efforts visit: coastguardfoundation.org/disaster-relief
“The grants have helped each member tremendously on the path to recovery,” said BMCS Eric Donovan, Officer in Charge, Station Lake Charles. “I’m confident that these grants and your support of our shipmates will not be forgotten and will be looked upon as one of the many reasons that make the U.S. Coast Guard the greatest maritime service in the world."
