In January 2023, heavy storms inundated two small agricultural towns in California, leading the state to allocate $20 million to assist with their recovery efforts. However, nearly two years later, a substantial amount of that funding has yet to reach those impacted. Specifically, about 80% of the aid intended for Planada in Merced County remains unspent, and an even smaller portion has been distributed in Pajaro, located in Monterey County.
County officials and representatives from nonprofit organizations attribute the slow distribution process to a careful planning approach alongside state regulations that necessitate verifying residents’ losses and residency status. Meanwhile, recent storms, characterized as an atmospheric river, are reigniting fears among residents who previously endured significant damage to their homes and livelihoods. The relentless rain back in January 2023 resulted in overflows from canals and creeks, displacing residents, damaging their belongings, and reducing their work hours. To help, state lawmakers approved funding in the fall of 2023, with counties managing the allocation for various resources, including personal reimbursements, home repairs, business support, and infrastructure enhancements for future storms.
As of this month, only about $4 million of the designated $20 million for Planada has been utilized, mostly distributed as direct payments to families, according to Mike North, a spokesperson for Merced County. In Pajaro, roughly $1.3 million has been administered from its share, with funds allocated for grocery gift cards for those whose food was spoiled during the flooding, alongside compensation for more significant losses not covered by federal assistance or private insurance.
Angela DiNovella, the executive director of Catholic Charities Diocese of Monterey, which is assisting Pajaro residents in securing funds, noted that their three caseworkers are currently disbursing around $30,000 weekly to local families. One of the significant hurdles they face involves validating eligibility for families lacking permanent addresses or living in crowded conditions, often where multiple families occupy a single apartment. Many community members also struggle to provide documentation for their losses, leading caseworkers to sift through photos to estimate the value of damaged items meticulously.
DiNovella emphasized the challenges posed by the stringent requirements attached to state funds, stating, “Our work is to be creative with the families and be on their side, but even that takes time.” To further assist residents, Monterey County established a help center in a local park, but many locals reportedly remain unclear about the aid distribution process, and some have potentially relocated before being able to access any assistance.
Residents who are undocumented may still qualify for California’s Storm Assistance for Immigrants program, aimed at offering support to those ineligible for federal emergency funds. This broad initiative, which has earmarked $95 million for storm victims, provides a flat stipend of $1,500 per adult who qualifies.
Additional financial help from private insurance, philanthropic contributions, and federal aid has also flowed into Pajaro since the floods. However, the extent of accessibility to these resources often depends on whether individuals are homeowners or hold legal immigration status. In Planada, the county has nearly finished distributing funds designated for covering lost vehicles, personal items, and business assets, moving towards home repair assistance, which requires thorough inspections for potential issues like mold, structural damage, or asbestos.
Infrastructure repair projects have also begun, albeit at a slower pace. The county has replaced a backup generator that failed during the floods and is initiating a study to prevent similar future disasters. In Pajaro, half of the allocated $20 million is set aside for infrastructure and emergency preparedness projects, with the county having already requested bids for many of these initiatives.
DiNovella pointed out that recovery from disasters often takes years, and while the pace of aid in Pajaro has been disappointing, it aligns with common trends in disaster recovery. The current funding, although delayed, will offer much-needed support to families during the winter months when many farmworkers typically struggle to make ends meet.
Among those receiving aid is Jesús Padilla, a longtime Pajaro resident and agricultural worker who faced immense challenges when the floods struck. In the chaos, his family managed to grab only their children’s birth certificates before losing everything else. While Padilla has been able to replace many of their items, he is still concerned about the overall well-being of his family and how future rains could again displace them. He guides his friends still waiting for assistance to remain hopeful, stating, “It seems like the process is working. Just slowly.”