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Disaster Recovery Centers

Santa Cruz
County Governmental Center
701 Ocean St.
Santa Cruz, Calif.
9am – 5pm, M-F

Watsonville
City Government Center
250 Main St.
Watsonville, Calif.
8:30am – 4:30pm, Mon-Sat

Press Release Archive

A series of significant atmospheric river storms beginning December 30, 2022 caused widespread damage throughout Santa Cruz County, including damages to homes, businesses and public infrastructure. On January 14, 2023, President Biden approved a federal disaster declaration for California, including Santa Cruz County, making funding available to affected individuals and families, nonprofits and local governments. This page is dedicated to providing resources for our community’s ongoing recovery.

Call 800-621-FEMA to start a recovery claim or 211 for questions about recovery resources.

President Biden authorized a major disaster declaration for Santa Cruz County on Jan. 14, 2023. The declaration provides assistance to local governments and nonprofits, as well as families and individuals. This may include financial assistance for cleanup and sanitation, repairs and other services for eligible agencies and households. Additional resources, including referral lists and legal aid, may be available.

Bilingual FEMA Helpline: 800-621-3362. Available until 8 p.m. PST.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers disaster assistance in the form of low interest loans to businesses, nonprofit organizations, homeowners, and renters located in regions affected by declared disasters. SBA also provides eligible small businesses and nonprofit organizations with working capital to help overcome the economic injury of a declared disaster.

Please follow local news or official media accounts at www.twitter.com/sccounty or www.facebook.com/countyofsantacruz for updates and additional information.