$40 million disaster recovery funds to help people of five California counties: Butte, Lake, Los Angeles, Shasta, and Ventura

California – California Governor Gavin Newsom revealed an enormous federal aid package meant to help California communities devastated by the catastrophic wildfires of 2018. Emphasizing long-term economic recovery and workforce development, a total of $40.7 million has been assigned to help five communities most affected.

Offering employment training and support tools, this money—from the 2018 Community Development Block Grant—Disaster Recovery Workforce Development (CDBG-DR-WD) program—is poised to empower hundreds of local people. The main objective is to provide employment possibilities for low- to moderate-income people in these areas, therefore stabilizing the local economies impacted by the fires.

Projects in five counties—Butte, Lake, Los Angeles, Shasta, and Ventura—each specifically addressing the needs of the local population—will share the funds.

Nearly $17.9 million in Butte County will support Paradise Resilient Infrastructure and Sustainable Education Center (Parade RISE) at Paradise High School. This program seeks to equip 500 residents with construction trades including plumbing and electrical work as well as licensed nursing assistant positions, thus arming the community with vital skills for rebuilding and strengthening.

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Lake County will see over $4.7 million go to the Workforce Alliance of the North Bay’s Lake Workforce Program. This initiative aims to increase resilience against future disasters while preparing the area for long-term recovery.

With $2 million granted to Tradeswomen and Women in Non-Traditional Employment Roles, Los Angeles County focuses on inclusivity and diversity in recovery efforts. These money are set aside to help women and other underprivileged groups find training and employment possibilities in the construction trades.

The city of Redding in Shasta County will start the Workforce Recovery Training Program using over $8.6 million. Focusing on equipping 200 residents with a variety of job skills required for rebuilding their community, this extensive program provides online, remote, virtual, and in-person training.

Ventura County receives $7.5 million to equip 215 local citizens with workforce training in healthcare related fields. Along with improving the healthcare infrastructure, this project seeks to boost community well-being and increase disaster preparedness. Ventura County also intends to send a mobile unit to areas with transportation restrictions, therefore guaranteeing more access to the training courses.

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Securing the funds came primarily from the state’s partnership with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Marion McFadden, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development, HUD reflects their dedication to create resilience and sustainability in recovery initiatives.

“CDBG-DR provides communities with important resources to help rebuild in the worst of times. With this investment, young people and others building job skills can focus on their futures. HUD is proud to work with the State of California to ensure resilience across their communities,” McFadden said.

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Governor Newsom underlined the greater impact of this money, stressing that although important, the recovery process consists in more than just repairing infrastructure and homes. Such terrible tragedies leave emotional, financial, and social scars that call for long-term plans and support—qualities our funds seek to address.

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For communities that have suffered significantly, this federal funding marks a major step toward not only recovery but also a strong and sustainable future. Emphasizing economic stability and job creation as basic components of community restoration, it shows a complete approach to disaster recovery.