Program Coordinator Patricia Zamora J. (left) and Advocate Ana Albor have helped hundreds of Pajaro families access economic assistance and other aid in the aftermath of the March 2023 flood.
As we continue to support families impacted by the devastating floods in Pajaro in March 2023, Community Bridges remains a key local agency in both immediate relief and long-term recovery. Our Pajaro Valley Storm Recovery Plan, initiated just days after the March 11th flood,
Through the incredible generosity of donors and the collaborative efforts of our nonprofit and foundation partners like you, we distributed over $1.7 million in economic assistance between March and November 2023. More than 1,000 individuals and families received direct support through our three-phase assistance program. has provided crucial support to the Pajaro community, and our efforts remain strong more than a year later.
In a continued commitment to recovery, Community Bridges was honored to be selected as a nonprofit partner in the County of Monterey’s Pajaro Unmet Needs Disaster Assistance Program. Backed by $20 million in recovery funds secured by our state legislators, this program is a vital resource for individuals, households, and small businesses still grappling with the effects of the levee breach.
OUR ROLE
As the primary overseer of $5.4 million in individual and household recovery assistance, alongside our partners at Catholic Charities Diocese of Monterey, Community Bridges is leading efforts to ensure families receive the help they need. Phase 1 of the program, which provided up to $600 in economic assistance for food spoilage due to evacuation, was completed in April 2024. We successfully distributed over $450,000 in financial aid to 688 qualifying applicants, helping over 25% of Pajaro households based on the most recent census.
Now in Phase 2, we are addressing more complex recovery needs, such as home repairs, vehicle replacements, housing assistance, and personal property damage. With no maximum award for vehicle or home repair categories, we aim to provide flexible, tailored support to meet the diverse needs of the community.
Since late April, our disaster case managers have helped 20 families receive over $60,000 in aid, and we are actively working with 115 more families. As we continue this work, 35 households are pending eligibility documentation, and 80 more are on our waiting list, eager to receive assistance. Our dedicated case workers are diligently ensuring that all qualifying families receive the assistance they deserve, working tirelessly to address each family’s unique needs and expedite their support.
BEYOND UNMET NEEDS
At Community Bridges, our mission extends far beyond economic recovery. We are deeply committed to helping every family in Pajaro regain stability and rebuild their lives. Financial assistance is just one part of our larger effort to improve outcomes and strengthen the Pajaro community.
In 2023, we took a significant step towards long-term support by opening the Pajaro Long-Term Recovery Center in the heart of the community. This dedicated space provides ongoing assistance and resources, and through our partnerships, we have also offered tenants crucial eviction protection services via our Eviction Defense Collaborative.
Our work doesn’t stop at disaster relief. We are actively pursuing initiatives to ensure lasting support for Pajaro families. These efforts include connecting residents with essential services such as housing, healthcare, food security, and child and family resources. We’re also focused on building long-term resiliency, including the development of a Pajaro Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) to better equip the community for future disasters. For us, rebuilding isn’t just about recovery—it’s about fostering resilience, promoting growth, and ensuring the Pajaro community thrives once again.
In the past two years, we’ve remained engaged with local families, sharing progress at community meetings to maintain transparency and build trust. Our commitment also includes hosting emergency preparedness events and training sessions to provide residents with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate future challenges. We will hold our fall and winter emergency preparedness events at Our Lady of the Assumption Church (100 Salinas Road, Pajaro) in October and November. Our dates and time are still to be determined.
Together, with the support of our community and the generosity of our donors, we will continue to stand by Pajaro, making a lasting impact on those most affected by disaster.