NCO Announces Support for the Community

In response to the hardships facing Mendocino County as a result of the economic and social consequences of Covid-19, North Coast Opportunities is offering immediate relief efforts to assist Mendocino County residents with basic needs during this crisis. Funds are provided by the COVID-19 Short Term Relief Fund, a fund of the Community Foundation of Mendocino County.  

WHO IS THE FUNDING FOR?

Grants will be made to provide basic needs services, emergency financial aid, and other support to individuals and families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.  For the purpose of this grant program, basic needs are defined as the minimum requirements to sustain a decent quality of life during the crisis period (food, shelter, clothing, necessary household items, communication, sanitation, health, employment and education).  
 
This fund is very limited. Only those who can demonstrate an essential need to maintain a decent quality of life and can provide requested documentation will be considered. The following reasons will be considered; however, we will be interviewing each applicant to determine eligibility.  

• do not qualify for unemployment (for any reason, including immigration status);  
• do not qualify for federal stimulus packages;   
• may have been laid off and are not able to produce income;  
• are experiencing food or housing crises as a direct result of COVID-19. 

STEPS TO APPLY 

1. Fill out and complete the online application. If the applicant cannot fill out the application online, they may call (707) 621-8817 to schedule a time to complete the application with a Disaster Case Manager.  
2. If funding remains, the applicant will be contacted by phone for an interview and will be asked to turn in documentation demonstrating their situation. 
3. The application will be assessed by an appointed committee to determine approval. 
4. The applicant will be contacted via phone or mail on the status of their case. 

DISBURSEMENT

NCO will distribute immediate relief funding granted by The Community Foundation of Mendocino County’s COVID-19 Relief Fund to eligible residents throughout Mendocino County. To meet eligibility requirements for this financial support, a member of a household must first apply by phone, (707) 621-8817 or online. Only those who can demonstrate an essential need and demonstrate eligibility will qualify. After an application is completed, NCO staff will follow up to determine eligibility (only one application is allowed per household).

Other emergency aid, not connected to the Community Foundation’s grant will be disbursed as soon as it can be made available.

EXTRA RESOURCES AVAILABLE

Community members who may not qualify for COVID-19 immediate relief funding from the Community Foundation grant, (such as Lake County Residents) may qualify for other support from NCO. Including (but not limited to):

• weekly meals provided by volunteers for those who have critical health needs from Caring Kitchen (for inland Mendocino County residents);
• caregiver emergency relief financial aid or respite support from NCO’s Redwood Caregiver Resource Centers;
• fresh fruit, vegetables, and staples delivered by NCO’s MendoLake Food Hub;
• connection to a local community garden to be able to grow food independently;
• Farmers Market Match with CALFresh benefits;
• support provided by volunteers from NCO Volunteer Network;
• connection with other applicable resources.