Drought Relief Crowdfunding Site Aims To Help California Families With Water Supply
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — The fourth year of California's historic drought has businesses and nonprofits taking a new approach toward providing relief.
A crowdfunding campaign has launched to help California families who have run out of water.
DroughtRelief.org is hoping to serve between 25 and 50 families through its campaign, but those who need the water have to meet an income requirement.
The site is changing the way relief efforts are handled.
"One of our long term goals through this crowd-sourced funding is to develop long term relationships with people who do care to provide for their neighbors and families around the state who really need their help," said Environmental Justice Coalition For Water director Colin Bailey.
The crowdfunding campaign aims to provide water to those in some of the hardest hit areas in the state. With $100,000 in seed funding, the goal is to reach $250,000 by the end of the month.
"For those who are inspired to give to this effort, your donation of $25 to $50 would go to support a family of 4 for an entire week," he said.
So who qualifies for the assistance?
"Communities where the average household income is below $49,000 are people who are eligible for our services through the state funding apparatus," he said.
As for how much water is distributed, a family up to three people receives 15 gallons, while a family between four and six people receives 20 gallons. Families of more than six can get 25 gallons each week.
Each qualifying family is given a two-year commitment for water, which is delivered through bottles or water tanks, depending on the need.
"There is an immediate need for long term planning for how we will address these issues. And being able to provide this direct service to communities helps us engage those communities in that long term planning," Bailey said.
The planning relies on the generous hearts of the community.
Organizers say the water will be purchased primarily from regional bottled water providers.
