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Get assistance after a disaster

Find disaster assistance and helpline after being impacted by natural disasters.

Helpline

Disaster assistance and referrals to services

  • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) helpline: (800) 621-3362
    • If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, you can use the TTY number at 1 (800) 462-7585
  • California Department of Social Services: (833) 775-3267
  • United Way Bay Area: 2-1-1
  • American Red Cross Silicon Valley Chapter: 1-800-Red-Cross (800) 733-2767) - 24 hours a day

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster assistance: (800) 659-2955

  • Hours of operation: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. ET Monday through Friday
  • If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

Disaster Legal Assistance Collaborative (DLAC) helpline: (888) 382-3406

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA): (800) 300-5616, Hours of Operation:  M-F, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

County of Santa Clara, Emergency Response and Recovery Hotline: (408) 808-7778 

Disaster relief from the County of Santa Clara

If a major calamity such as a fire, earthquake or flood damages your property, you may be eligible for property tax relief. Office of the Assessor advises property owners about calamity relief from flood damage.

How to get disaster or calamity relief

Disaster assistance from Federal Government

DisasterAssistance.gov can help you apply for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster assistance and provide guidance on disaster recovery. 

learn about fema disaster assistance

Housing

Office of Supportive Housing

The Office of Supportive Housing (OSH) plays a crucial role in providing shelter and housing services to the County's most vulnerable community members, both in anticipation of and in response to major disasters. Whether it's before, during, or after a significant event, OSH is committed to assisting those in need.

housing programs by Office of supportive housing

Catholic Charities

Catholic Charities' emergency Programs and Housing Services is providing assistance to community members who have been affected by the recent Winter Storms of 2023. Please call (408) 273-7478 to begin your assessment to determine the type of assistance that may be available to you. In the event that you are unable to immediately connect with a team member, please join their waitlist to ensure that your needs are acknowledged and addressed as soon as possible. Catholic Charities is dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate through these challenging times, providing the necessary support to rebuild and recover.

Mental wellness and social services

Call 988

988 provides direct connection to free, confidential, and compassionate support. Trained counselors answer all calls to give needed support. Calls are anonymous and confidential – information will not be shared unless in-person assistance is needed through one of the community mobile response teams.

Call 9-8-8

CalHOPE

CalHOPE provides essential crisis counseling services following a federal declaration of emergency. They offer resources, support, and valuable information to guide community members during challenging times. For services, call the CalHope Warm Line at (833) 317-4673 to connect with trained professionals who can provide support and guidance during difficult moments. If you prefer a more discreet option, go to their site to chat with a counselor.

Chat with a crisis counselor

Emergency Prescription Programs

You could be caught off guard during an emergency or disasters leaving you without a sufficient supply and proper storage of prescription medications. To find open pharmacy locations during an active emergency, general tips on prescription medication storage and how to contact your insurance, download the California Health and Human Services Agency’s Prescription Medication Guide.

FEMA Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP)

The Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) serves as a critical lifeline for individuals residing in federally identified disaster areas who lack health insurance. The program is designed to provide essential support during times of crisis and ensures access to prescription medications, vaccinations, medical supplies, and equipment for those in need. Eligible items include canes, crutches, walkers, and wheelchairs. Through EPAP enables enrolled pharmacies seamlessly process claims, facilitating the swift provision of prescription medications, select medical supplies, vaccinations, and specified medical equipment to qualified individuals residing in federally designated disaster zones. 

FEMA's Emergency Prescription Assistance Program

Medicare

During times of emergency or disaster, accessing care may change in areas where the President, a governor, or the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has declared an emergency or disaster. Go to Medicare's website to obtain care and access to prescription medications in disasters or emergencies.

Go to Medicare site

American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) has created a list of government and charitable organizations for individuals and their families who require medicine or need places to receive treatments, such as drug infusions and kidney dialysis. To view the list, please go to the AARP website.

Go to American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) site

County Behavioral Health Services

For referrals to mental wellness services, call 1 (800) 704-0900. To learn more about other mental wellness safety programs and services, please go to the County’s Behavioral Health Services site.

go to the County of santa clara Behavioral Health Services site

Social Services Agency

The County of Santa Clara Social Services Agency's mission is to provide resources and opportunities in a culturally responsive manner to enhance the quality of life in our community by protecting, educating, and empowering individuals and families. To find health coverage, food assistance and other services, please visit the Social Services Agency website.

Go to the county of santa clara Social Services Agency site

Agricultural resources

Consumer and Environmental Protection Agency

The County’s Household Hazardous Waste Program provides Santa Clara County community members safe disposal of household hazardous waste (HHW). HHW is unwanted household products labeled as flammable, toxic, corrosive, or reactive. Common products include auto fluids, batteries, electronics, fluorescent and LED lightbulbs, garden chemicals, household cleaners, paint, and many other products that require proper disposal to prevent harm to humans and the environment.​ ​​ Please make an appointment to drop off your household hazardous waste. For more drop off locations, please go to the Household Hazardous Waste Program website.

Drop off household hazardous waste

USDA Disaster Assistance Programs

USDA offers a variety of programs to help farmers, ranchers, communities, and businesses that have been impacted by natural disasters. Visit their site for the complete list of programs and services.

programs and services for farmers

Non-hazardous waste handling and recycling programs

CalRecycle

The California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery, known as CalRecycle, is a department within the California Environmental Protection Agency. They are responsible for administering and providing oversight for all of California's state-managed non-hazardous waste handling and recycling programs.

Go to CalRecycle site

RecycleStuff.us

RecycleStuff.org is a collaborative effort provided by the County of Santa Clara, County of San Mateo, Environmental Studies Dept. at San Jose State University. Find recycling centers near you by going to their website.

Recycling centers near me