Giving Back to Communities

Giving Back

Golden State Finance Authority

Studies indicate that families with safe, stable, and affordable housing are more likely to secure employment, attain economic mobility, excel academically, and enjoy better health outcomes.

At GSFA, our primary objective is to offer financial assistance programs that help Californians purchase homes and improve the energy efficiency of both residential and commercial properties. We are also dedicated to supporting philanthropic initiatives whenever possible, aiming to cultivate and sustain vibrant communities.

Emergency Disaster Assistance

GSFA has provided over $3.5 million in emergency disaster assistance to address the impact of forest fires on California residents. The funds were provided to assist residents with temporary housing as well as rebuilding or obtaining of future long-term residences.

The initial shock and damage from fires is tremendous, but like any crisis, the long-term effect upon survivors and the entire community can be long-lasting. Thousands of California residents have been displaced by fires due to destroyed or damaged residences in recent years. Many residents suffer loss of income as well, which can impair their ability to obtain or maintain housing as a direct result of various fires.

October 2021 — Wildfire Relief Funding in Partnership with the California Fire Foundation (CFF)

RCRC/GSFA Provide $50,000 in rapid assistance cash cards provided to fire victims.

In August 2021, Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) and its affiliated entity, Golden State Finance Authority (GSFA), partnered with the California Fire Foundation (CFF) to provide $50,000 in wildfire relief funding to rural county communities impacted by catastrophic wildfires. CFF will disburse the funds directly to fire victims in rural counties for the purchase of necessities through their Supplying Aid to Victims of Emergency (SAVE) program following qualifying fire events. [More info]
October 2022, the California Fire Foundation activated hundreds of its Disaster Relief cash cards and is distributing them to survivors of the recent devastating Oak Fire in Mariposa at the local assistance center located at Mariposa County High School.

Working with community-based organizations on the ground in Mariposa, the Foundation's 350 activated cash cards are providing more than $87,000 in rapid assistance to those in need. The Alliance for Community Transformations is assisting with the cash card distribution, with funding provided through a partnership including the California Fire Foundation, the Rural County Representatives of California, and Golden State Finance Authority.

The Oak Fire destroyed at least 127 houses and 66 other structures, scorching more than 19,000 acres.

"Our communities in Mariposa County are suffering immeasurably right now," said Mariposa County Supervisor Miles Menetrey. "People have lost their homes, literally everything they own through this disaster. I am so thankful for these Disaster Relief cash cards that go some way to alleviate the immediate suffering to those impacted by the Oak Fire."

For more information on California Fire Foundation's Disaster Relief program and how to support this important program, visit www.cafirefoundation.org/programs/disaster-relief-programs

Years 2018-2019 — Fires in Butte and Shasta Counties

The GSFA Board of Directors allocated a total of $1,000,000 ($1 million) in disaster relief assistance to Butte and Shasta Counties to aid victims of the Camp and Carr Fires.

Of the $750,000 allocated to Butte County, $25,000 was granted to United Policyholders, to support that organization's efforts to assist impacted homeowners in obtaining and maximizing insurance benefits. The remaining funds were distributed to County of Butte ($250,000) and the Town of Paradise ($475,000) to fund incentives to residents rebuilding homes in those jurisdictions. The Camp Fire was the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history. The fire caused at least 85 civilian fatalities, destroyed 18,804 structures and scorched an area of 153,336 acres.
The $250,000 allocated to Shasta County was granted to the Shasta Regional Community Foundation to provide financial assistance for rebuilding costs such as development service fees for issuing permits, reviewing plans, conducting inspections and installation of sprinkler systems in replacement homes. The Carr Fire damaged or destroyed over 1,800 residential, commercial and other structures and claimed the lives of three fire personnel and civilians as it burned over 229,600 acres. It is classified as the seventh most destructive fire in California history.

December 2017 — Various Fires in California

The GSFA Board of Directors allocated $837,000 to assist residents displaced by the Butte, Mendocino, Napa, Nevada and Yuba County fires. Additional funds were made available for fires in Lake and Mariposa Counties that same year.

November 2017 — Detwiler Fire, Mariposa County

GSFA provided $163,000 to Mariposa County residents through the Mariposa Community Foundation to further efforts to provide safe and sanitary interim housing to individuals and families displaced from their primary residence by the Detwiler Fire. Declared both a local and state disaster, the Detwiler Fire destroyed more than 63 residences, and 68 other structures when it burned more than 81,000 acres in July 2017.

Mariposa County - Assistance for Vicitms of 2017 Detwiler Fire

February 2016 — Valley and Butte Fires, Lake and Calaveras Counties

GSFA provided $350,000 to Lake County and $150,000 to Calaveras County to further efforts to provide safe and sanitary interim housing to individuals and families displaced from their primary residence by the respective Valley and Butte fires in 2016. Both fires, declared state and federal disasters, took great tolls on their respective communities. The Valley Fire burned 73,700 acres, destroyed 585 homes, and was responsible for 3 confirmed deaths, while the Butte Fire destroyed 365 homes, burned 70,760 acres, with 2 confirmed deaths.