One Year Later: San Bruno Fire Fund Update

On the evening of September 9, 2010, a gas line ruptured and exploded in a residential neighborhood of San Bruno, just east of Skyline Boulevard in San Mateo County. The blast and fire killed eight people and left approximately 13 hospitalized with severe burns. More than three dozen homes were destroyed and many more damaged.

Silicon Valley Community Foundation established the San Bruno Fire Fund on September 10 and pledged a $100,000 matching grant to encourage donations. Support quickly poured in, from sizable gifts from local corporations to proceeds from car washes and bake sales. Our challenge was exceeded within four days. In all, more than 800 donors made contributions to the fund totaling more than $530,000. That so many were moved to help their neighbors in need illustrates the strength and generosity of our community.

With funds from other sources providing assistance to victims for motel stays, food and clothing, the community foundation’s grantmaking team identified unmet needs and quickly awarded grants to help homeowners navigate the insurance claims process and to provide counseling for residents coping with the psychological effects of this traumatic event.

Community foundation grantee Kara has counseled families and students at three area high schools. “Those affected needed to talk with somebody safe about their horrific experiences,” said Jim Bronson, recently retired Kara director of community outreach and education. “Their homes were never going to be occupied again. Their belongings were gone forever. For some, people they loved died in those homes.”

Recovery is a long-term process, but a year later, our grantmaking has made a significant impact. As one resident reported to a Kara team member, “You know, when I walked in the door a year ago, I didn’t really believe you people could do anything for me. I just knew that if I didn’t at least try something, I wouldn’t survive my son’s death. Now I look around and can’t believe the changes and how much this has helped.”

A grant awarded this spring allowed the City of San Bruno to consult with green rebuilding experts Global Green to help contractors and architects navigate the state’s new Green Building Code. “Ultimately, the grant is helping to expedite a green rebuilding process so victims can move into their new homes as quickly as possible,” said Aaron Aknin, the city’s community development director.

This summer we awarded additional grants totaling more than a quarter of a million dollars.

United Policyholders received a grant to extend support to homeowners on insurance issues. "Thanks to the generosity of donors to Silicon Valley Community Foundation,” said Amy Bach, executive director of United Policyholders, “we continue to help residents of the devastated San Bruno community overcome the financial, emotional and logistical challenges of repairing and rebuilding."

More than $100,000 went to the American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter to support survivors’ physical and mental health needs and the 12-month lease of the San Bruno Resource and Recovery Center, the local hub for recovery efforts.

Additional funds were awarded for grief counseling, case management and help for burn survivors and their families.

Community foundation staff will continue conversations with local service providers and officials to find the best possible use for the remaining funds.

The community foundation’s response to the tragedy in San Bruno highlights our unique ability to respond quickly to unanticipated needs in our region and our expertise in evaluating where charitable dollars can have the most impact.

“During times of tragedy like this, the true purpose of community is demonstrated as we all come together to help,” said Emmett D. Carson, chief executive officer of the community foundation. “This happened in our community, in our backyard. When there are urgent needs like this in our region, the community foundation exists to meet them. We are the center that connects people who want to give and people in need.”