1. Introduction
Thisprojectwasdevelopedandimplementedthroughapartnershipamongthefollowingorganizations:
TheCoalitionforHumane ImmigrantRights(CHIRLA)wasfoundedin 1986withthegoaltoadvancethehumanand civilrightsofimmigrantsandrefugees.Withavasthistoryspanningoverdecades,CHIRLAhasbecomeoneofthelargestandmosteffectiveadvocatesforimmigrantrights,organizing,educating,anddefendingimmigrantsandrefugees.
Foundedin 1965,theCommunityActionBoardofSantaCruzCounty,Inc.(CAB),operatesmultipleprogramsassisting closeto 12,000low-incomepeoplewithemergency,sustaining/self-sufficiencyservicesandservesanadditional7,000+ withrequestsforinformationandreferrals. OverthreequartersofCAB'sclientshavefamilyincomesoflessthan 100% oftheFederalPovertyGuidelinesandatleastaquarterofclientshavelessthan 150%oftheGuidelines.CAB'smission istopartnerwiththecommunitytoeliminatepovertyandcreatesocialchangethroughadvocacyandessentialservices.
Foundedin 1955,TheMiddleburyInstituteoflnternational Studies (MIIS) isagraduateschoolofMiddleburyCollege andtraininggroundfordevelopingandimplementingpracticalsolutions. Itishometosomeoftheworld'sleadingexpertsinglobalsecurity,sustainability,development,education, andlanguageservices. MIIS educatesprofessionalsto advanceunderstanding,promotepeace,anddrivechangeinpursuitofamorejustworld.
In March 2023, Pajaro, California, faced devastating flooding due to heavy rainfall and a rapidly melted snowpack, whichledtothefloodingofthePajaroRiver.Thestormoverwhelmedlocallevees,whoseinfrastructureandfloodmanagementupgradeshadbeendelayedfordecades.Residentswereforcedtoevacuateasfloodwaterssurged,leadingtoextensive damage to properties, schools, and essential services. Despite previous warnings about the levees, inadequate measuresweretakentoimproveemergencyresponseeffortinthetownandasaresult,manyresidentslosttheirhomes, belongings,andlivelihoods.
After a year ofadvocacy, there wasa still a severe lackofgovernmentassistanceand local community organizations werestillstrugglingtoassistresidentswithrecovery. Tosupportadvocacyefforts,thecommunitypartnerslistedabove createdandlaunchedacommunityimpactsurvey.Theresultsdemonstratesustainedimpactsofthefloodonthepopulationandhighlightresidentguidanceonsolutions.
Spanningthecourseof3months,(April-June2024),CABstaffmembersspokewith244individualsabouttheimpact ofthefloodontheirlivelihoods,homes,andcommunities.Thisreportwillcoverthespecificsocio-economicandhealth impactsduringtheperiodinwhichindividualsweresurveyed,abriefmethodology,andananalysisoftheinformation thatwascollected.
This report aims to analyze the experiences of individuals in Pajaro, California, following the catastrophic flood of March 2023, with the objectiveofidentifyingstrategiesfor the equitable distributionofresourcesandaccessibilityin futurenaturaldisasters.
2.Background
Pajaro is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Monterey County, California. The population was 2,882, as ofthe 2020 census, and is predominantlyHispanic or Latino, comprising about 96% ofthe total population.I Themajorityofthepopulation,84%,speaksSpanishathome.Householdandfamilysizesarelargerthanaverage householdsizeinCalifornia,withmanyhouseholdshavingfiveormorememberswithoutadequateaccommodationfor all. Thearea faceseconomic challenges withamedian householdincome significantly lowerthanthenationalaverage, with 18.3%ofthepopulationlivingbelow the povertyline.
The Pajaro region has a past riddled with naturaldisasters; mostlystemming from the town's proximityto the Pajaro River.Sinceitsinceptionin1949,thePajaroRiverleveehascontinuallyfailedtoprotectthecommunityfromdisastrous flooding.A 1963 reportfromthe U.S.Army Corps ofEngineersreportedthat "The magnitude and frequency ofrecent floods (1955 and 1958) anddevelopmentssubsequent to thecompletionoftheauthorizedproject clearly show that an urgent flood problem remains".2 Following this, a 1966 Congressional authorization created an opportunity for reconstructionofthelevee,butthisreconstructionneveroccurred,leavingtheareavulnerable.Asexpected,Pajarolaterfaced majorfloodsinboth1995and1998withdamageupwardsof$95millionandtheunfortunatedeathsoftwoindividuals.3 Acurrentresidenttouchedonthisgovernmentneglectstating, "Thegovernmentneedstounderstandhowdeeplywe've been affected. We need better communication and long-term support, not just temporary fixes". To this day, the levee remainsunfixed, despite stateinterventionandfunding.
In the case of March 2023, the flood led to significant flooding and forced thousands of residents to evacuate. Efforts to repair the levee have consistently been delayed, as the federal and county governments have prioritized wealthier areas in the region over poorer.4 Pajaro residents have grown more anxious about natural disasters in the area, as each event increasingly impacts the safety of their families and the security of their properties. This experience is a part of a growing trend for vulnerable communities across the United States, in which climate change significantly impacts their day lives and heightens mental, emotional, and physical stress. A review of 12 years of research revealsthattheirhealthoutcomesareexacerbatedbytheeventsand inadequateaction.5
"Theflood impacted every aspect of our lives - our health, our homes, ourfinances. The recovery process has been slow and challenging, and we need comprehensive support torebuild."
Respondantdescribing flood impact
Ayearafterthe2023flood,Pajaroresidentsarestillstrugglingtorebuildtheircommunity.Theflooddisplacedthousands ofresidents, and widespread damage remains common in the region. The community faces significant challenges,includinginsufficientfinancialaid, legalbattlesoverresponsibility,andongoingconcernsaboutfutureflood risks.
1 Bureau, United States Census. "Pajaro CDP, California." US Census Bureau. Accessed August 28, 2024. https://data.census.gov/profile/Pajaro_CDP,_Califomia?g�l60XX00US0655044.
2 CorpsofEngineers "InterimReportforFloodControl: Pajaro RiverBasin,California and Appendices." San Francisco, CA: U.S.Army Corps ofEngineers, June 1963.
3 Cortez, Felix. "Pajaro: Past. Present. Future." KSBW, February 13, 2024. https://www.ksbw.com/article/pajaro-levee-failure-history-future-investigation/43842779.
4 Cortez, Felix. "Pajaro: Past. Present. Future." KSBW, February 13, 2024. https://www.ksbw.com/article/pajaro-levee-failure-history-future-investigation/43842779.
3. Methodology
Theobjectiveofthefieldsurveyistounderstandthesocio-economic,health,andsocietalimpactsonresidentsfollowing theMarch2023flood.ThisreportutilizestheinformationcollectedfromaseriesofsurveysconductedbytheCABteam inPajaro, CA.244surveyswereconducted fromApril 25th, 2024, toMay22nd,2024.
All respondentsareresidentsofPajaro, California. Thearea'spopulationpriortotheMarch2023 floodwas2,723residents.LocatedinMonterey County,thecommunitysitsonthebanksofthePajaroRiverandhasanelevationof26feet, makingitsusceptibletotheconditionsofthesurroundingenvironment.Pajaroisanunincorporatedcommunityandcensus-designated placeunderthejurisdictionofMontereyCounty. ■Undocumented ■ PreferNottoAnswer
Citizen
PermanentResident
Surveys were chosen as the best methodological approach as it allows respondentsto share anarrative testimonialof their experiences and expand on certain resources. The team distributed a 36-item survey that included open ended and multiple response items. Surveys allow a level of standardization, which can make it easier to analyze responses and observe trends. Our methodological approach utilized purposive sampling, specifically seekingrespondentswhowereresidentsofPajaro,recipientsofStorm Assistance for Immigrants funds (SAi), and experienced the March2023 flood.Regardingimmigrationstatus,anotablehighlight is that the overwhelming majority of respondents were undocumented with 228 (93.4) respondents choosing this option. Otheroptionsforimmigrationstatuswerecitizen(0.4%),permanentresident (0.4%),andprefernottoanswer (5.7%)
Representatives from MIIS, CHIRLA and CAB then developed the survey content and format. CHIRLA then carried out a preliminarysurveyin-personwithasmallgeneralsampleofthepopulation in February 2024. CAB later refined the survey further
through consultations with Indigenous Mixtecospeakers. Movingforward, respondents werePajaro residents receivingSAI assistance and consisted of undocumented and mixed-status families. Surveys were conducted by CAB staff members via telephone,dueto theirroleas trustedmessengersinthecommunityand reliable sourceofassistance.
Thesurvey,seeappendixA,asksforbasicdemographicinformationsuchasarespondent'scountryoforigin,gender, andage.Next,thesurveyseekstounderstandtheexperiencesoftheindividualslivinginPajaro,CAatthetimeofthe flood. As Pajaro is primarily amigrant worker community, the survey asksrespondents to list their employment and the length oftime they have been employed. Also, respondents wereasked to provide their citizenship status and the householdsizetobetterunderstandthedemographicsofthoseaffectedbytheflood.Afterthis,respondentswereasked todescribetheirsuggestionsfor futurenaturaldisastersandtheagenciestheyinteractedwith. Throughanarrativeresponse,respondentssharedtheirtestimonialsfullyand withoutlimitations.
1Benevolenza, MiaA., andLeaAnneDeRigne.2018."The ImpactofClimate ChangeandNatural DisastersonVulnerable Populations: A SystematicReview ofLiterature." JournalofHuman Behaviorinthe SocialEnvironment29 (2): 266-81.doi:10.1080/10911359.2018.1527739.
4.Findings andAnalysis
The various findings of respondents were broken down and analyzed amongst four categories: demographics, support andresources, communication, and informationandguidance.
244 residents ofPajaro, CA were surveyedwiththe average agebeing 37.6 years. The ages ofrespondentswere 18-74 years.Respondentswere primarilyfemalewith 147 (60.2%)respondentschoosingthisastheir preferred gender identity, while 97 (39.8%) respondents were male. Next, respondents were primarily broken down into two ethnic groups: Hispanic (69.7%) andNon-US Indigenous/Indigenouscommunities (30.3%).
Many respondents had families with the average household size being 3.7 individuals and the range of household sizes went from single individualsto a household size of 9. Most respondents were involved inthe agricultural sector (78 3%), followed by caregivingandhomeservices (4.9%),and culinary/food services (4.1%). Respondents had, on average, been at their occupation for 10.3 years with a range of 1 month to 30 years. It is imperative to emphasize that the majority of respondents are involved in the agricultural sector, as the Pajaro flood ruined the surrounding land, making it diffi:ult for manyindividualstoreturntowork.
ResourceAccessandBarriers
Respondents expressed the difficulty in obtaining support and resources due to the following barriers: immigration status, safety, information, limited resources, transportation, and disorganization. Many individuals were confused over eligibility due to the citizenship requirement for certain relief programs. Similarly, many respondents reported being denied assistance from lack of documentation. Next, there were levels of concern regarding safetyinsheltersduetoaggressionanddiscomfortdueto overcrowding and sharing facilities which caused stress for many respondents. Correspondingly, respondents experienced overcrowding, long lines, and poor resource allocation which resulted in shortages of necessary supplies. There were also reports of disorganization causing delays in receiving aid and nonresponse. One resident stated," Let's start soonerlet's evacuate sooner, evacuate before we're about to flood- let's not wait until the last second- emergency kits, handing out emergency kits day of or in the surrounding days Organized- respond quicker, more educationalmeetingsonwhattodoincaseofemergency".
Agriculture
Manufacturing/ Production
Caregiving &Home Services
Culinary/ FoodServices
Other
MultipleRoles ■ Unemployed/ Retired
"I missed several weeks of work due to theflood and now myjob is at risk. I needfinancial support to cover the lost income andjob protection to ensure I don't lose my livelihood."
"The emotional toll of the flood has been overwhelming. I've been dealing withsevereanxietyanddepression, and there's not enough mental health support available."
Respondantdescribing flood impact.
Furthermore,lackofaccesstotransportation,conflictingworkschedules,andhoursofoperationcontributedtotheinability of many individuals to access community resources. Moving forward, respondents reported it would be more helpful to receivesupportfromtrustedcommunityorganizations whocandistribute financialaid to theimpacted community.
CommunityProvided Relief
Food Banks
68respondents specificallystated accessingfood banks
Faith Based Institution
22 respondents specifically stated accessingchurches
NoAssistanceNeeded
117respondentsdid notIcouldnot access these resources Organizations
Catholic
OutreachStrategies
Outreach Strategies Ineffective communication contributed to the lack ofsupport for many Pajaro residents. Information was distributed through multiple channels of communication including friends/family/neighbors (43%), governmentagencies (38%), community organizations (16%), ethnic media (7%), faith institutions (2%), and otherchannels(18%).Nevertheless,amajorlimitation in reaching certain demographics ofrespondentswasthatoflanguage. Primarily,itwasdifficult to reach Mixteco and Zapoteco speakers, as most in-language warning systems and resources were not translated into these two languages. In the future,itwouldbehelpfultoincludetheselanguages as well as any others spoken by residents in the region. This proactive guidance could take the place of workshops, information programs, and meetings.
Government Agencies
Connnunity Organizations
Friends,Family, Neighbors
Institutions
Other
A major criticism ofthe Pajaro flood's handling was the lack ofdirect communication and guidance on what steps were necessary to take and what resources were available tocommunitymembers. Finally,respondentsasked for a more quick and comprehensive alertsystemduring emergencies, giving them a proper amountoftime to prepare to leave their homes. Residents continue to search for a sense ofnormalcy following the flood. One respondent shared the following statement," Returning to normalcy has been impossible. We face ongoing challenges with housing, health, and finances. The supportwe've received isinsufficient forthescaleofour needs". Overayear later, 34%of :espondents reportedthattheirliveshavestill not returned tonormal.
5. Recommendations
The survey findings make clear that the impact ofthe flood on the immigrant indigenous undocumentedresidents ofPajaro was widespread and intersectional. From job loss to mental health crises, the complexity ofthe impacts necessitates the leadership ofdirectly impacted community members for a truly equitable recovery. To that aim, the following are community-sourced recommendations to address the flood impacts, ongoing unmet needs and long-term climate.
Outreach Strategies
1.Cash Assistance
a.Implement direct cash assistance programsto provide immediate financialreliefto residents affectedbythe flood.
b. Ensure eligibility criteria accommodate undocumented individualsandmixed-status families.
2.FoodBanks
a. Establish and support food banks, such as Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County, to address food insecurity caused by the flood.
b. Collaboratewithlocalorganizationstoensureculturallyappropriateandsufficientfoodsupplies.
3. Disaster Clean-Up
a. Organizecommunityclean-upeffortswithadequate supplies andsupport.
b. Provide financial assistance or vouchers for clean-up services to affected households.
Long-Term Recoveryand Climate Resilience
"Navigating the aftermath of the flood has been incredibly challenging. We've faced numerous barriers to accessing the resources we need. Financial aid has been insufficient and difficult to obtain, the lack of clear communication from the dark, and finding temporary housing has been a nightmare. On top of this, my family's health issues have worsened due to the conditions, and mental health support is practically non-existent. We need a comprehensive approach to recovery that addresses all these interconnectedissues."
Respondantdescribing flood impact
4. Community/Family Support
a.Investinexistingsupportnetworkswithinthecommunitytoassist familiesinnavigatingrecoveryprocesses.
b. Facilitate access to mental health services and counselingfor those affectedby the traumaofthe flood.
1. Co-governance; Empowering Community Involvement
a.Fosteractiveparticipationofcommunitymembersinthedecision-makingprocessforallinfrastructure investmentsandclimate resilience planning.
b.Createavenuesforcommunity-basedorganizationstoplay acentralroleinidentifyingneeds, proposing solutions,andoverseeingimplementation.
c.Compensate communityleadersfortheir time, energy, andeffortstobetterthecommunity.
2.CommunityResilience
a. WorkshopsandEmergency Preparedness
i.Conductregular workshopsondisaster preparednessandresilience hubs.
ii.Co-createwithcommunitymembersclimate emergencyresponsestrategiestailoredtothe needs ofPajaro residents.
iii. Develop comprehensive emergency plans that are accessible and understandable for all residents, including thosewithlimited Englishproficiency.
b Information Programs:
i.Expand information dissemination efforts to include meetings and programs that specifically cater to undocumentedindividuals andother vulnerablegroups.
ii.Usemultiplelanguages, includingMixteco andZapoteco, to ensure accessibility ofinformation.
c. Effective Communication
i. Establish robust communicationchannelsthatensure timelyandaccurate disseminationofemergency information.
ii.Implementa multi-lingualalert systemtoimprove warning andguidance duringdisasters.
3. Long TermRecovery
a. Financial Support
i. Coverage for Losses:
-1. Developprograms to cover financial losses due to property damage, missedwork, and otherimpacts
-2. Include provisions forbothphysical andmentalhealth support to address the broadspectrumofrecovery needs.
ii. EmergencyFund Creation:
-1. Createanemergencyfundtoprovideswiftfinancialassistanceduringfuturedisasters. Thefundmustbe accessibletoallresidents,regardlessofimmigrationstatus.
- 2.Toensurefundshelpthemostvulnerableimpactedcommunities,distributionofthefundsshouldbe outsourcedtotrustedmessengerssuchascommunity-basedorganizationsorfaith-basedinstitutions.
b. YouthandHousing Programs
i. Prioritize the creation and expansion of youth development programs that provide safe spaces, education,and vocationaltrainingtoempowerthe nextgeneration.
ii.DevelopcomprehensiveprogramsthataddresstherootcausesofhouselessnessinPajaro,whichhavebeen exacerbatedbythe floodbutexistedlongbefore it.
iii. Establish and funda rental assistance program to support debt relief and support residents thrive.
c. InfrastructureInvestments
i. LeveeReconstruction
-1. Prioritizethe repair and reinforcementofthe Pajaro River levee topreventfutureflooding.
- 2. Engage withfederalandstate agenciestoexpedite funding andconstructionprocesses.
ii.FloodResilience Infrastructure
- 1. Investinadditionalfloodmitigationinfrastructuresuchasretentionbasins, improveddrainagesystems,and floodbarriers.
- 2.Incorporatecommunityinputintoinfrastructureplanningtoensureitmeetslocalneedsandconditions
6. Conclusion
The recommendations outlined above aim to address both the immediate needs of Pajaro residents following the March 2023 flood and to build long-term resilience against future climate-related events. By focusing on cash assistance, food security, disaster clean-up, and robust community support, Pajaro can better recover from current challenges. Concurrently, investments in disaster preparedness, effective communication, financial support, and criticalinfrastructureimprovementswillhelpsafeguardthecommunityagainstfuturefloodsandclimateimpacts.The most important aspect of these recovery efforts is community participation, programs must be developed and implementedwiththeleadershipofimpactedcommunitymembers.Thesemeasures,centeredoncollectivesupportand inclusivity,areessentialforfosteringaresilientandsecurefutureforPajaro.
References
Bureau, United States Census. "Pajaro CDP, California." US Census Bureau. Accessed August 28, 2024. https://datacensus.gov/profile/Pajaro_CDP,_California?g=l60XX00US0655044.
CorpsofEngineers. "InterimReportforFloodControl:PajaroRiverBasin,CaliforniaandAppendices."SanFrancisco, CA:US Army Corps ofEngineers, June 1963.
Cortez, Felix. "Pajaro: Past. Present Future." KSBW, February 13, 2024. https://www.ksbw.com/article/pajaro-levee-failure-history-future-investigation/43842779.
Benevolenza,MiaA.,andLeaAnneDeRigne.2018. "TheImpactofClimateChangeandNaturalDisastersonVulnerable Populations: A Systematic Review ofLiterature." Journal ofHuman Behavior in the Social Environment 29 (2): 266-81. doi:10.1080/10911359.2018.1527739.
AppendixA
Pajaro2024FloodingCommunityImpact Survey
Description: ThissurveydatawillbeusedbyCoalitionforHumaneImmigrantRightsLA,CommunityActionBoardof SantaCruzCountyandMiddlebury Institute ofInternationalStudies at Monterey to formulate a communityreporton the impacts ofrecent flooding and provide community-driven policy solutions. Participants can remain anonymous. Datawillbesharedpublicly inthe form ofa data/policyreportusedforadvocacypurposes. Pleaserespond to asmany questionsasyoucan. Pleaseprovideinformationyou arecomfortablesharing.
Goals: Thankyou fortalcingtimetodaytospeakwithusaboutyourexperienceduringthePajaroflood inMarch2023. We are conducting interviews ofPajaro residents to identify specific impacts ofthe flood on residents, name possible barriers to resource access, and hearaboutyourideasfor solutionsfor theseclimate-relatedemergencies.
Firstwe'd liketolearna bitmore aboutyou.
1. Whatis yourage?
2. How long have youlived inPajaro? (inyears)
3. Where haveyoulivedpreviously?
a. WithintheUS
b. Outside theUS
4. Howwouldyoudescribeyourgenderidentity?
a. Female
b. Male
c. Other: ___
5. Whatrace orethnicitybestdescribesyou?
a. AmericanIndianorAlaskan Native
b. AsianIPacificIslander
c. BlackorAfricanAmerican
d. Hispanic
e. Non-USIndigenousIIndigenous Communities
f. White/Caucasian
g. Multiple ethnicity/Other(pleasespecify)
7. Whatis yourjob?Howlonghaveyouhadthis job?
8. Howmanypeople areinyour immediate family ANDarelivinginthesame home?
9. Whatis yourimmigrationstatus?
a. Citizen
b. PermanentResident
c. Undocumented
d. Prefernot to answer
Nowwe'dlike to learnmoreaboutthespecific effects oftheMarch2023 flood onyou, yourfamily,and/oryour work.
1. Canyoudescribehowspecificallyyou were impactedby the March 2023flood? Share as muchdetailasyouwould like.Possibleimpactsinclude:
a Permanentlydisplaced
b. Temporarilydisplaced
i. Ifso,forhowlong?Weeks,months,orongoing?
c. Significantdamage to home
i. Ifyes, whatwas thedamage? (bespecific) -
ii. Ifyou know, doyou haveanestimate on howmuch itwill costtorepairit?
iii. Has itbeen repaired?
d. Lossordamagetoproperty(e.g.car,furniture)
i. Ifso,whatwasthedamage?
e. Missedwork
i.Ifso,forhowlong?
f.Physicalinjury
g.HealthIssues
i. Ifso,whatwerethehealthissues?
ii. Aretheyresolvedorgoing?
h. Emotionaldistress or mentalhealthissues
i. Ifso, canyou describe it
ii.Aretheyongoing?
i. Debt &est amount:_
2.Howlongdidittake for things togetmore or less back tonormal? Howmany weeks or months, orstillnot backtonormal?
3.What wouldbe mosthelpfulinpreparingforan evacuationinthefuture?
a. In-language warningsystems
b. Communityworkshopon emergencypreparednessplans
c. Flyers withemergencyresourcessuch asshelter, evacuationroute
d. Other:_______
Identifybarriers, systemic failure, gaps in the system formitigation anddisasterresponse
1.Foreach ofthefollowingkindsofdisaster relief, provided bythegovernment, please letus know if youwereabletoaccessthe benefit:
a.Emergencyshelter
i.I usedthis benefit
ii.I was noteligibletoapplyfor this benefit
iii. Iwasdenied
iv. I did notknowaboutthis benefit
v.Whenandfor how longand in whatwaydidyou usethis benefit? Howwasyour experience?
Werethereanyproblems?
b.FEMA assistance
i.I usedthis benefit
ii.Iwas noteligibletoapplyforthis benefit
iii.I wasdenied
iv.I did not know aboutthis benefit
v.Whenand for how long andin whatwaydidyou usethis benefit? Howwasyourexperience?
Werethereany problems?
c.Assistancewithdebriscleanupand rebuilding?
i.I usedthis benefit
ii.Iwas noteligibletoapplyforthis benefit
iii.I wasdenied
iv.I did not know aboutthis benefit
v.Whenand for how long andin whatwaydidyou usethis benefit? Howwasyourexperience?Were thereany problems?
d.StormAssistancefor Immigrants (SAi)
i.I usedthis benefit
ii.Iwas noteligibletoapplyforthis benefit
iii.I wasdenied
iv.I did not know aboutthis benefit
v.Whenand for how long andin whatwaydidyou usethis benefit? Howwasyourexperience?Were thereany problems?
e. Other (pleasedescribe):
2.Didyou receivedisaster reliefassistancethrough communitybasedorganizationslikethefood bank, faithbasedinstitutions?Ifso, pleaseexplain?
3.Wheredidyou getinformation abouttheflooding emergency? (warnings,information aboutshelters, relief benefits, etc.)
a Governmentagencies
b.Communityorganization
c.Friends, family, or neighbors
d.Faithinstitution
e.Ethnicmedia
f.Other (pleasespecify):
Now wewouldlike tohearyour thoughts on what solutions wouldbestaddressemergencieslike flooding.
1.What supportor resources have beenmosthelpfulfor you during andsincetheMarch2023flood?
a.Nothaving to pay rent
b.Cashto paydebtand bills
c.Helpfromother familymembers
d.Helpfroma localorganization (CAB, FoodBank)
e.Others:
2.What kindofsupportor resourcesdoyou believewould bemosthelpful foryou, yourfamily,and yourcommunity to preventand/or respondto futurefloodor climaterelated emergencies?
3.Ifyoucouldspeakdirectly to alocalorstate-level governmentofficialaboutyour experienceduring and sincetheflood, whatwouldyouwantthemtoknow?
4.Isthereanythingelseyouwould liketoadd?