In Sonoma County, the persistent challenge of meeting basic needs causes hardship for local individuals and families. Many local families must make difficult choices between essentials like housing and food due to the constraints of receiving low wages in an area with a high cost of living. Trusted local service organizations and community groups are working day and night to support the urgent needs of community members. CFSC is in continual conversation with leaders building a stronger local safety net. 

As the government shutdown continues, up to 43,000 of our neighbors in Sonoma County are expected to lose access to SNAP food benefits in November. Many are families with children, seniors, and people with disabilities. In response, we are working to provide emergency support to local organizations fighting hunger who are already stretched by rising demand and shrinking resources. Donations made to the Fund for Basic Human Needs will be pooled with others to provide direct support to organizations responding to food insecurity in Sonoma County now and over time. 

The Julia L. Grant Fund for Basic Human Needs grant program is meant to address the most essential needs of families and individuals in Sonoma County. This year, applications for food and shelter will be considered.