LATEST NEWS
Floodwaters strike encampments in SD Riverbed
Effort launched to help flood victims living in Riverbed and for future storms
In January and February 7+ foot high floodwaters washed out many areas where people were living.
READ January 2024 ANNOUNCEMENT (PDF)
Sadly, two people were washed away and died. Several have been rescured. Preliminary reporting indicates that they were experiencing homelessness. Our Fall 2023 survey documented 375 people living in the riverbed and nearby areas
The floodwaters inudated encampments. . Things that many take for granted like toothbrushes and toothpaste, dry socks and warm bedding were gone. Medication, identification, and other essential items were lost. For others, items were muddy and soggy, and they tried to make the most of it.
The San Diego River Park Foundation coordinated donations to support a response to this tragedy and to get ready for future storms.
You are invited to join the ongoing response effort:
- Create Care kits - groups and individuals can contact our office at 619-297-7380 to make arrangements to stop by Wednesdays or Thursdays (9AM - 2PM). 1 - 2 Hours
- Hike the River after floods hand out kits or before storms noticing. Dates vary based on rain! Generally takes about 2 1/2 hours. Focused efforts are Mission Valley or Santee.
Community members will be trained and guided to visit people living across nearly 20 miles of the San Diego River to hand out care packages with essential items, to connect people in encampments with available resources, and to warn people when flooding is predicted. We will also post signs at known entry points to further warn about potential flooding.
CARE PACKAGES
We have already collected 1000s of socks. Thank you to all who responded!
For the care packages, we need
- toothpaste
- toothbrush
- hand wipes (individually wrapped or small packeges) biodegradble preferred
- individually wrapped rain panchos
- individually wrapped food bars (soft chew preferred due to dental issues) We will place 4 in each bag
- 1 gal. reseable bags (to put the items in)
- warm caps are also appreciated!
Donations of cash to purchase gifts cards (suggest $20) to local fast food places for a warm meal are especially appreciated.
Importantly, we will work to visit sites after every flood to check on people and replace items. This is also a good way to build trust. We partner with PATH San Diego and others to connect people when they are ready to available services. Our many programs know the Riverbed very well. We know most of the people living in the Riverbed by name. We have adapted our weekly mapping efforts to collect information about the location of each encampment. Because of this, we are best equiped to make this effort. But we need you!
How to Help
1. Volunteer. Email us at volunteer@sandiegoriver.org or call 619-297-7380
2. Donate items above or cash. If your group, business or class would like to help with a care package making party or are collecting items, fantastic!
3. Let your elected representative know that people living in the riverbed need a flood warning system and more flood response resources
Make a donation to help respond to some of
San Diego's most vulnerable impacted by the floods
Donations can be mailed to:
The San Diego River Park Foundation
4891 Pacific Highway, Suite 114
San Diego, CA 92110
As a 501c3 qualified nonprofit, all gifts are tax deductible as provided by law.
EIN 01-0565671
Donations can also be made by:
VENMO to @sandiegoriver (please indicate for flood response)
By phone: 619-297-73080
Donate Online
For more information, please call the San Diego River Park Foundation at 619-297-7380 or email floodresponse@sandiegoriver.org
Thank you!
News Releases (PDF)
2024
3/15/2024 Major Milestone for River Center at Grant Park
2/24/2024 Big Community Clean-up Scheduled
2023
Earth Day - Mural Painting Project
Lillian Hill Acquisition Success!
For media inquiries, please contact
Alexa Lewis Risenfeld
Manager - Philanthropy and Communications
email or call 619-297-7380River Stories - Printed Newsletter
UPDATES
Fashion Valley River Restoration Project
January 2023
Location: San Diego River between 163 and Town and Country Resort
Partners: San Diego River Park Foundaiton, Fashion Valley and Urban Corps of San Diego
Goal: To remove non-native invasive plants so that native plants flourish
Benefits:
- improved habitat for birds, butterflies and other wildlife
- remove non-native plants which compete against native plants
- reduce flooding
- open area up
- remove trash and other pollution
How to get involved
- Join us for a Tour! Tours will be organized. Let us know you are interested and your availability. Small groups will go on a walking tour and learn about the strategies and benefits of restoring this area. You will see the river up close.
- Volunteer on Tuesdays to join Team Impact as they work with SDRPF staff to implement the restoration plan.
- Volunteer for a future river cleanup at this location.
Please email Natalie or call us at 619-297-7380 to learn more. Thanks!
Recent Photos
Additional Photos will be posted soon.
