Dear Friends of Baja and Mexico: As you have heard by now, Hurricane Odile has dealt a devastating blow to the state of Baja California Sur. Los Cabos and San Jose del Cabo north to La Paz were especially hard hit by the hurricane.

There are people out there in need of many items from food, to clothes, to building materials. The International Community Foundation has accomplished a tremendous amount of work on behalf of B.C.S. over the years. Now, they have set up a section to receive much needed donations. Thank you for your help in rebuilding the community.

Please see the information, below. Thank you very much!
Linda Jones Neil, The Settlement Company

National City, CA - Hurricane Odile made landfall near Cabo San Lucas at 9:45 pm (PDT) on Sunday night, September 14, 2014, as a powerful Category 3 hurricane, with estimated winds of 127 mph and torrential rainfall; one of the strongest hurricanes to ever make landfall in Baja California Sur.

Odile continued to rake the state of Baja California Sur Monday, as it marched northward with strong winds and heavy rains flooding the southern half of the peninsula. The heavy rains threaten to trigger mudslides and floods.

The storm has already caused widespread damage across the southern half of Baja California Sur, including homes, hotels, hospitals, and roads. Mexican authorities report that at least 15,000 people in high risk areas suffered damage or total loss of their home due to heavy winds.

Currently all airports and ports are closed. There remain power outages across the region, a lack of clean running water, and phone service is down. Emergency officials also report that at least 135 people have been treated for varying injuries as a result of the storm, mostly from broken glass and falling objects.

The International Community Foundation (ICF) is actively working to assess needs of local communities in those areas most directly affected by the hurricane, and will work to mobilize needed resources for immediate disaster relief and rebuilding efforts.

ICF will partner with on-the-ground disaster relief organizations, including our long-time partner, the Mexican Red Cross, and our grantees throughout the region. Charitable donations in support of relief efforts can be made to the Baja California Disaster Relief Fund at ICF.

How to Help:

1) Contributions by mail:
Checks payable to the International Community Foundation, with Baja California Disaster Relief Fund in the memo line, should be sent to:

Baja California Disaster Relief Fund
c/o International Community Foundation
2505 N Avenue
National City, CA 91950

2) Online contributions to the Baja California Disaster Relief Fund at the International Community Foundation may be made at: icf-xchange.org

About the International Community Foundation (ICF)

The International Community Foundation’s mission is to increase charitable giving across U.S. borders to benefit communities and non-profit organizations internationally with an emphasis on Mexico and Latin America. Established in 1990, the foundation’s grantmaking totaled over $6 million during fiscal year 2014. ICF has remained actively involved in providing community based leadership in responding to disaster relief efforts along the Baja California peninsula since 2001. For more information visit icfdn.org