Health & Safety

Health - Disaster preparedness

We provide support for programs that promote wellness and that help keep communities safe. We also provide assistance to communities in times of disaster.

Helping People in Need Initiative:
In 2009, as a result of the challenging economic times that our communities are facing, the Sempra Energy Foundation granted over $1 million dollars to over 65 organizations in Central and Southern California to help families who are struggling to meet everyday basic needs like food and shelter. One of the organizations receiving funding was North County Community Services, who provides food distribution to San Diego families in need of nourishment. Another recipient of grants from this initiative was the Midnight Mission in Los Angeles, who provides homeless individuals immediate needs such as food, shelter and clothing and support to become self-sufficient long-term.

San Diego Chapter of the American Red Cross:
The Foundation teamed up with the San Diego Chapter of the American Red Cross to fund the Services to the Armed Forces program which allows the Red Cross to provide emergency communication between deployed military personnel and their families. This grant also provides funding for the Prepare San Diego disaster preparedness program, which works to prepare 500,000 residents to cope with a potential disaster and to increase shelter capacity in San Diego County from 5,000 to 100,000 in case of a disaster.

Haiti Relief:
In response to the devastating earthquake in Haiti, the Sempra Energy Foundation teamed up with the San Diego Chapter of the American Red Cross International Relief Fund to aid in immediate relief efforts. This donation will help provide food, shelter, medical supplies and much needed assistance to the people of Haiti.

American National Red Cross, Santa Barbara County Chapter:
Through this grant from the Sempra Energy Foundation, the Santa Barbara County Chapter of the American National Red Cross was able to respond and support people affected by the Jesusita Fire in Santa Barbara, CA.

San Diego Regional Fire and Emergency Services Foundation:
The Sempra Energy Foundation underwrote a grant to provide funding to San Diego County’s 28 volunteer fire departments. Volunteer fire departments typically have limited resources and lack funds to purchase basic firefighting equipment. This grant allowed for the purchase of fire hoses, nozzles and protective equipment to prepare for the upcoming fire season.