The Santa Barbara Tea Fire Response Fund, a collaborative community partnership formed after the November fire in Montecito, announced the first distribution of $77,204 in funds donated by individuals and organizations. The total funds raised to date are $434,426.

Ninety-one percent of the funds went toward individuals in need of “self-sufficiency,” including self-employed professionals whose ability to work has been affected. Another 6 percent of the funds went to school supplies and 3 percent was dedicated to housing needs.

More than 200 individuals and families have registered with American Red Cross Santa Barbara County Chapter and 48 applications representing approximately $168,000 have been submitted so far.

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