When disaster hit California’s South Coast in January, Direct Relief called those on the front lines to ask a simple question: “What do you need most, right now?”

By asking that question, Direct Relief was able to provide specialized equipment to crews in the midst of critical search and rescue operations after the Montecito Mudslide. Vaccinations to protect those returning to damaged neighborhoods to do clean-up were also distributed, as was financial assistance for the most vulnerable who were impacted economically by the fires and mudslides.