HMB Establishes Victims Fund For Farmworkers Impacted By Mass Shooting

HALF MOON BAY, CA — Help is on the way for those impacted by the Jan. 23 Half Moon Bay mass shooting.

The HMB City Council last week unanimously approved an Emergency Declaration and an Executive Order establishing the Coastside Victims Fund to support the individuals and families impacted by the recent shootings at two farms in Half Moon Bay, city officials said in a news release.

The San Mateo Credit Union (SMCU) Community Fund in partnership with the Mavericks Community Foundation (MCF) will administer the fund, which directly supports family members of the seven people killed along with dozens of others experiencing trauma.

The Coastside Victims Fund directly supports survivors and victims’ families. No administrative fees will be charged for donations, and all the money raised will go to those impacted by this horrific event, regardless of their citizenship status.

This fund does not restrict how the money can be used and assumes victims and survivors are best positioned to know their needs.

“As a community we are grieving,” Mayor Deborah Penrose said in a statement.

“While we know that financial support cannot begin to alleviate the pain of this tragedy, this fund is intended to provide victims with some support to manage expenses during the difficult and long process of recovery. We’re truly grateful for the partnership with SMCU Community Fund and MCF, and their work to bring some relief to the affected families in any way we can.”

The city identified two reputable public charities that have complementary strengths to administer the fund.

The SMCU Community Fund was created by the San Mateo Credit Union in 2020 with the mission of providing financial wellness in our community, including in times of disaster and emergency.

“We are honored to establish the Coastside Victims Fund. The ability to directly serve our communities, especially those who need it the most is fundamental to our organization’s mission,” SMCU CEO Wade Painter said in a statement.

“As part of the Coastside community with a branch office in Half Moon Bay, we’re pleased to help lift up our community with this fund by covering all administrative fees as well as a donation of $10,000.

In partnership with the SMCU Community Fund, Mavericks Community Foundation will draw on its deep roots and community ties to establish an oversight committee representing key community and victim groups, which will develop a grant distribution protocol structured around severity of injury.

“MCF was already engaged in a strategic planning process asking ourselves how we could grow and evolve to better serve our community when the shooting occurred,” MCF Executive Director Amber Stariha said in a statement.

“The board was unanimous in its decision that we step up to support the Coastside Victims Fund and that we seed the fund with a $10,000 donation.”

Family members of the deceased, those suffering life-altering injuries and hospitalizations, and those who witnessed the shootings or were displaced as a result will be eligible to receive grants.

The Oversight Committee will work closely with the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office in making grants to those who are eligible. Committee members will also collaborate with other nonprofit organizations providing critical services during this time of need.

To contribute visit the Coastside Victim Fund’s website.