San Diego residents affected by the January 22nd flood, including Elena Burgos and Gabino Perez, voiced their dissatisfaction with the meal provisions promised by the county. Despite assurances made at the Board of Supervisors meeting on May 11th, where $3 million was allocated for this purpose, many flood victims are not receiving the expected assistance.

Unfulfilled Promises

Burgos and Perez, currently housed in hotels, were assured of three meals a day until May 11th. However, they report receiving only two meals and having to purchase the remainder themselves. Perez expressed frustration, stating he wasn’t aware of the promise for three meals, highlighting a communication gap between the authorities and the affected individuals.

Limited Support

Ashley Manzano, residing at the Comfort Inn, echoed similar sentiments, revealing that only a handful of hotels and nonprofits were providing food to flood victims. She emphasized that many others, including herself, were left without adequate support. Tanay Jackson, staying at the Days Inn downtown, disclosed receiving minimal free food consisting of a danish, juice, and an orange, leaving her to fend for herself for the rest of her meals.

County’s Response

The county acknowledged the issue and claimed to be working swiftly to rectify it. Following the recent allocation of funds, the county authorized teams to negotiate contracts with nonprofits and private companies to ensure proper food distribution. Additionally, the Harvey Family Foundation received $100,000 from the county to provide food at select hotels, with ongoing negotiations to expand their services to more locations.

Urgent Need for Effective Assistance

Despite the county’s efforts to address the food needs of flood victims, many are left underserved and frustrated. Improved communication and prompt action are imperative to ensure that promised assistance reaches those in need without delay. As recovery efforts continue, it’s essential for authorities to prioritize the well-being of affected individuals and provide them with the support they urgently require.

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