Out of the Ashes Recovery Organizational System

Catastrophic natural disasters have become a regular occurrence around the world.  We are a group of San Diego residents, intent on helping make the aftermath of destructive wildfires easier for survivors to navigate.  To do this, we need your help.

The Out of the Ashes Recovery Organizational System project was originally conceived in 2003, when survivors of the San DIego Cedar Fire realized how difficult it was to get organized in the wake of losing everything.  When fire struck San Diego once again in 2007 (the Witch Creek Fire), the organizational totes were replicated in large numbers by a group of volunteers.  These were then donated to survivors of that fire, owing to the great generosity of individuals and businesses who helped fund the project and assemble the totes.  And once again, the group stepped up to provide 1000 organizational totes to the survivors of the Tubbs Fire that struck Sonoma and Napa counties in 2017… raising over $15,000 through our original Gofundme campaign.  With those donations, we purchased supplies, made copies, assembled the files and delivered the totes to northern California, all in eight days!


What is an Out of the Ashes Recovery Organizational System?

Each tote contains pre-labeled hanging files and manila folders to help organize the important forms, receipts, notes and documents needed during the recovery process. This practical tool helps families deal with the arduous aftermath in an organized and efficient manner. Our mantra: Getting organized helps you feel in control of your life again.

We are now seeking additional funding to produce and assemble this essential organizational tool in significantly greater quantities.  Our hope is that these totes will be distributed quickly to survivors of future devastating wildfires, anywhere throughout the country.  In addition, all resources and files will be available digitally.