One805 has received two separate donations from Santa Barbara-based organizations Direct Relief and Yardi that will support One805‘s advocacy for the mental health of local first responders.

Created in the aftermath of the Thomas Fire and Montecito mudslide, One805 has been focused on ensuring mental health and other support for those who sacrifice so much to protect the community, particularly before, during and after local natural disasters.

“Direct Relief has responded to thousands of emergencies around the globe in our 75 years of existence and is deeply committed to doing everything we can to support first responders in the town that we live in,” said Thomas Tighe, president/CEO of Direct Relief. “It is our privilege to work with One805 to strengthen assistance to our hometown heroes.” 

“Direct Relief has provided medical care and support to people worldwide since 1948, and their commitment to our first responders and their mental health is consistent with the organization’s values. We are truly humbled to have their support,” said Kirsten Cavendish Weston Smith, CEO, One805. 

“For over 40 years, Yardi has been committed to supporting the communities in which it operates,” said Arnie Brier, Yardi’s senior vice president/general counsel. “With this donation, we are investing in the health and mental well-being of our first responders to help keep departments fit and fully staffed in our local area.” 

“Yardi is an ardent supporter of important causes in our community, and we are grateful for their ongoing support of One805 and our work to provide mental health and other services for our local first responders,” said Richard Weston Smith, co-founder/COO, One805. 

Earlier this year, One805 announced its distribution of about $240,000 in grants to first responders in Santa Barbara County in 2023. This round of distributions included: 

· Santa Maria Police Department: Mass Casualty First Aid Kits $13,012

· Guadalupe Police/Fire: Public Generator $41,127

· Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office: Ocean Recovery Dive Masks $39,995

· Santa Maria Fire Department: Rosetta Stone Language training $1,809

· Santa Barbara County Fire: Counseling Program $144,000

One805 will hold a September fundraiser One805LIVE! headlined by Grammy-winning band Maroon 5, which is donating 100% of its performance to the cause. The festival will e at Kevin Costner’s oceanside estate in Summerland.

Proceeds from the organization’s flagship event will also benefit first responders throughout Santa Barbara County.

To contribute to One805 or for tickets and sponsorships for One805LIVE!, visit One805.org.