Dear Faculty and Staff Colleagues,

In the last week, the unprecedented number and severity of simultaneous fires in the Bay Area have raised the spectre of suffering, disruption and uncertainty for many of our community members. Some faculty and staff have been evacuated from their homes, while others prepare for possible evacuations at tenuous locations close to the fires. Still others struggle with the smoke and poor air quality throughout the Bay Area.

The University has mobilized several resources for staff and faculty who have been impacted by the fires. There is a limited amount of short-term housing set aside specifically for University community members in need. Please note that we cannot take in pets. If you have been evacuated and are in need of emergency housing, please contact Robin Reynolds in Auxiliary Services.

Additionally, the University offers emergency loans to assist with immediate financial needs through the Employee Emergency Loan program, managed by the Department of Human Resources. Employees are able to take a second loan out for this crisis even if they have an existing loan. In addition, the Concern Employee Assistance Program has counselors available to assist with stress or grief you may be experiencing, as well as other well-being resources. For childcare and adult care resources, Bright Horizons provides subsidized care and other resources. I encourage you to access these resources to help alleviate the immediate crisis at hand. Should you have any questions about these resources, please contact Shirley Mata in Human Resources at 408-554-6990.  

Faculty and staff who would benefit from access to the Bronco Pantry can request access by completing this short form. If you would like to donate gift cards or food to the Bronco Pantry, visit the Food Insecurity webpage here.

These are difficult times in which we face multiple crises - the social crisis of racism, the public health crises of COVID-19 and the wildfires. I have committed myself and University leadership to addressing these crises holistically and with intention to serve those who are most vulnerable in our University community. By supporting the health and welfare of one member of our community, we support the health and welfare of the entire community. 

Please join me in praying for all who continue to be in harm's way as a result of the wildfires.

Sincerely,

Kevin F. O'Brien, S.J.
President