FREED Center for Independent Living

03/01/2026

Nevada County Department of Social Services Update

If you receive CalFresh benefits and were affected by the recent power outages, we have important news to share.

The State of California has approved a Timely Reporting Waiver, giving residents extra time to request CalFresh replacement benefits for food lost during the outages.

You now have until March 9, 2026 to submit your request. To apply:
• Visit any Nevada County Department of Social Services office or
• Call us at 530-265-1340

We’re here to support our community. Please reach out if you need assistance.

02/27/2026

🚨 Earthquake Safety Starts at Home
For people with disabilities, falling furniture can block exits, damage medical equipment, and make it harder to move safely.
Take 10 minutes today:
�✔️ Anchor bookcases & dressers�✔️ Secure TVs�✔️ Keep pathways clear

Small fixes now can prevent serious injuries later.
Prepared spaces save lives.



Image Description: A Latino man in a power wheelchair is trapped in a flooded room after an earthquake, with fallen bookcases blocking his exit and cracks in the walls. Bold text reads “Get Prepared,” and the FREED logo appears in the bottom right corner.

02/24/2026

We are still working to support older adults and people with disabilities impacted by the winter storm and power outages. If you are still without power and need support with a hotel stay or reimbursement for generator fuel or firewood expenses, you can reach us by phone at 800-655-7732 today, Tuesday, February 24th until 5:00pm, and tomorrow, Wednesday, February 25th 8:30am-5:00pm.

02/21/2026

Storm Alert for Disability Community

Many people are still without power. Another storm with heavy rain is expected early next week in El Dorado, Placer, Nevada, and Yuba counties.

If you can, charge devices, prepare essential supplies, and ask someone to check on you.
If your safety is at risk, call 911.

FREED is here to support you.

&E #

Accessible Image Description:A fire truck with flashing lights drives toward the viewer on a flooded mountain road during heavy rain. Snow-covered mountains and dark storm clouds fill the background. Large text reads “Atmospheric River Alert,” and the FREED logo appears in the bottom right corner.

02/20/2026

To those without power:

If you use life-sustaining medical devices or identify as medically vulnerable, please do not wait until your situation is dire. If you are low on fuel for your generator, your backup battery is low, your core body temperature is dangerously low, and you need medical attention, dial 911 now. Please do not wait until it's too late. It may take first responders time to reach you, especially if the roads are not clear of snow or debris.

Please share this post and check on friends or family who have access and functional needs during these cold temperatures.

&E

Image Description: An older woman sits in a dark room, wearing an oxygen mask connected to a concentrator and a backup battery that displays “LOW BATTERY.” She is wrapped in blankets beside a lantern, with snowy trees visible outside and a thermometer reading 40°F. Text reads, “Don’t wait to dial 911,” with the FREED logo at bottom right.

02/20/2026

Our Grass Valley office is open today, Friday, February 20th. We are staffed 8:30-4:00pm, but still available by phone until 7:00pm. If you need support for the winter storm, please call 800-655-7732. Please note that staff in office are not able to provide any storm related reimbursement funds without prior arrangements. Thank you for your patience.

02/20/2026

Our staff are available for winter storm related support 7am-7pm through Sunday, February 22nd. If you are an older adult and/or person with a disability impacted by power outages we can help with hotel stays (including covering food costs while you are away from home), or reimbursement for generator fuel or firewood during the time your power is out. Find out if you qualify by calling us at 800-655-7732.

*edit - GV office open on Friday 2/20 8:30-4:00.

Please note our staff are only able to respond to winter storm related requests over the weekend, our office in Grass Valley remains closed due to weather and road conditions, and many of our staff are also impacted by the storm, so we have reduced staff capacity. Thank you for your patience and understanding.ce c

02/20/2026

Warming shelter is open! All are welcome!

Stay safe everyone!

02/19/2026

Good news, the emergency weather shelter will be open today (2/19) and tomorrow (2/20)

Nevada City, CA – Sierra Roots will continue providing the Emergency Weather Shelter on Thursday, February 19 and Friday, February 20, 2026, in response to forecasted conditions at or below 32 degrees. Shelter Location and Assistance The Emergency Weather Shelter is located at the Veterans Hall (l...

02/19/2026

FREED is working with PG&E to get important resources to eligible members of our community. You may qualify for a hotel stay or help paying for gas for your generator if you:

• Have a disability or chronic health condition that puts you at current risk due to the power outage

• Require health sustaining electrical devices such as breathing treatments, CPAP, power chairs, etc.

• Are age 65 + and at additional risk of health concern due to the power outage.

AND:

• Reside at a PGE service address impacted by the current winter storm outage.

Call our offices to find out more: 530-477-3333. Please note our Grass Valley office is closed, staff are working remotely, some are also impacted by the storm. Thank you for your patience. We will be available 7am-7pm today, Thursday February 19th.

If you do not qualify, but are significantly at risk in other ways, Dial 2-1-1 for other possible resources.

For emergencies, Dial 9-1-1.

02/18/2026

FREED’s Grass Valley office is closed again today, Wednesday, February 18th due to weather and unsafe driving conditions. No groups or in-person meetings will take place. Some staff are able to work remotely, and our Yuba City office is open. Thank you for your patience.

02/17/2026

❄️ Warming Shelter Open ❄️

Due to the winter storm, our warming shelter is now open for those in need. If you or someone you know needs a safe, heated place to rest, please come by or help spread the word.

Stay safe, take care of one another, and check in on your neighbors. 💙