LA MESA, Calif. (KGTV) -- La Mesa businesses that were damaged or looted during protests that turned violent in late May can receive financial assistance through a special fund.
According to the East County Economic Development Council, the La Mesa Disaster Recovery Fund “was created by the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce Foundation to help businesses damaged or destroyed in the aftermath of opportunistic violence and looting following peaceful Black Lives Matter demonstrations in La Mesa.”
The fund raised $50,000 on its first day, and then $100,000 by the second day. The fund has now reached nearly $200,000.
Fund organizers said they want to be “fast, fair, and equitable” with the distribution of money to the affected businesses.
A flat stipend amount will be distributed to each verified business starting the week of June 29. Three-quarters of the money will be distributed during this Phase 1.
The remaining 25 percent will be distributed during Phase 2 (no exact date given), with the intention of closing the fund by the end of July.
To be eligible to receive funding, businesses are being asked to upload photos of damage and include verification of the address and ownership through an online form. The deadline to apply is June 26.
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS ONLINE FORM
10News learned all businesses that are accepted will receive the same amount of money from the fund.
The La Mesa Disaster Recovery Fund is still accepting donations through a GoFundMe page.
