Porterville-area families affected by drought receive water donations

PORTERVILLE, Calif. (KFSN) -- Many people whose wells have run dry are now getting help from an international organization that also provides relief to Ebola victims.

Matthew 25: Ministries is one of several groups working with the Porterville Area Coordinating Council to bring water to the drought-stricken community.

Nearly 300 families in this community haven't had water to flush toilets, bathe, or even drink since May. But now donations in the form of water are helping them survive.

Thomas Garcia of East Porterville fills up several large drums of water in his car, but this will only last him a day and a half.

"If I had a way to get out of here, this side of town, I would. But the house has been paid for, and I just got to live with them," said Garcia.

It's a harsh reality many residents of East Porterville are facing every day as they live without any water.

"I've been contacting some people to drill some wells but they want too much money," said Garcia.

Free water giveaways like this offer some relief to those affected by California's extreme drought. The Porterville Area Coordinating Council organizes these events in conjunction with donations from businesses and charities across the state.

"It's a basic need. We breathe, we need water. It's that simple," Porterville Area Coordinating Council Director Elva Beltran said.

A concept simple enough, but a task difficult to mobilize. Garcia has already had to replace the shocks on his car from the weight of the water barrels, but it's a price he's willing to pay to get water to his family.

"We're all here just doing the best that we can with volunteers to make sure that our families are taken care of," said Beltran.

The Porterville Area Coordinating Council is having another giveaway on November 9 on East Date Street.

Besides donations and government assistance, there aren't any long-term solutions set up in place for this crisis.