LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – County officials reported that arrangements are being made to set up a local assistance center to offer resources to community members impacted by the Mendocino Complex.
The County Administrative Office said that, within 24 to 48 hours of the repopulation of all evacuated areas, the county of Lake will be establishing a local assistance center.
Officials recognize that the Ranch and River fires have left many in the community with profound needs.
Some individuals and families have lost homes, and are just beginning to navigate the process of rebuilding. Others are wondering how to replace basic food items or vital records and other critical documents.
Many are still displaced from their homes, and unsure what they will find when they return. Some may need assistance healing emotionally from the effects of the disaster.
Given the variety and depth of needs county residents are facing, some may be wondering where to start. Most can likely use some support in deciding what needs to address in what order.
The local assistance center is meant to help the community begin that process.
The specific date and time of when the center will be opened will be released as soon as it is known; presently, resources are being devoted primarily to the immediate disaster response, officials said.
“With the duration of the River and Ranch fires, and people repopulating over such a lengthy period, we understand that people are at different stages, and many kinds of assistance are needed,” said County Administrative Officer Carol Huchingson.
The local assistance center will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Lakeport Senior Center, located at 527 Konocti Ave.
A wide-ranging array of services and expertise will be available. If you need help with temporary or long-term housing, assistance accessing medical care, or information on fire debris removal or permits, resources will be available.
If you have concerns about your animals or even insurance matters, help will be available at the local assistance center.
“We want to help Lake County residents progress through recovery in a positive, productive way,” said Social Services Director Crystal Markytan. “The process of recovering from any significant loss is challenging, and rebuilding a beloved home, for example, brings unique technical and personal challenges. No one should walk that road alone, and we want to ensure appropriate resources are available.”
Local assistance center to open soon in Lakeport
- Lake County News reports
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