CLEARLAKE >> Over 100 people filled the main hall at the Clearlake Senior Community Center within the first half hour of day one of the Local Assistance Center (LAC) Tuesday morning.
LAC is a one-stop, all-things relief hub for Sulphur Fire victims, made possible through the partnership with the City of Clearlake, County of Lake, and state and national services and organizations.
Vice Mayor of the City of Clearlake Bruno Sabatier held a map that showed where all resources were available for attendees. His drawn-out guide depicted booths set up for Cal OES, FEMA, PG&E, DMV, a local VA clinic, social services, the Salvation Army, and more. Because many people lost phone connectivity, a telephone booth was also available for use. Those affected had a chance to sit down and speak one-on-one with representatives of each organization to receive navigation on insurance policies, how to access grants, or renew lost documents such as a driver’s license.
Sabatier explained that though 16 agencies were serving, sometimes people’s needs are not all addressed. In order to learn more about specific needs, people can fill out a small card, known as an Angel card, with questions and concerns. Once a suitable answer is found, LAC personnel contacts him or her back with guidance. A survey on LAC performance was also available.
“This is the third year in a row that we have the Local Assistance Center,” Sabatier said. “We had it for the Valley and Clayton fires. Most organizations responded within 24 hours that they would offer help, so, I’m very glad to see everybody work together. We’re here to help.”
In a prepared statement, City of Clearlake Manager Greg Folsom said the goal is to assist with “recovery and rebuild and help … turn tragedy into a new beginning.”
With 134 structures damaged by the Sulphur Fire last Monday, Sheriff Brian Martin confirmed Tuesday, Habitat for Humanity President Richard Burk said it was important for him to speak with those that lost or had their home’s damaged.
“We know that it’s too soon to think about rebuilding for some,” Burk said. “But we’re here to let folks know of this opportunity. Our experience with the Valley Fire has us prepared and we have the resources to help.”
Habitat for Humanity has made the rebuilding process a reality for many fire victims in the past. Burk said that will be the case for those affected by this new disaster. Already, the organization is offering immediate repairs to damaged homes. Low-income families should not shy away from the service, he added.
Three American Red Cross trucks, filled with varied resources were unloaded Tuesday morning. Trucks carried packs of water, food, respirators, and comfort kits — bags with first-aid kit items and toiletries.
“For folks affected by the fire, this is a godsend,” Disaster Relief representative Thomas Thompson said as he emptied the first truck.
Another American Red Cross worker added people from “New York, Alaska, and Costa Rica, and even volunteers from areas that were affected by their own disasters like from Texas” were aiding in Lake and surrounding counties as a result of the fires.
Unloading the third truck was father Chris Crispo and son Dan Bush Crispo. Just before arriving in Clearlake, they made a stop in Santa Rosa to provide comfort kits and respirators.
Assistance will continue at the Clearlake Community Center through Saturday, October 21. Hours of operation are from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., located at 3245 Bowers Ave.
