SANTA ROSA >> Thanks to the generosity of over 12,000 donors to Redwood Credit Union’s Lake County Fire Victim’s Relief Fund, nearly $875,000 was dispersed last week to 1,184 victims who lost their primary residence in the fires.
Approximately 1,300 homes were lost in the fires, so a majority of fire victims will benefit from this support. Funds are provided for unmet needs of those who lost primary residences and who filed for assistance with FEMA. Those who lost their primary residence but did not register with FEMA may be eligible for funding and should contact Team Lake County at 707-367-4614. The deadline to apply is March 31.
Redwood Credit Union’s Lake County Fire Victims Relief Fund was created by Redwood Credit Union Community Fund, Inc. in partnership with Redwood Credit Union (RCU) and the Press Democrat, and in conjunction with Senator Mike McGuire. Many local community advisors were engaged for valued input, including county officials (OES, Cal Fire, sheriff’s office), agencies, superintendents, nonprofits, and community leaders.
“We hope this recent support will further assist our Lake County neighbors with their unmet needs and aid in the recovery of the community,” said Cynthia Negri, President of RCU Community Fund, Inc.
With this most recent funding, the RCU Lake County Fire Victims Relief Fund equally divided $900 per primary burned address among the household of FEMA-registered residents.
“When tragedy struck in Lake County, thousands mobilized to help neighbors in need,” McGuire said. “While there is a lot of work ahead of us, the Lake County Fire Victims Relief Fund has helped countless residents begin the long process of recovering from this unprecedented disaster.”
Previous disbursements from the Fund have supported: gift cards for clothing and school supplies to students, teachers and school employees; funding for immediate food, shelter and housing; support for first responders who lost homes; funding for residents with livestock to build paddocks; and support for numerous community holiday events, food and gifts. Additionally, support for swift water rescue equipment and training was provided to help protect the community. Funds have also been set aside for top community needs, economic recovery and community rebuilding.
For information about Fund allocations: www.redwoodcu.org/lakecountyfirevictims.
