MIDDLETOWN >> The campaign to rebuild after the fires of 2015 and 2016 is not a short term affair.
The Hope Crisis Response Network, more commonly known as “Hope City,” has been based in the community to help assist wildfire survivors rebuild their homes since the recovery effort began. Their goal is to complete up to 100 homes with their volunteer help.
To achieve this, Lake County Board of Directors waived building permit fees for Hope City to occupy the Sheriff’s Substation in Middletown for the group to operate long-term. Rob Brown, District 5 Supervisor said they are looking to stay there for about three years.
Hope City is a non-profit organization and will be doing everything with volunteer teams who serve for one week at a time. Hope City will be collaborating with multiple local churches to create partnership and serve the families who lost their homes. The organization will be paired with Team Lake County, the local group of Volunteer Organizations Assisting in Disaster (VOAD).
The building will be leased to them by law enforcement for $1 per year. Hope City would be in charge of the custodial staff and maintenance and will renovate the building before to make it a usable and welcoming area for those who are coming for the service.
Sheriff Brian Martin said he wants the building to follow the proper permit and inspection process that other buildings need to follow as well to make sure the building is not just needed to be taken into consideration but he approves of having this project and utilizing this building.
“I fully support this I think it’s a great thing to do for Hope city and I like the work they are purposing to do in helping people rebuild here and I fully understand the need for a work place for its clients,” Martin said.
Brown said there is a lot of work that can be done to a building without the permit process being pulled and adjustments that can be done on a building.
“I’ve spoken with Moke (Simon) several times about the value of having this thing and move forward and make it as easy as possible for an organization, who, we need more than they need us,” Brown said.
Lars Ewing, the Public Service Director said because the building being used still belongs to the county, they would be the ones who are involved with fixing it.
“My only comment is to echo the need for this to be done right, not just with permits but through my department to ensure my staff has the opportunity to comment on what materials go in,” Ewing said.
Simon, District 1 Supervisor said once the Hope City has vacated the building being leased, he is looking to place an office in that area to better serve his District.
“The work that Hope City is doing is critical, it is much needed and there’s about to be a bunch of homes finished at this point,” Simon said. “I would also be an advocate to allow the building after its use for Hope City to be a location for the Police Department as a location for them as well.”
