LAKE COUNTY >> Following a bipartisan effort led by Congressman Mike Thompson, Congressman John Garamendi and others, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance is available to qualifying individuals and business owners affected by the Ranch and River Fires.
“We are heartened and grateful that State and Federal officials have come together to establish that the well-being and recovery of Lake County and our residents is a national priority,” said Carol J. Huchingson, County Administrative Officer. “With more than half of our landmass having burned since 2012, the cumulative effect upon Lake County residents has been devastating. The availability (of) FEMA assistance for Ranch and River Fire survivors is a very positive step.”
Officials noted that in order to serve the broadest array of individuals affected by the Mendocino Complex fires, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has established a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Upper Lake at the following location:
Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake Community Center
9460 Main Street
Upper Lake, CA 95485
The DRC is open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Mendocino Complex survivors who visit the center are encouraged to bring the following information:
-Their Social Security number (one per household)
-The address of the damaged home or apartment
-A description of the damage
-Information about insurance coverage
-Their telephone number
-A mailing address
-Their bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of funds
Additionally, officials stated assistance is available from the State of California and federal government to encourage recovery, and may include grants for:
Rental assistance, home repairs and rebuilding and numerous other personal disaster-related expenses.
According to the information about the facility released by the county, personnel at the DRC can also provide information regarding low interest disaster loans available from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Ranch and River Fire survivors may also apply for assistance online, or by phone: http://www.disasterassistance.gov/
The toll free numbers are 800-621-3362 (including users of 711 or Video Relay Service) and 800-462-7585 (TTY)
They are available 7 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily.
“If you were impacted by the Ranch or River Fires, I would encourage you to reach out to FEMA,” said Huchingson. “There are a variety of supports available, and reviewing the resources at disasterassistance.gov and discussing your situation with the representatives at the DRC will ensure you receive the assistance that best fits your needs.”
According to David Reetz, public information officer with the Small Business Administration, business physical disaster loans, economic disaster loans and home disaster loans are available with interest rates ranging from 1.9 percent to 4 percent for home loans.
Reetz said representatives from the SBA will be present at the newly opened FEMA Disaster Recovery Center.
“We have people sitting there to take applications,” he said, adding that representatives will be there until the center closes and adding that during an emergency, the agency has a different function than what people expect from the SBA.
“We don’t just focus on businesses,” said Reetz. “Our job is to provide disaster loans and to meet people’s uninsured and under-insured needs. Reetz explained that although disaster funds cannot be replicated, someone who receives grants from FEMA and their own insurance company may be eligible for an SBA loan to fill in any financial gaps.
Reetz said fire affected individuals are encouraged to apply for loans prior to the October 3, 2018 deadline for physical damages. These loans are available not only to businesses, but to individuals who have suffered economic injuries. The SBA has up to $200,000 available to assist home owners, renters and non profit organizations.
Additionally, Reetz said renters may also be eligible for loans to aid in repairs of cars and/or other personal property.
The SBA has up to $40,000 available for these types of repairs and people are encouraged to apply, even if they think they may get turned down, he said.
“A mistake would be not to apply,” said Reetz. “If people think they are going to get turned down, they should still apply because they may still be eligible for additional grants made available by FEMA.”
Another misconception addressed by Reetz is people think they have to have documents prepared in order to apply. Reetz said this should not deter applicants because the agency understands those documents may not be readily available. “They should start the application process because we can always get those documents at a later time.”
