LAKE COUNTY
NCO offering assistance to those impacted by disaster or COVID-19
North Coast Opportunities, Inc (NCO) recognizes the challenges many community members are feeling because of Covid-19 combined with the culminating impacts of several years of federally declared wildfires. In response, NCO is offering various types of support to the community. Apply for support directly at www.ncoinc.org and click “Lake County Disaster Assistance” on the top right of the home page. Limited funds are available and will be disbursed out on a first come, first served basis.
If you were evacuated or experienced a loss from any of the federally declared wildfires in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 or 2020, up to $2500 in financial support is available.
If you have been impacted by wildfire and have experienced lost wages, food, or gas, you may be eligible for a small mini grant.
If you are a Lake County resident who is ineligible for any of the Covid-19 stimulus packages/government aid, NCO can help. Mini grants will be mailed to residents and checks can be cashed at Savings Bank of Mendocino County in Lakeport. Valid ID will be required to cash checks.
If you are homebound and in need of food, and not able to access other community food resources, you may be eligible to receive free groceries delivered to your home. NCO is a partner in the Community Food Drive Project. Call 707-993-4644 to apply for the next delivery.
For more information about any of the resources mentioned in this article, visit www.ncoinc.org or call an NCO Disaster Case Manager at 707-277-1058.
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LAKE COUNTY
Library holiday closed days – Indigenous Peoples Day
All branches of the Lake County Library system will be closed October 10 to observe Indigenous Peoples Day. Normal hours at all branches will resume on October 13. Call your local branch if you have any questions. Although the library will be closed you can still go online to the library website at http://library.lakecountyca.gov to download ebooks, audiobooks, movies, music and magazines. You can also check on your account, renew any items you have checked out or request books from the Lake, Sonoma and Mendocino County Libraries to pick up at your local branch when the library does reopen.
The Lake County Library is on the internet at http://library.lakecountyca.gov and on Facebook at Facebook.com/LakeCountyLibrary.
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MIDDLETOWN
Mike McGuire coming to MATH this Thursday
Senator Mike McGuire will be the guest speaker at the Middletown Area Town Hall (MATH) Thursday evening, October 8 at 7 pm on Zoom. He will be addressing issues including fire mitigation, school funding, and homelessness. Questions for the Senator may be submitted in advance by text to 707-809-5398.
The public is encouraged to join the meeting on Zoom ID https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87229352332 or by phone 888-788-0099 # 872 2935 2332. (Mute or unmute *6, Raise Hand *9)
The full agenda for the MATH meeting may be found at http://www.lakecountyca.gov/Assets/Departments/BOS/Committees/MATH/Agendas/100820.pdf.
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SACRAMENTO
Food benefits available to wildfire victims
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) today announced this week that individuals and families impacted by wildfires in six counties may be eligible to receive Disaster CalFresh food benefits as part of continuing disaster recovery efforts.
A family of four with a monthly income up to $2,893 per month, after taking disaster-related expenses into consideration, may be eligible to receive up to $646 in food benefits through this program, which is available to those who live or work in multiple counties including the County of Lake.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic emergency, the Disaster CalFresh program will be operated, for the first time, primarily by phone.
who can apply?
Individuals and families who lived or worked in eligible counties on August 14 may be eligible for Disaster CalFresh food benefits if the household experienced at least one of the following between August 14-September 12 as a direct result of the wildfires:
- At least one person in the household was not getting regular CalFresh food benefits
- Money was spent because of the wildfire or related power outage
- Money was lost from work because of the wildfire; or
- Money was spent because of damage to a home or business.
Households already receiving regular CalFresh food benefits are not eligible to receive Disaster CalFresh food benefits.
How to apply
Households may pre-register for Disaster CalFresh from October 7 to 13 by calling or texting 916-237-1909. Households that complete pre-registration will be called by their local county social services office to finish the application and interview process.
Households that choose not to pre-register may still apply on weekdays from October 14-22 by calling their local county social services office, submitting a paper application, or submitting an online application. Online applications will be accepted from October 14 to 22 at http://www.benefitscal.com/
Additional information is available at https://www.cdss.ca.gov/disastercalfresh1. Clients may also reach their local county social services office by calling 1-877-847-3663 (FOOD) for more information.
For answers to any questions, call your local county social services office at (707) 995-4200
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