North Coast Opportunities, Inc, (NCO) announced on Monday, July 30th, that they’ve reopened their wildfire relief fund to support those impacted by the 2018 Lake and Mendocino County wildfires. All major credit cards are being accepted via PayPal at www.ncoinc.org, or by mail and in-person at 413 N. State Street, Ukiah CA, 95482.
In 2015, NCO worked with other area organizations in response to Lake County’s Rocky, Jerusalem, and Valley Fires. In 2016, NCO opened the fund in response to Lake County’s Clayton Fire, and again in 2017 for the Redwood Fire in Mendocino County and the Sulphur Fire in Lake County. The fund is now open with hopes to support those impacted by the Pawnee Fire, Ranch Fire and River Fire.
The Wildfire Relief Fund is dependent on community donations. Relief will be disbursed by committee determination or through NCO’s Disaster Case Managers. Those with the greatest needs, like residents who experienced a total loss, are given priority. 100% of donated funds will be returned to the community, directly to 2018 Lake and Mendocino County Fire survivors. Applications to apply for assistance will soon be available at www.ncoinc.org.
While the Wildfire Relief Fund supports longer term needs, like housing repairs, hundreds of residents are still evacuated. Many people need immediate assistance with everyday basics, like gas, food, diapers, loss of wages, and more.
“The best way to help people immediately is by donating visa gift cards,” says NCO Executive Director Patty Bruder. “We can immediately disperse gift cards to those who need it most.” During evacuation many residents experienced loss of power. As they repopulate, they will return home to spoiled food. Visa gift cards can help with food replacement and cover the extra housing and transportation costs incurred while being evacuated.
“Soon we’ll begin accepting applications from fire survivors who need assistance,” adds Bruder. “Once we’ve determined how much we’ve collected, we can begin defining the scope of disbursement, from eligibility, to recovery needs.”
NCO is the community action agency that supports Lake and Mendocino Counties as well as parts of Humboldt, Sonoma, Del Norte, and Solano Counties. NCO remains a committed partner during disasters that impact Lake and Mendocino Counties. This year NCO celebrates 50 years of service through community action.
Those interested in donating should contact NCO at 707-467-3200. Fire survivors in Mendocino County may contact Disaster Case Managers at 707-621-8817. Lake County Disaster Case Managers may be reached at 707-994-2910. For more information or to donate please visit www.ncoinc.org.
[This archive item was originally published on Tuesday, August 7, 2018]
