NCO has established distribution centers in Lake and Mendocino Counties to provide sustenance to those who were impacted by the Mendocino Complex Fire. Since August, NCO’s Lake County Distribution Center has distributed goods to over 400 families by providing a variety of items, such as food, cleaning kits, clothing, diapers, wipes, masks, etc. Available items change daily.
“One of the large issues facing Mendocino Complex Fire Survivors is that this fire has brought on its own set of circumstances. Thousands of families were evacuated for an extended period resulting in financial distress,” says Patty Bruder, NCO Executive Director. “These distribution centers are intended to help those impacted by providing replacement items quickly.”
The Lake County distribution center is located on 785 Bevins Street in Lakeport and is open. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am – 3pm. After-hour appointments are available by contacting Tammy Alakszay at (707) 972-0519. The Mendocino County Distribution Center is also open at 8465 East Road in Redwood Valley. The center is open daily, please call Danilla Sands for hours at 707-621-8817.
NCO Disaster Case Managers are also available to provide information, resources, and support. Contact a Lake County Disaster Case Manager at (707) 994-2910 or a Mendocino County Disaster Case Manager at (707) 621-8817.
NCO’s 2018 Wildfire Relief Fund continues to support survivors by assisting those facing financial hardship by providing monetary aid. The application deadline was September 14, 2018. As of Friday, September 14th, 57 fire survivors suffering a total home loss received a $1000.00 check whereas 22 fire survivors suffering a partial home loss received a $500 check. NCO received over 1,000 applications for fire relief. NCO’s Disaster Response Team will continue prioritizing total and partial loss applications and if funds remain, NCO will aid those who suffered evacuation losses.
NCO serves as a critical link for fire survivors and was recognized as Nonprofit of the Year in 2018 by Senator Mike McGuire after their work in previous fire relief efforts. NCO is now in its fifth year of responding to fires and remains devoted to supporting Lake and Mendocino Counties rebuild. NCO advocates on the behalf of low-income and disadvantaged people by developing and providing services that strengthen our communities, one person at a time.
[This archive item was originally published on Wednesday, September 19, 2018]
