LAKEPORT, Calif. – Donations to assist Lake County flood survivors are currently being collected through a collaborative effort between North Coast Opportunities and Mendo Lake Credit Union, representatives for the two entities announced.
The Lake County Flood Relief fund has been established to help Lake County residents severely impacted by recent rains and flooding, with many families displaced by extreme conditions.
Donations may be made on either NCO or MLCU’s Web sites, and fund applications for affected families and individuals are available online.
Additionally, anyone wishing to donate to the flood relief fund can go in person to any MLCU branch, or send a check to MLCU made out to NCO with “Lake County Flood” in the notes field.
“Both MLCU and NCO recognize the need to help our local residents who have been hard hit by this year’s wet weather. Much like we did following the devastation from fires in the south county nearly two years ago, we join NCO in wanting to help our community members,” said Jamey Gill, MLCU director of Marketing and Community Outreach. “MLCU is all about people helping people, and our mission is to support the economic wellbeing of the communities we serve.”
Among those affected by flooding in the Lakeport area were more than 200 residents, according to Kevin Ingram, City of Lakeport public information officer.
Of those 200, 175 are from the Will-O-Point Resort where 41 homes were “red-tagged.” Residents will not likely be able to return to their homes for at least two to three months, he said.
“The flooding aggravated the already constrained utilities at the mobile home park, most notably sewer,” Ingram explained. “Occupancy of the homes located within Will-O-Point will remain prohibited until repair work on the utilities is completed by the owner. This repair work is further aggravated by the continued elevated level of Clear Lake as the property owner is not even able to begin to analyze needed repairs until additional groundwater levels at the park recede further.”
Ingram characterized the majority of the families affected as low and very low income earners.
The biggest need for the families is rental assistance for temporary housing and deposit assistance for relocation, said Ingram. Families lost clothing and food due to the flooding situation, as well as having to leave their homes for an extended amount of time. Additionally, when families return to their Will-O-Point homes, they may find that some minor repairs will be necessary.
NCO and MLCU’s representatives pointed out that 100 percent of funds collected will go straight to those affected; no portion of the donations will go toward administrative overhead. Donations are tax deductible.
For more information on how to donate or how to apply for funds, visit either NCO or MLCU’s Web sites or contact NCO Executive Assistant Elizabeth Archer at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 707-467-3210.
NCO is the Community Action Agency for Lake and Mendocino counties, and part of its mission is to serve those in need during emergency situations. The fund was officially set up by NCO as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Mendo Lake Credit Union is a member-owned financial cooperative and has been serving members’ financial needs since 1959. MLCU branches are located in Lakeport, Clearlake, Fort Bragg and Ukiah.
Flood relief fund donations sought
- Susan Stout
- Posted On