LOWER LAKE, Calif. – The local assistance center set up to assist Clayton fire survivors has made contact with hundreds of community members impacted by the fire since its opening on Saturday.
The center had temporarily been open at Lake County Adult Services over the weekend before transitioning to the former Lower Lake Bank building at 16195 Main St. on Monday.
The center is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. The county said the center is scheduled to run through Friday, but depending on need may be extended beyond that time.
The center's services have continued to expand on a daily basis. Services the county said are offered include replacement of vital records such as birth, marriage and death certifications, along with Department of Motor Vehicles records and tax relief information.
Victim Compensation and Government Claims is on site and assisting survivors with filing claims to get medical, mental health and wage losses covered due to arson, the county reported.
Other assistance includes unemployment, cleanup and building information, insurance counseling, help from the Red Cross and a variety of other valuable services, officials said.
In addition, the county said survivors who have suffered a total loss can receive vouchers or gift cards.
On Wednesday, the U.S. Small Business Administration, or SBA, and the United States Department of Agriculture will be arriving, according to the county administration.
The county reported that SBA can assist with low interest disaster loans for both businesses and homeowners. USDA offers many programs that can assist landowners, farmers, ranchers and producers during disasters.
On Tuesday, Board of Supervisors Chair Rob Brown, who is acting as co-recovery coordinator with County Administrative Officer Carol Huchingson, said that close to 200 families had come in to get services at the center since it opened.
On Saturday, 18 families came in to register, followed by 54 on Sunday, 88 on Monday and 44 on Tuesday, Brown said.
He said that the number of families registering appears to be winding down as the center moves into the final days of its scheduled operation.
The county is continuing to encourage Clayton fire survivors to stop by the center to complete a brief survey, and receive a variety of information and assistance.
Officials said that when survivors register with the center it enables service providers to offer information and to assess community needs.
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County gives update on local assistance center; SBA, USDA to be at center Wednesday
- Elizabeth Larson
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