Hundreds continue to seek disaster relief at Santa Rosa FEMA hub
More than 900 people used the center over the weekend after its Saturday opening on the first floor of The Press Democrat's building at
"I didn't know what to expect," Gossman said, recalling Saturday morning's opening when just five people at the in-take table caused the line outside to back up.
On Monday, 25 county employees manned the table. That's who people meet with after coming through the center's front doors.
Gossman said intake workers interview fire victims, collecting basic information such as name, address of their damaged home and number of family members, before assessing their needs. They put together a checklist where fire victims need to go next as they make their way through the center. Rooms are divided into federal, state and local services.
Many of those at the
After leaving the intake area, which includes a child care room, residents must wait to meet with
A woman Monday who declined to give her name called it a "controlled zoo." She stopped by to get help with smoke damage, but after waiting more than an hour to meet with a
Officials urged residents who can to apply for disaster relief online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362. Computers also are available at the center for residents to apply online, Gossman said.
He urged residents to stop by for assistance, regardless of immigration status. Although undocumented residents may not qualify for certain services, Gossman said they might be able to receive other support or services.
"We only had 15 to 20 minutes to get out," said Lal, who grabbed her purse before fleeing.
"I'm still in shock. I couldn't even remember who my mortgage holder was," said Lal, whose husband ran a trucking business from home. Both thanked the center's workers and volunteers, who, they said, provided guidance at every step, making it easier for them to apply for
"Be patient with the people in there," Lal said. "They're dealing with hundreds."
Zane said she was unhappy to learn that the center over the weekend hadn't included representatives from
While visiting the center Monday with Assemblywoman
"They're trying to help as quickly as they can and they're trying to make people feel comfortable while they're helping," said Thompson, who shared the story of a fire victim whose identity was stolen. He said the identity thief filed a
"They stopped the scoundrel from getting anything," he said.
Gossman said it was the only identity theft incident to date.
The center will be open daily from
Staff Writer
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