Assisting Mountain Fire impacted residents

Mission:
The mission of the Long Term Disaster Recovery Group of Ventura County (VC LTDRG) is to strengthen area-wide disaster coordination in the affected area by sharing information, simplifying resident access to services, and jointly addressing cases with disaster-caused recovery needs.

Purpose:
The VC LTDRG will provide coordinated management of long-term recovery assistance to residents of Ventura County who have unmet disaster caused needs. The VC LTDRG will seek to provide spiritual, emotional, physical and financial resources to those affected by the disaster regardless of race, creed, color, gender, sexual orientation, disability or religious preference.

WORKSHOP:  Navigating Your Contents Claim

WHEN: Thursday, March 6, 2025 6:30 pm

WHERE: Camarillo United Methodist Church 291 Anacapa Drive Camarillo CA 93010 2024 

This in-person workshop will show participants how to tally up personal property/contents items that were damaged or destroyed to collect the full amount owed on those items. Participants will also learn strategies for completing home inventory and understanding depreciation.

United Policyholders: a non-profit 501(c)(3) whose mission is to be a trustworthy and useful information resource and a respected voice for consumers of all types of insurance. They don't take money from insurance companies. They provide guidance on buying insurance and navigating claims. here is the section specific to 2024 California Wildfires. 

Disaster Recovery Financial Counseling
Get help sifting through your financial situation. Project Porchlight from the non-profit Money Management Int. provides FREE assistance to renters and homeowners. 

Call this number specifically for Mountain Fire impacted households: 866-934-2408 to speak with a HUD certified counselor. You can find more information or schedule a phone appointment at https://www.moneymanagement.org/disaster-recovery
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SBA Disaster Loans  are available for home rebuilding, repairs,  property replacement as well as for businesses. 
The deadline to apply was 1/28/25. However there is a two week grace period to apply without needing an explanation. 

• Interest Rates as low as 2.563% for homeowners/renters and as low as 4% for businesses.
  
  For:

• Business Loans up to $2M for repairs/replacements of real estate, machinery, equipment, inventory, and other assets.

• Economic Injury Loans for small businesses, agricultural cooperatives and nonprofits, regardless of property damage.

• Homeowner Loans up to $500,000 for real estate repairs.

• Personal Property Loans for homeowners and renters may qualify for up to $100,000 to repair/replace personal property, including vehicles.

lnformation on disaster assistance information can be found at sba.gov/disaster. The SBA also hosts a Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955.

You can still speak to someone in person at the Economic Development Collaborative Office at 4001 Mission Oaks Blvd, Camarillo, CA during business hours.

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Other resources:

• List of local free Legal Resources for fire impacted residents

Disaster Case Managers (DCM) are contacting households whose home was destroyed or suffered major damage.  There are opportunities for financial assistance for which you may qualify.  If you have questions please contact us at dcm@mountainfirerecovery.org 

What is a Disaster Case Manager?   

Recovery and rebuilding a life after a disaster can be overwhelming. With so many applications, steps and follow-up, it can be hard to know where to start or who to contact. Disaster Case Managers (DCMs) are trained to help those who lack the resources necessary to recover or who need assistance with their recovery toward resilience.  Meet our DCMs!____________________________________________________________

Mental Health Support

It is natural to feel completely disoriented after a disaster. Resources are available to help you. Know that you will be okay, you will get through this, and allow for grace.  Take a look at the list of all local free and low cost Emotional recovery and mental health wellness resources 

Disasters can be especially challenging for children.
This helpful guide provides resources and tips for supporting kids emotionally and helping them cope with the aftermath. Written by and created for those who work in schools & non-profit organizations.  

• Your Playbook on How to Support Children, Youth, & Families During & After a Wildfire

• Preparing Children after a Wildfire Damages Your Community | The National Child Traumatic Stress Network