Riverside, California – Following the devastating Airport Fire, Riverside County established a comprehensive support center at the Lake Community Center in Lake Elsinore as one of the most significant steps it took to help the impacted residents. The center, which is only open for a short period of time, is intended to serve as a one-stop shop for people in need of emergency care.
The Lake Community Center, which is located at 310 W. Graham Ave., will act as the Local Assistance Center (LAC) on Thursday and Friday from noon to 9 p.m. and on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This effort is a reaction to the significant damage caused by the fire that started on September 9 near the Trabuco Canyon RC Aircraft field in Orange County and quickly spread into Riverside County the next day.
Thanks to the joint efforts of numerous governmental and nonprofit groups, the center is outfitted to offer a variety of services and information. The California Office of Emergency Services, together with representatives from the Riverside County Department of Public Social Services, Public Health, Housing & Workforce Solutions, are among important contributors. These organizations are prepared to provide direction and aid in areas including food assistance, temporary housing, and healthcare.
The Riverside County Board of Supervisors recently approved an emergency declaration, which strengthens the county’s capacity to request state and federal funding. This action lends additional backing to the endeavor. This assistance is essential for the infrastructure restoration and general recovery activities required to lessen the effects of the fire, which as of the most recent reports had burned over 23,500 acres in Orange and Riverside counties and was only 41% contained.
The CalFresh program has modified its deadlines for eligible residents in order to provide accommodations for those impacted by the disaster. The new deadline for reporting food loss is September 23, 2024. Affected parties can report their losses online at BenefitsCal.com or by calling 1-877-410-8827. This will guarantee that they get the benefit modifications they need during this difficult time.
In addition to providing a vital resource, the local aid center is also encouraging cash donations to fund continuing relief operations. Though it should be emphasized that material items like food, water, or clothing are not being accepted at this time, contributions can still be given to The Salvation Army or the Inland SoCal United Way Wildfire Fund.
This well-coordinated reaction highlights the community’s resiliency and the all-encompassing tactics being implemented to guarantee that each impacted citizen gets the assistance they require. Residents are invited to visit the designated online platforms or get in touch with the relevant agencies directly for more comprehensive information on the resources offered in Orange County or to find out more about the assistance being provided.
