Originally aired 01/14/20

A new effort is being made to reconnect with Camp Fire survivors who may have fallen through the cracks.

The consortium of government, non-profit, religious and charitable organizations called the Camp Fire Long Term Recovery Group, will hold a dozen events through Jan. 24, hoping to quantify holes and gaps in recovery efforts so far.

While the events won’t distribute aid, Matt Plotkin the executive director of the Camp Fire LTRG said the interviews are critical for obtaining additional resources both to the community and individual survivors.

“What we want to be able to do with the needs assessment is to see what the long-term recovery needs are and that really helps us go out and advocate for and leverage that information to bring in those resources,” Plotkin said.

The data gathered will likely be used by the group and its members on applications for grants or other direct aid.

The events will be staffed with volunteers from a religious organization called World Renew Disaster Response Services. The events are walk-in with no registration required to attend. The in-person interviews are first come first serve and they take about 30 minutes, Plotkin said.

The assessment is not connected to any aid received from FEMA, but if you have a registered number with the agency take it to the interview, Plotkin said.

“Bring the paperwork that FEMA provided you with that registration number because that will help the volunteers in their needs assessment,” he said.

Those who can’t make the in-person events can get on a list for a separate planned future needs assessment by calling (440)-462-5874. Plotkin said survivors who’ve already done the intake process with 2-1-1 are already accounted for and don’t need to call. The number can also be used if survivors have questions about the assessment.

Needs Assessment Interview Schedule