Local Assistance Center for Fire Victims Opening August 30; Online Local Assistance Center is Available now

Help is available for those impacted by our Monterey County fires. Monterey County, in partnership with FEMA and California Office of Emergency Service, is opening a Local Assistance Center. The center will open on Sunday, August 30th and will be open daily from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm through September 5th . It will be located at the Monterey Conference Center, 1 Portola Plaza in Monterey. Parking next to the center is free of charge. Because of the pandemic, COVID-19 protocols are in place for those both working at and using the center so that these services can be provided safely. There will be temperature checks at the door and the number of people allowed in at one time will be limited to assure social distancing. Face coverings are required and please stay 6 feet from others while getting the services you need. The Local Assistance Center will offer extensive information and sources for re-entry and recovery for both residents and businesses. This is a ‘one stop’ shop for resources for those affected by the wildfire, no matter how large or small the impacts. Representatives from federal, state and county and non-profit agencies will be available to provide guidance and take initial applications to those seeking federal, state and county assistance in recovery. FEMA will be assisting in the completion of the initial FEMA applications for disaster and individual assistance and answer questions about services. Anticipating the variety of needs, there will be help available from the County Resource Management Agency regarding permits, Department of Social Services, the County Assessor’s Office to name a few. The center will have kiosks set up for those needing to use a computer to make applications or look up information. For those concerned about being in a public location with others, Monterey County has created a virtual Local Assistance Center on the County’s fire information page www.co.monterey.ca.us/2020Fires. The website offers information on safely returning home, post fire clean-up, drinking water and food safety, how to recover vital records that may have been lost and how to find out if you are eligible for FEMA disaster assistance.