NCO providing direct financial assistance to Cache fire survivors

CLEARLAKE >> In response to the Cache fire that devastated nearly 60 homes in mid-august, North Coast Opportunities (NCO) has reopened its wildfire relief fund, both accepting donations and providing financial relief checks to community members most impacted.

Donations and applications can both be accessed at www.ncoinc.org, look for Cache Fire on the homepage. Due to Covid, online applications are strongly encouraged and can be completed directly from the website by following the link, “Apply For Assistance Here.” A paper application may also be downloaded and dropped off at any NCO office.

NCO has been hard at work supporting the needs of Cache Fire Survivors and by Tuesday, had already delivered 27 checks exceeding a total of $30,000. These checks were personally delivered directly to community members who suffered a total loss. “NCO remains committed to supporting the needs of Lake County,” adds Robyn Bera, Director of Community Projects. “Our team went into immediate response mode by supporting shelter operations, deploying a CERT team, providing food through our Community Kitchen Project, completing Wildfire Relief Applications with evacuees, and providing case management and support.” NCO has been a leader in wildfire relief both in immediate needs and long-term recovery since 2015’s Valley Fire.

“It’s the community partners that make our work possible,” adds Tammy Alakszay, NCO’S Emergency Preparedness Coordinator and Red Cross Volunteer Partner. “Everyone comes together to help and brainstorm. No single agency or person is perfect, but together we create solutions. Together, we are resilient.”

The amount of Cache Fire financial relief available to fire survivors is dependent on donations. “NCO remains committed to putting community donations directly back into the hands of the most vulnerable fire survivors,” adds Bera. “The more donations we earn, the more we can give to support those who need it most right now.”

NCO will be attending the Local Assistance Center (LAC) at Highlands Senior Center until Friday. Wildfire Relief Applications and NCO staff will be available to help with applications and answer questions.

For those unable to access NCO’S online portals, or visit NCO at the LAC, please call 707-994-2910. Paper applications and NCO staff is also available at NCO Clearlake office. Please call to make an appointment.

NCO is the Community Action Agency that serves Lake and Mendocino Counties, as well as parts of Humboldt, Sonoma, Del Norte, and Solano Counties. NCO reacts and adjusts to community needs, including homeless advocacy and response. For more information visit www.ncoinc.org.