Town hall talks earthquake recovery funding
Thursday night, Humboldt County hosted a Town Hall on earthquake recovery. Agencies presented on resources for residents looking to rebuild after the quake.
“There won’t be any FEMA assistance in this disaster. So our local govern- ments and the state have worked closely together,” said Rio Dell Mayor Debra Garnes.
Garnes noted the earthquake caused $22 million worth of damage to city infrastructure. The earthquakes did not meet the threshold for FEMA funding, according to multiple officials who spoke at the meeting.
Garnes said Rio Dell’s main issue is housing. An estimated 250 individuals relied on the county’s hotel voucher program, which temporarily paid for hotel shelter for residents displaced by the earthquake; 15 families are still on the program.
“Since the early morning hours of Dec. 20 with that first quake, it’s been an allhands-on-deck effort,” said state Sen. Mike McGuire (D-San Rafael). McGuire reported $6 million in funds immediately used by Caltrans to repair Fernbridge. On top of this, he noted $12 million is available for the city of Rio Dell.
“As we turn the corner, we’re going to be laser-focused on getting residents back into their homes,” he said.
McGuire noted a combined $3 million in philanthropic and state funds are now available to rehabilitate damaged homes and provide rental assistance.
Disaster Small Business loans are available for renters, homeowners, and small businesses, with a deadline of Monday, March 6. On top of this, loans and limited grants for repairs for low income people in single family homes are available through the USDA.
A community member asked for recommendations on affordable earthquake insurance. “There’s no inexpensive, easy way,” said Robert Troy, deputy director of the office of emergency services. “Generally, all insurance policies purchased through the earthquake authorities at participating insurers costs the same. Costs can be adjusted based on deductible percentages and coverage options, so folks can tailor their policies to best suit their financial situation,” he said.
The Humboldt Area Foundation reported over $1 million available in a disaster fund, to be distributed for renters, home reconstruction and rehabilitation, assistance gaps for seniors, disabled people, and nonEnglish speakers, and longterm planning. The funds are intended for nonprofit organizations, tribes and government entities, according to a news release.
Habitat for Humanity, which has been involved with Rio Dell disaster response “since day one,” announced a program to assist low income residents whose homes need extensive repair.
“The people of Humboldt County, and especially the people of Rio Dell, are a hardy lot,” said John Nicoletti, deputy director of Yuba/Sutter Habitat for Humanity. The applications for assistance will reportedly be available soon.
Michelle Carrilo from the Humboldt Area Foundation said, “(people) can donate to the disaster response and resilience fund which is on our website at hafoundation.org or by mail with checks payable to the Humboldt Area Foundation” in response to a question asking where to donate.
If residents are in need of disaster relief case management, call 707-441-5000 for case management and direction toward resources.