It’s just since May 18 that the Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Services (OES) opened its Local Assistance Center for victims of the recent Jesusita Fire, but according to OES spokesman Richard Abrams the center might end up closing soon.
“We were anticipating more people being in need,” Abrams said. “This fire wasn’t the same as the Tea Fire. The demographics are different. We’re seeing less ranchers and more established homeowners with insurance.”
Earlier this month, the Jesusita Fire burned approximately 8,733 acres and destroyed 78 homes. Another 22 homes were reported damaged.
So far the center has helped about 40 people. But to keep it running, Abrams said, the center is going to need a bigger call load of people seeking assistance.
Located in the county administration building in Santa Barbara, the center provides assistance and recovery services to residents who have lost homes or were otherwise impacted by the Jesusita Fire.
The county has requested assistance from several federal, state, and local agencies, including the Contractors State Licensing Board, the Department of Insurance, the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Department of Public Health, and others.
“It’s a one-stop shop for people needing assistance,” Abrams said. “Our goal is to help people get their lives back in order as quickly as possible.”
Whether people need someone to negotiation with insurance companies for them or need clothing or food, the center is there to help.
When asked why he thinks fewer people have come to the center for help, Abrams said: “I think people are still in shock sifting through the rubble, looking for things.
“But we can’t leave the center open indefinitely without justifying the call load,” he added.
The Local Assistance Center will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, until further notice at the county administration building lobby, 105 E. Anapamu St., in Santa Barbara.
For more information, visit countyofsb.org and click on “Jesusita Fire Recovery Information.”
This article appears in May 28 – Jun 4, 2009.
