In some of the best news to come down the pike in a while, Janell Evans, with United Way’s VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster), told the Amarillo Globe-News on Tuesday, July 14 that a number of victims of the Stinky Fire in May are getting some relief and assistance.
Evans said they were not seeking recognition but only to use volunteer groups to come to the aid of those who lost their homes and those who lost other things, as well.
Evans said they hold a meeting abd 39 people had shown up and expressed interest, but have not committed as of yet. They have until August 7 to sign up for the VOAD and start the case management process. The entire process can last up to 18 months but meanwhile they are working to get people’s water and electricity running.
“So far, we have placed 21 in Airbnbs until they can get their homes rebuilt or find permanent shelter,” Evans said. She added that 53 addresses had been cleaned up from debris and cleared.
Currently, they are running case management on all the families who lost their homes, and four from the Hunggate fires.
“A group called UMCOR – United Methodist Community Organization Recovery — was planning on restoring all damaged homes, noting that it would take roughly 12-18 months to complete the project,” she said. Some of the group have talked to lawyers so they may be not apply, but the process is still accepting people who wish to have their homes brought back.
Evans said that it also works with VOAD to partner with groups who do volunteer work after disasters.
The group is part of Global Ministries and United Methodist Committee on Relief to strengthen response to humanitarian crises around the world, through disaster relief and recovery, migrant and refugee support and food security.
“Our goal is to restore their homes back to the condition they were in,” Evans said.
How to apply for rebuilding of homes:
People who want to apply can go tothe Panhandle VOAD page to sign up before August 7. Those who call 2-1-1 need to give their zip code and also let them know they are calling about the Stinky Fire.
Relief for victims has been aided by Amarillo city and county officials but has been slow in coming.
Residents have been very vocal on the problems with blowing trash and dangerous conditions. One of the concerns they raised involved the City of Amarillo owning the landfill which is located in Potter County, which resulted in some finger pointing and seemingly lack of ownership for the resulting damage.
The fires remain under investigation by multiple entities, and the city issued a statement about formal reviews still being underway after reports surfaced recently involving the response.
Nell Williams is a staff writer covering trends and other news for the Amarillo Globe-News. Have a story idea? Email her at nwilliams@usatodayco.com .
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Rebuilding help is in the works for Potter County fire victims
Reporting by Nell Williams, Amarillo Globe-News / Amarillo Globe-News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Nell Williams, Amarillo Globe-News | USA TODAY Network
