OAKHURST — The American Red Cross Central Valley will be hosting a resource event for Oakhurst residents affected by the Junction Fire on Tuesday, Aug 26, at the Oakhurst Community Center in the Pavilion Building, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Case workers will meet one-on-one with affected residents who have suffered damage or total loss due to the Junction Fire which began one week ago and spread over 600 acres.
Volunteers will work with each family to determine their needs, which often include lodging as well as food and clothing assistance. The Red Cross will also work closely with government and community partners to provide additional support, which may include new living arrangements, food, clothing, replacement glasses and prescriptions, counseling, and guidance on how to begin recovering.
Three evacuation shelters were open last week to meet the immediate needs of the residents, but closed as crews contained the fire. The resource event on Tuesday will provide additional support to Junction Fire evacuees as they transition back into everyday life.
“Our work here isn’t done,” said Executive Director Ellen Knapp, “We’ll be here for residents as long as there is a need. This resource event will provide a central location for these residents to receive additional support from throughout the community.”
All Red Cross disaster relief services are free to those who need it. The Red Cross is able to assist affected residents this wildfire season thanks to generous donations from the community. While the Red Cross cannot accept physical donations, monetary contributions can be made by visiting redcross.org.
Impacted residents looking for more information can download the Red Cross Wildfire smartphone app to find shelters in their area, access news alerts, and empower their families to stay calm by preparing for possible evacuations. The app can be found by searching “Red Cross Wildfire” in the app store.
About the American Red Cross Central Valley Region
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. The American Red Cross Central Valley Region provides service to the seven counties across Central California that is home to more than 2.5 million people. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org.
