Monterey opens disaster recovery center for fire victims

MONTEREY, Calif. (KION)

A new resource and assistance center for individuals and businesses impacted by the recent wildfires is now open in Monterey.

The Center is located at 1 Portola Plaza in Monterey at the Monterey Conference Center.

Some of the organizations and resources include FEMA, the IRS and other experts to help redirect those who were impacted or may have lost their possessions in the fires to specific resources including housing, replacing important documents and information on how to rebuild.

The center is also offering on-site and private grief counseling.

Gerry Malais, a manager with the Office of Emergency Services, says often times in disasters, people evacuate quickly and are left unprepared to deal with the aftermath.

"Our goal at the assistance center is to have a one-stop shop for people to come and obtain all the resources they need to rebuild their life and begin the recovery process that is a very long road," says Malais.

The center is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. through September 5th.

Volunteers say they encourage anyone who needs the resources to come by.