CZU homeowners meeting for potential funding, July 20
BOULDER CREEK, Calif. (KION-TV) -- Santa Cruz County is holding a meeting on July 20 from 1:30 until 5:30 p.m. for homeowners affected by the CZU Fire and hoping to apply for a grant to help rebuild as well as protect against future wildfires.
“The CZU fire burned my house and every other house in our neighborhood except for one," Scott Sylvia said.
The California Department of Housing and Community Development is providing funds from ReCoverCA Housing Programs to repair and reconstruction, as well as offer wildfire mitigation retrofits, according to the County of Santa Cruz. These funds are up to $500,000 and up to $50,000, respectively.
Saturday's meeting will include program and eligibility criteria, the application process and assistance in completing the program application, according to the County of Santa Cruz.
Interested homeowners can join the in-person meeting at the Boulder Creek Recreation center on 13333 Middleton Avenue.
Homeowners wanting to make an appointment to meet with a case manager are encouraged to cal 619.614.3772 or visit hcd.ca.gov/recoverca.
Homeowners like Scott Sylvia showed up to the Boulder Creek Recreation Center Saturday seeking help from the state.
“I already spent a lot of money already I’m $80,000 into this already and I still have just a piece of dirt," Scott Sylvia said.
The CZU fire took place in 2020, many Boulder Creek residents were impacted and are still looking into grants and funding to rebuild.
“After 3 and half years to get there I still have to deal with a lot of different agencies and the insurance companies and worry about taxes and finding a place to live," Lonnie who lost his home in the CZU fire said.
Among those who lost their homes from the CZU fire, Scott Sylvia, a resident for three and a half years, is here hoping to secure crucial support.
“My property I still have plans submitted, I just have to sign that piece of paper saying my house is in the hazardous area," Sylvia said. "Maybe I’ll rebuild it someday."
Residents I spoke with that were impacted by the CZU fire share what it may mean if they choose to rebuild.
“I gave up pretty much because I have to sign a hazardous form saying if I rebuild," Sylvia said.
A recent report from the Santa Cruz County civil grand jury found out of the nearly 700 homes destroyed during the CZU fires, 444 will not be rebuilt.
