FEMA mobile site arrives in Boulder Creek
BOULDER CREEK, Calif. Rubble and ash is nearly all that is left of Christina Salinas' home off Fallen Leaf Drive. "The Boulder Creek Fire Department really tried hard to save our homes," said Salinas.
Salinas is still comprehending what happened just weeks ago. Flames ripped through her neighborhood and took the place her family has called home for five years.
"I felt so helpless. The days leading up to the house burning I just kept thinking, 'What can I do?,'" said Salinas.
Now, her focus is to rebuild. Salinas and her husband came to Boulder Creek Elementary, Monday. It's where the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has set up a mobile site to help those who've lost everything.
"We know that this is one of the hardest things that people have to go through. We just want to be here for you, help you and assist you," said BrianaSummer Fenton, FEMA Spokesperson.
Fenton said around 8,000 people have registered with FEMA in Santa Cruz County.
$3.9 million in housing and other assistance needs was granted to California counties impacted by wildfires.
The site will be open at 400 West Lomond Street Monday, September 14 through Wednesday, September 16 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Applicants are asked to bring:
- Social Security Number
- Insurance policy information
- Address of the damaged primary dwelling
- A description of disaster-caused damage and losses
- Current mailing address
- Current telephone number
- Total household annual income
- Routing and account number of your checking or savings account (for directtransfer to your bank account)
Salinas said she wants to get started as soon as possible so her family can, one day, return home. "Contractors are going to be in huge demand. Resources, lumber. All of that is going to go up in price. These are all things we have to consider," said Salinas.
For more information on disaster relief assistance, visit: www.fema.gov.
