Resources and Assistance
United Policy Holders
Through the United Policy Holders Roadmap to Recovery program fire survivors can access free, trustworthy help navigating the process of returning to a wildfire damaged area, repairing and replacing damaged and destroyed property, and collecting all available insurance funds.
CA insurance alert re: Debris & mud flow damage in wildfire-impacted regions: Your agent or insurer will tell you that standard home insurance policies exclude coverage for damage due to flooding, mudslides, mudflow, landslides and debris flow. But if you have proof that your property was damaged by a flood or mudflow that was triggered or “proximately caused” by an event that is covered, (fire, accidental breakage) you should provide that proof to your insurer and follow United Policyholders’ guidance on making your strongest case to get them to reverse their claim denial. Visit www.uphelp.org.
PG&E
Informational Brochure regarding the process to obtain temporary and permanent power from PG&E.
Self Service Water Refill Stations
South Feather Water and Power has offered two self-service filling stations for residents to fill clean, five gallon containers to access potable water for drinking and cooking. These filling stations are available 24/7 at the following locations.
2310 Oro-Quincy Highway
234 Kelly Ridge Road
Residents will need to bring their own, clean five gallon container. Containers used for collecting potable water should be made of food grade, non-absorbent and cleanable material. Containers used for collection of potable water should NOT have been used for the storage or collection of items/chemicals other than food and potable water and should be in good condition.
North Complex West Zone Potable Water Filling Station Container Safety
Employment Development Department
Californian’s impacted by wildfires that started in August have until November 30, 2020 to file for federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). The California Employment Development Department (EDD) administers these benefits which are available to workers, business owners, and self-employed individuals who lost their jobs or businesses, or had their work hours reduced due to the ongoing wildfires. More information.
CalFresh
Disaster CalFresh food benefits are available.
Even if you are not eligible for CalFresh food benefits, you may be eligible for Disaster CalFresh food benefits.
You may be eligible for Disaster CalFresh food benefits if you lived or worked in Butte County September 7-October 6, and:
- Spent money because of the wildfire, including paying for a hotel, gas, or other evacuation expenses; or
- Lost food because of the wildfire or a related power outage; or
- Lost money from work because of the wildfire; or
- Spent money because of damage to your home or business
If you are not a CalFresh recipient but are in need of food assistance in Butte County due to losses incurred as a result of the fires, you may qualify for Disaster CalFresh assistance. Please call 1-877-410-8803 for more information.
Computer Access
Computer access is available at Butte County Library branches.
To comply with COVID-19 reopening guidelines, and for the safety of library staff and patrons, social distancing measures will be in place. Library patrons are required to wear face coverings, in accordance with California Department of Public Health face covering guidance. Butte County Library staff members are available by phone at 530.552.5652, Tuesday through Saturday from 10AM-5PM. For more information please visit www.buttecounty.net/bclibrary.
USDA Fire Recovery Assistance
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has multiple agencies that provide financial and /or technical assistance to help farmers, ranchers, and rural landowners recover from natural disasters, such as wildfires.
American Red Cross
For all Red Cross recovery services, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcross.org/gethelp.
The deadline to apply for financial assistance is Friday, November 6, 2020.
Call 1-800-RED-CROSS, prompt #4
Assistance Lines are open weekdays 5am-6pm
Saturday 5:30am-6pm
Sunday 8am-4pm
Whether you own or rent, if your home was destroyed or sustained major damage, you can call the American Red Cross to complete an application for financial assistance.
FEMA
FEMA’s individual assistance program provides grants to help eligible survivors with financial assistance that may include rent, home repair, home replacement and other disaster-related needs such as childcare, medical and dental expenses.
Apply for disaster assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency online at www.disasterassistance.gov; by downloading the FEMA app to a smartphone or tablet; or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) between 7 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. Pacific.
FEMA is always concerned about the welfare of disaster survivors. Until recently, its inspectors conducted in-person inspections of properties. FEMA is currently conducting them by phone due to COVID-19 and the need to protect the health of survivors and agency personnel. More info: Remote FEMA Property Inspections
Small Business Association (SBA)
California residents whose home or property was damaged during the recent
wildfires and who registered with FEMA for assistance may have been referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to apply for a low-interest disaster loan.
Survivors can find out more and apply for a loan at DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov/.
Applicants also may call 800-659-2955 (TTY: 800-877-8339).
Additional information is available on the SBA Fact Sheet.