As fire season rages on in California more homes are lost and in some cases, lives are lost. It's a challenging time, with continued hot weather and no rain in the forecast. But amid the devastation and skies darkened by smoke, there are bright spots of hope if you look close enough. VCSS Redding has reacted to the the Carr Fire in Shasta County with exemplary poise and true character. They have become a integral part of the community in Shasta County and when the chips were down, they did not disappoint. To put this in perspective, let's take a quick look at the situation that they were up against.
The Carr Fire that started near Redding in Shasta County, is now the eighth most destructive fire in California history and by far the most destructive fire ever in Shasta County. The blaze has claimed several lives and completely destroyed over 1600 structures, almost 1100 of which were residences. Mass evacuations were issued and many of those people have no home left to go back to. The fire was so intense it actually created it's own weather systems, including fire tornadoes.
With so many residents displaced, VCSS Redding was honored to be asked by their contracting partner to assist in the evacuation shelters, and in the schools as students return from summer break to a very different landscape. Executive Director of VCSS Redding, Genell Restivo, expressed her appreciation for her staff saying:
Much thanks and appreciation goes out to Jeb Hall AMFT, Melissa Gandy LMFT and Carlton Arias AMFT for their willingness to step up and attend to the needs of our community. They exemplified:
Teamwork - partnering with our community resources and local schools
Excellence – providing direct services to those in need
Adaptability – rescheduling their days and nights to be available when most needed
Mission – Being present to be a catalyst for change in a very difficult time.
Also, a big thank you to the larger team here at VCSS Redding for their support of those who helped out. We work smarter and stronger as a team then as individuals. I am proud to be a small part of the bigger picture here in Shasta County.
Now at 93% containment, the Carr Fire will hopefully run its course in the coming weeks. Currently it's burning mountain areas that are less densely populated. As of today the fire has consumed 229,651 acres. In the face of this devastation the VCSS staff found strength and gave people hope. We couldn't ask for more from our staff and we believe in recognizing excellence in our organization. In Redding, and at all the Victor sites, there exists a culture of community and support that makes all the difference for our clients and for our staff. The work we do requires much patience, and much grace; we are fortunate as a company to consistently find that in all of our staff.
For up to date information on the Carr Fire visit the Cal Fire information page which is frequently updated and contains links to evacuation and repopulation maps. The Redding Record Searchlight has also pulled together important disaster relief information for residents which we have included below:
Disaster relief available through county offices
The Shasta County Assessor-Recorder's Office has announced property owners, who lost or sustained damage in the fire may be eligible for a reduction in the assessed value of their property. Appraisers from the office are on the field updating property and other assessment records to enroll corrections and track protected base year values.
Residents who have suffered fire damage are asked to call the assessor's office at 225-3600 and obtain a "Claim for Disaster Relief" application or visit https://bit.ly/2w2eciV
The claim for reassessment should be fixed with the assessor within 60 days of the date of damage to the property, and it includes the ability to request a deferral of taxes until any corrections are processed.
Property owners should also notify in writing any new mailing addresses for assessment and property tax purposes to the assessor's office.
People who lost documents such as birth, death and marriage certificates also are eligible to obtain replacements for free. Call the Recorder's Office at 225-5671.
The assessor-recorder's office is at the Shasta County Administrative Center, 1450 Court St., Suite 208 A in Redding.
Do you want to be part of an organization that believes in your potential and fosters personal and professional growth in its staff? Consider a career at Victor.
