The American Red Cross of Ventura County is finalizing the immediate needs phase of casework for residents affected by the Thomas Fire. The last day to meet with a Red Cross caseworker and determine eligibility for immediate, financial assistance is Tuesday, February 20, 2018. As the community transitions to the next phase of recovery, the Red Cross will be there to further assist individuals and families whose homes were destroyed or suffered major damage. Over the last three months, the Red Cross has supported the immediate, fire related needs of over 850 families in Ventura County.

Those whose homes were destroyed or suffered major damage and are experiencing immediate, disaster-related needs are encouraged to call the local Red Cross office at (805) 987-1514 to be connected with a caseworker prior to February 20, 2018. Those who have already applied for assistance may continue to receive one-on-one support from the Red Cross after this date.

“The Red Cross is going to be here in the community for as long as there is a need,” said Red Cross Executive Director Kimberly Coley, “This deadline will help us as we look ahead to the next, long-term steps of recovery for Ventura County.”

After the February 20 deadline, the Red Cross will work in collaboration with other community partners to assist in supporting longer term disaster caused needs for those whose homes were destroyed or suffered major damage.

“In a disaster of this size, no one organization can do the work alone,” said Coley, “The Red Cross is proud to partner with many different groups and agencies to provide a wide range of services for the families hit hardest by this historic fire.”  

The Red Cross delivers help to whoever needs it regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation or citizenship status. The Red Cross is a charity, not a government agency, and people who have disaster-caused needs do not need to be American citizens to access Red Cross services. 

The Red Cross relies on donations to help disaster survivors with both emergency relief and recovery support. Please click, call, or text to donate to the Red Cross to help people affected by disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800 RED CROSS or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.