The American Red Cross of Montana, the Salvation Army, MT VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster), state and county agencies, and local community groups are jointly opening a “one-stop shop” at the Disaster Resource Center in Hamilton for people who were affected by the Roaring Lion Fire. The Disaster Resource Center is located at 1285 North 1st Street in Hamilton and will be open on the following days:
Friday, August 12, 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Saturday, August 13, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Caseworkers will be available at the Disaster Resource Center to help people create personal recovery plans, navigate paperwork and insurance, and locate assistance for their specific disaster-caused needs, such as cleanup of ashes, assistance for groceries, rent, and medicine, and other items or services. Representatives from government, nonprofit and faith-based disaster relief organizations will also be on hand to assist any affected residents.
“Red Cross is proud to join our statewide and local partners in Hamilton to help the people who were impacted by the wildfire navigate the road to recovery,” said Diane Wright, Executive Director of Montana Red Cross. “Already, this community has pulled together to help their neighbors and the Red Cross and our many partners will continue to be here in the weeks and months to come to help people recover.”
On Friday and Saturday, residents can also meet with agencies at the Disaster Resource center that can help with long-term recovery assistance. Individuals and families can obtain referrals or other long term recovery services if their families are not eligible for government assistance or if that assistance is inadequate to meet their needs.
Individuals and families applying for assistance are required to bring identification, showing address and proof of residence, to be eligible for assistance from some agencies.
As of Wednesday morning, August 10, the following organizations have signed up to be at the Disaster Resource Center on Friday and Saturday:
- American Red Cross
- Disaster Emergency Services for the State of Montana
- Haven House food pantry being supported by the Montana Food Bank Network
- The Salvation Army
- The Southern Baptist Convention – Disaster Relief of Montana
- Team Rubicon
- 2-1-1
- Ravalli Public Health
Additional organizations may participate.