You may not know about Sacramento County's Local Assistance Centers (LAC), but when residents are hit with disasters, they become vital locations for people who need help getting their lives back on track.
A recent apartment fire in North Highlands forced more than 50 people from their homes. Many escaped with nothing more than the clothes they were wearing. The Sacramento County Office of Emergency Services (OES) immediately sprang to action, gathering an essential team of County staff and non-profit groups to begin the process of helping those affected start rebuilding their lives.
Within hours, a respite area was set up for residents who didn’t have anywhere else to go. Located on Peacekeeper Way at McClellan, OES and the Red Cross set up cots and provided food in the temporary facility. Most of the fire victims were able to find their own place to stay overnight.
As those affected began adjusting to the predicament, OES began the second phase of their plan. Staff began contacting additional organizations to assist in the creation of the LAC. State agencies and non-profits joined the County and offered important information and resources to help those affected to take their next steps toward recovery.
The LAC supporting the North Highlands fire recovery effort included State agencies like the Department of Motor Vehicles which assisted in restoring destroyed identification, and the Department of Insurance, which assisted with filing claims.
The County provided housing assistance and vital records replacement. The Salvation Army and Red Cross gave people the necessary contacts for vital services. Donated food and clothes were also available for those who walked in looking for help, and a therapy dog, provided by HOPE Animal Assisted Crisis Response, was available to give comfort to those who needed it.
This OES service along with the emergency shelter is designed to help ease some of the anxiety brought on by traumatic events while families figure out how to move forward. The designed mobility of the LAC allows OES to meet those who need immediate assistance where they are.