Free Hotel Accommodations Available To Wildfire Evacuees

Press release from County of Santa Cruz:

Aug. 24, 2020

Free hotel accommodations may be available to residents evacuated from Lightning
Complex Fire evacuation areas. The Santa Cruz County Emergency Operations Center
(EOC) is working in coordination with the Santa Cruz County Human Services
Department to secure hotel access as part of a state-wide response for community
members impacted by fires.

The free hotel assistance program, a part of the federal disaster relief assistance, is
available to those displaced by wildfire. Anyone in Santa Cruz County who has been
evacuated from their home through official evacuation notice is eligible for free hotel
program assistance, and proof of residency will be required. Hotels may allow pets but
please verify prior to arrival. Transportation and food may be provided for those that
qualify.

Participating hotels are located throughout the greater Bay Area. To apply for the
program, displaced evacuees may go to an official County shelter site and request a
program application form. Volunteer Emergency Services Team members will accept
completed application forms in person.

For a list of current county shelter sites and locations to obtain an application, please
visit http://www.santacruzcounty.us/FireResources.aspx. Evacuees are eligible whether
or not they are staying in an official shelter.

The Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) is offering disaster
assistance to California wildfire victims. The assistance is meant to supplement state,
tribal and local recovery efforts for wildfires included in the State’s emergency
declaration.

This press release was produced by County of Santa Cruz. The views expressed here are the author's own.