"To be honest, I expected very little, if any, help from anyone. Ever since the fire, I have heard many promises... Catholic Charities, actually did what they promised."
Years have passed since the CZU Lighting Complex fires roared through the Santa Cruz Mountains, destroying thousands of structures and hundreds of homes. With their lives at risk, many residents were forced to leave their property, knowing that they might never return home.
The emotional and financial struggles caused by the disaster were deep and complex, and for many survivors, the recovery process has been a very long road. Catherine, a senior citizen, is one such example.
The obstacles for Catherine to rebuild and recover were many since she is on a fixed income and could not replace the items lost from the fire. Although she was offered help from various organizations, none delivered on their promises. However, Catherine did not give up hope.
She contacted the Santa Cruz Long Term Recovery Group (LTRG)–a collaboration of non-profit, faith-based, local, state, and national organizations–for help. LTRG suggested she reach out to Catholic Charities’ Wildfire Relief Program for support.
Jose Coria, Disaster Case Specialist for Catholic Charities, is committed to supporting Catherine in overcoming the obstacles she faces for the return to her property. “With Catherine’s situation, we needed to explore new areas of financial support and figure out which direction to go in getting her into a stable living situation on her property,” commented Jose.
With support from Catholic Charities and others, Catherine found a company that would finance an RV trailer so she can remain living on her property.
Thereafter, Jose and the rest of the Wildfire Disaster Relief team worked hard on assessing the complex steps for Catherine to move back to her property--site cleanup, a PG&E pole, plumbing, electrical work, water, sewage repairs, and more.
In partnership with the LTRG, Catherine received the financial support and guidance she needed for site preparations, property repairs, and even payment for the remaining balance on the RV trailer.
"To be honest, I expected very little, if any, help from anyone. Ever since the fire, I have heard many promises,” commented Catherine. “I am very happy to say that the Long Term Recovery Group Unmet Needs Committee and Catholic Charities, actually did what they promised. They helped me put a trailer on my property so I will have a roof over my head.”
