Serving Tehama County

As a disaster response organization, our staff is always looking at ways to make things easier for disaster survivors.  They are in a terrible situation, looking for help and they are faced with loads of paperwork in each direction.

So the idea of a shared database for responding nonprofits was born. HCRN was able to deploy our database with computers and tablets as the connector between our team, partner nonprofits and residents impacted by the Park Fire in Tehama County.

HCRN staff and a team of intake volunteers helped families affected by the Park Fire last week in Red Bluff, California.  The Local Assistance Center was organized by the county, but HCRN and other nonprofits were invited to participate. Our team handled the intake duties. Community members provided their name and address and talked about the damage to their property with our volunteers, who were able to confirm their address. Ten other nonprofits were also partnered with us and they were able to distribute resources like gift cards, cleaning supplies, baby items, kids books and toys to theses families using a shared secure database.

Our goal was to reduce the strain on applicants. In the past, the client would have to complete an application or intake form for each nonprofit agency, but by sharing the system, the agencies had access to the necessary information and could focus on helping the client directly.

This system also benefits the nonprofit as they are able to see what other resources have also been given to this particular client and helps to prevent duplication of services. This procedure benefits both the client and the community as resources are spread more equitably.

HCRN and our partners served about 120 households, gave out more than $52,000 in gift cards plus the various supplies and food.

While we wish more residents had attended the Local Assistance Center to receive resources and visit county departments, we are grateful to help the residents who did visit.

CalOES allowed some of their staff to assist with the intake. Thank you to Redding Christian Fellowship, Pathways Church and Shasta Bible College for helping to recruit additional volunteers.