Local News

DISASTER CASE MANAGEMENT CHANGES ANNOUNCED

Apr 15, 2015

Together, the Carlton Complex Long Term Recovery Group, Okanogan County Community Action Council (OCCAC), and Room One announce that all Disaster Case Managers currently employed by OCCAC will be employed and overseen by Room One, a social service center in the Methow Valley, as of May 1st, 2015. All Disaster Case Managers (DCM) will remain at their usual locations for the near term.

DCMs meet individually with survivors of the Carlton Complex Fires to support their full recovery; helping our neighbors access safe housing, tending to their social and emotional health, and ensuring county, state, and business services are responsive to survivors' needs.

“Recognizing that DCMs are central to a community's recovery from disaster, OCCAC served a critical role in establishing a functioning Disaster Case Management team and responding to the immediate needs of those affected by the Carlton Complex Fires.” said Elana Mainer Executive Director of Room One. “At the request of OCCAC and the Long Term Recovery Group, Room One will employ its strengths as an advocacy-based social service center and in collaboration with organizations, advocates, and friends across the State ensure Disaster Case Managers continue to support our neighbors in their times of need” Mainer stated.

“We were honored to serve the folks impacted by the fire in the initial phase of Emergency Response” said Lael Duncan, Exec Director at OCCAC. “In order to now facilitate the long term recovery, the employment and management of the Disaster Case Managers will move to Room One to ensure services are continued until June of 2016 , which is the recommended timeframe for case management following a disaster. We have the utmost confidence in the professionalism of the Room One Staff and are grateful that the Room One Board of Directors has been willing to take on this effort.” She continued.

Continuing donations are needed to assure that survivors are supported in their journey to recovery. Many homeowners were either under insured or uninsured for the losses they sustained. With no individual assistance from FEMA, the community has been left to raise what is estimated at millions of dollars in order to reach the same level of housing that existed pre-fire. Donations should be sent to the Carlton Complex Long Term Recovery Group, PO Box 655 Pateros WA 98846.