Oak Fire Business Recovery
December 7, 2022 - By Audrey Davis - In recent weeks we have learned about the impacts of the Oak Fire on our community, how funds are being directed to help those whose homes were destroyed, and how the debris removal process is helping survivors recover in a major way. This week we are focusing on businesses that were affected by the Oak Fire, and how a recent funding opportunity will be available to support those who lost tools or other business-related materials.
Over 100 homes and structures were destroyed in the Oak Fire. Within many of these homes, a business was operating. Handypeople, mechanics, artists, musicians, carpenters, and others lost an entire workshop, tools, or other materials used for their business. Many were uninsured, and for others who had insurance, it is not enough to cover all the costs of everything that was lost. In addition to losing a home, these individuals have also been faced with the challenges of recovering their businesses and livelihood, which has been very difficult to do.
Recently, the Alliance for Community Transformations received a $33,950 grant from PG&E that is aimed specifically at business owners. The Mariposa Community Foundation in partnership with the Alliance for Community Transformations will be distributing these funds to business owners in the next few weeks. This contribution was part of PG&E’s 2022 commitment of $1 million to support local communities impacted by disaster as they respond and rebuild, including support for Oak Fire relief.
To apply for these funds, there is a simple request form that can be filled out by the individual business owner, or their fire case manager. We are hoping to provide some funding to everyone who applies, and priority will be given to businesses that were licensed and had a high value loss.
The time frame for applying for these funds is short; we want to get some money to people quickly. The application is available now and can be found at https://alliance4community.org. The application period will close on December 28, 2022 and we hope to disburse the funds at the beginning of 2023.
If you were a business owner who lost tools or other materials in the Oak Fire, please either speak with your case manager about applying for these funds, or go directly to fill out the form yourself. Anyone who lost business items can apply for the funding, even if they do not have a fire case manager.
We hope this process will continue to help our community recover from the Oak Fire disaster, and provide support for businesses that were destroyed. General donations are still being accepted; for more information please visit https://givebutter.com/Oakfire and https://www.mariposacommunity.foundation.
Source: Alliance for Community Transformations
Oak Fire in Mariposa County from the PG&E Mount Bullion Live Camera on Saturday, July 23, 2022 at 12:35 P.M.
