Few Quake Victims Respond to Offer of Free Motel Rooms
The South Gate Motel Owners Assn. has received little response to its offer of 100 motel rooms to earthquake victims who have nowhere else to turn.
Because of a low occupancy rate, the association is able to provide free rooms to earthquake victims who do not have family or friends to stay with, said Sam Patidar, an association representative. Rooms are available for several days in a row, but not on a long-term basis, he said.
The group will withdraw its offer if queries don’t increase this week, Patidar said.
The association offered its assistance at City Councilman Albert Robles’ news conference Jan. 21. Since then, officials have received several calls from Northridge-area residents requesting shelter, but no takers.
“People don’t want to drive down here to find a place to stay when they’re all the way up in the Valley,” Patidar said.
Robles said he hopes the association’s offer will prompt motel owners in other cities to extend a helping hand to those who lost their homes in the 6.6 quake on Jan. 17.
Information: (213) 569-7195.
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