Red Cross Teams to Aid Flood Victims

The Ventura County chapter of the American Red Cross, which has provided financial assistance to 20 families suffering flood damage, is sending outreach teams this week into areas that were hit hard during last week’s deluge.

Brian Bolton, executive director of the local chapter, said that 54 households in Ventura County have reported losses to the Red Cross, but officials believe the damage may be even more extensive than that.

County officials said last week that 250 houses and mobile homes suffered damage from the flood.

The Red Cross can help storm victims replace such items as food and clothing, and household, medical and occupational supplies. It can also assist with minor home repairs. Bolton said the outreach workers will seek residents who may be unaware such assistance is available.

“I would anticipate we’ll reach everyone with damage this week,” he said. “Fillmore, Santa Paula and Casitas Springs seem to have the most potential for damage.”

In addition, Red Cross caseworkers will be available to meet one on one with disaster victims from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. today at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura.

The Red Cross estimates 478 homes were directly affected by flooding in Ventura, San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties last week. They said hundreds of people were given temporary shelter and thousands of meals during the emergency.

For information, call the Ventura chapter at (805) 339-2234. Ojai Valley residents should call the Ojai chapter at (805) 646-6044.