OXNARD — An Oxnard apartment fire on Friday, Jan. 9 has displaced 33 people, 17 adults and 16 children, all of whom have shown great fortitude in facing the loss of their homes and all of their belongings, the United Way of Ventura County reported Tuesday in a media release.
The Red Cross recently passed the baton onto a collaboration of Oxnard community service providers this week when they completed their initial response of shelter, food and clothing.
United Way will coordinate the urgently needed financial donations from the public to help these families with furniture, beds, appliances, furnishings, clothing and move-in costs to new residences. All were destroyed in the fire.
To donate online please visit www.vcunitedway.org and click on the donate button selecting “Oxnard Fire Victims” from the drop down menu or send a check to United Way of Ventura County, 4001 Mission Oaks Blvd. Ste. E, Camarillo 93012, noting “Oxnard Fire Victims” in the memo.
Ventura County Human Services Agency’s case managers are working with the families to help them address their needs and help assist with securing placement into new homes, the organization reported.
Karol Schulkin of HSA said that several families have found new housing on their own. HSA and the Mexican Consulate are working together in securing new documents that were lost in the fire and other needed assistance to families.
The Red Cross and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul have assisted with hotel stays, beds, and assistance with some move in costs for families. Other community collaborators include Salvation Army who is helping with clothing vouchers; Oxnard Housing and Community Action of Ventura who are assisting with furniture deliveries and other assistance.
Please come forward and help those displaced rebuild their lives through your donations, the organization reported.
About United Way of Ventura County:
Founded in 1945, United Way of Ventura County is committed to improving community conditions by helping families and individuals become economically secure, physically and emotionally healthy, and connected to the community. To drive positive change, United Way of Ventura County helps people help themselves by identifying critical needs and aligning resources to achieve the best results. United Way is focused on the building blocks for a good life: income, education, and health.
Visit www.vcunitedway.org for more information about the United Way of Ventura County.