Recovery meeting Dec 12, 2007

Sempra Energy Assistance Fund

Sempra Energy Foundation has set up a $5 million dollar fund that people from the 2007 fires can apply for assistance:http://www.sempra.com/community/foundation/fire_assistance.htm

Fire Assistance Fund
Sempra Energy’s 2007 Fire Assistance Fund was established to aid fire victims and communities impacted by the Southern California and Baja California wildfires.More than half of the 2007 Fire Assistance Fund will be devoted to helping victims with direct financial assistance, with the balance spent on rebuilding communities and homes for those in need. All contributions will be given directly to fire victims or will help to repair burned facilities, clear land, repaint houses and help uninsured people to rebuild in partnership with nonprofit organizations, businesses, and employees of Sempra Energy and its affiliates.

Follow this link for how to apply for funding : http://www.sempra.com/community/foundation/guidelines.htm

Subject: Fire Workday #2 - This Saturday, Dec 1 8am to 1pm

Greetings Everyone,

This is from Suzy Ubry again, one of the Administrative Assistant at Rancho Bernardo Baptist Church.

First of all, on behalf of Tom Trotter, Pastor Dan and our family at RBBC, I want to extend a HUGE Thank You to everyone on this list who came out to help us on Fire Workday #1 back on November 18. Words cannot describe how thankful Tom sounds and looks when he talks about how many of you came out to help that day! From what I hear, it was quite a sight seeing you all scattered on our hillsides and an absolute blessing to our church family to have all of your willing hearts and hands joining our family here at RBBC.

Unfortunately, even after all of that great work, we still have some hillside left that needs to be cleaned up for the benefit of the Daycare children and so Tom has asked me to send out a request for Workday #2, which is scheduled for this Saturday. We would love to have any of your folks come out and help us again (or for the first time) and would provide breakfast and/or lunch ... and lots of water ... for all who can make it. Just let us know by noon Friday, Nov 30, who can come so we can make sure we have enough food and water for everyone.

The only change from last time is Bill Griffin, our facilities manager, will be coordinating the cleanup this weekend instead of Tom. So if you have some folks who can help, please email Bill at majrpickens@yahoo.com to let him know. You can also email Bill, or his wife Jill at jill.kathleen.griffin@gmail.com with any questions that you may have re: the workday.

Thank you for allowing us to send this second request to you today and hope that many of you can come and help us on Saturday!

Again, a HUGE Thank You to all of you who helped on Workday #1. We couldn't have done it without you!

Blessings from Pastor Dan, Tom, Bill and our Church Family at RBBC,

Suzy Ubry
Administrative Assistant
Rancho Bernardo Baptist Church
858.487.7676 office
www.rbbaptist.org
www.rbbaptistchurch.blogspot.

Booth Family

Hello All,
There is a group assigned to this family, but they can not possibly provide by themselves what this family needs, so I am posting this for anyone who may have contacts for getting some of the needs met, or if you are interested in checking out their website. Please contact liaison Paula Gibson (email to kim@canyonsprings.org and I will forward) if you have a lead on any of these needs:

"Thank you so much for your participation in helping this wonderful family. Here is a link to the website that a friend of the Booth's created on their behalf: www.boothsfamilyfund.com Please review this site for yourself and I think you will see how desperate their situation is. I spoke with the Mom, Nichole, and she gave me some additional details.

Currently, the Booth family of six is residing in a two-bedroom house with Nichole's elderly father-in-law and some other family members. (Nichole's Mom and her husband also lost their home in the fires and there are nine people staying in this small home including the 14- year old daughter who is on a ventilator!) Nichole is also five months pregnant. Because she cannot leave her daughter, who is on the ventilator, Nichole must home school her children.

After talking with Nichole and a friend of hers, I have noted just a few things that they need: One is that Nichol's vehicle is in very poor running condition and maybe we could put the word out for some free labor from a mechanic?

Also, the daughter does get some state aid for home health care. Nichole currently has a nurse from Midnight until 8am and that is when Nichole sleeps. Otherwise, she must be at the home at all times. She could qualify for more hours of in-home care, she just needs to find a nurse willing to come to Ramona. The nurse can be an RN or LVN as long as he/she is ventilator trained. Nichole said the nurse would have to just sign up with the agency that handles the hiring of the nurse. I believe she said it pays something like $14-15 per hour. So, if anyone knows of a nurse who would be willing to sign up with this agency and travel to Ramona, that would be great. Nichole would appreciate any break she could get - even just one day a week!

The thing that struck me the most about Nichole is that she is very positive and just feels blessed for any help she can get. She obviously has a difficult time even asking for anything. She is very humble.

Nichole said their family is supposed to eventually get a FEMA trailer, even though, so far, Fema would not give them any aid other than the trailer. However, with Nichole's pregnancy, plus everything else they will be facing; I believe they are going to need help for quite some time. Believe me when you talk to these people, you will just want to go rescue all of them! They are so kind. "

New Escondido "Free Store" Nov 13-16

A truckload of bedding, towels, linens, clothing for newborns, children, women and men, shoes, food, dog food and some household appliances have been donated by a group of people in Northern California for victims of the fire. A "free fire store" has been set up at 15217 Highland Valley Road, Escondido, 92025 and will open tomorrow, Tuesday, November13th, from noon until 6:00 p.m. It will remain open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:00 - 6:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 9:00 until 4:00 p.m.

Please share this information with anyone who may be affected by the fires and in need of any of these items. If you have any questions you may contact JoDee Dunham at (760) 580-1709.

Thank you so much.

Don't Forget about the "Free Store" Sat Nov 10

Just a reminder to tell your friends who lost their homes to come to the "Free Store" hosted by the Helping Hands Distaster Relief Foundation that is going on Saturday, Nov 10 from 9am to 4pm at Mt Olive Lutheran Church (14280 Poway Rd, Poway, CA 92064).

Items will be available to families with FEMA documentation only. The items are brand new and include things that a family will need to set up a new household, as well as some clothing, pet supplies, books, games etc.

Even if the family is staying with friends, eventually they will probably move into their own dwelling. They can acquire things they will need for the future, as likely there won't be events like this available months from now.

Thank you Helping Hands and Kids Corp USA!

Thank you everyone for your generous donations!

We received 12 "Office in a Box" kits and 1 "Essential Tools" kit. I prayed this week, thanking the Lord for what He would provide, and asking him to make sure we delivered our supplies into the right hands. A parent in our son's scout troop had arranged for one of his co-workers at Hewlitt-Packard, to pick up a desk from us this morning before we left to make our deliveries. Their house burned in Rancho Bernardo. He arrived with a big smile on his face, in spite of his circumstances. He explained that he was pleasantly surprised when he was given our address--the house he has rented is here in our Crown Pointe neighborhood! We were talking about his rental house, and he explained that it was wonderful, but his wife was wanting him to "unproof" all of the childproofing in the house, as his children are 11, 13 and 16. (Like he has nothing else to do!) But, it's hard to do when you don't have any tools. Except he did...the "Essential Tools" kit was here waiting for him!

Driving into our scoutmasters neighborhood to deliver the 12 "Office in a Box" kits was very emotional. It was difficult to see, and the smell...you never forget. The neighborhood is quite rural and remote, down narrow roads. Our scoutmaster had let the neighbors know that we were coming, so I felt comfortable leaving them in driveways. Some people weren't there, and some we're quite busy sifting. The kits are now delivered. We included notes to let them know that the families of Canyon Springs are thinking of them.Thank you all very much!
Kerri Dechant

Local Boy Scout troop needs 12 Canyon Springs "kits"

Update: The troop has received all of the boxes it needs. Thank you Canyon Springs!

If you can help this troop by providing an "Office in a Box" or "Essential Tools" kit that would be awesome. They need to collect 12 of each. The contact e-mail for the troop is below and you can see the list of supplies posted earlier on this blog.

Pastor Jack -
I heard through the prayer vine that your congregation may be putting together file boxes for fire victims. Our son Cameron is in boy scouts with Poway Troop 479. We are the only family from Scripps Ranch, with everyone else being from Poway and Ramona.Our scoutmaster lives in Poway on Skyridge Road. His land burned, but his house was spared.This area they live in is very, very remote and down private roads. He has 12 neighbors who have lost their homes. I asked if he thought these would be supplies would be helpful, and could he get me up there to deliver them.He send me an enthusiastic "Yes!" He also said it would be helpful if there could be some sort of quick note with it mentioning how these supplies would be helpful as they begin to gather paperwork. He said they are all so dazed and confused, they can't even figure it out.

So, if you have 12 boxes to spare, our family would be happy to deliver these. I'd be happy to report back, etc. once the mission is accomplished.
My email address is dechants@san.rr.com

Places where you can go to help

Update: Please contact these centers before bringing items. Many of the needs have been met or changed since the first posting.

Maranatha Chapel and Samaritan's Purse are helping people
clear their land. They are focusing on uninsured, elderly, single parent, and handicapped people.
If anyone wants to contact them the website is: www.maranathachapel.org

Also, this was passed on from a friend of Edie Davis:
I discovered the Rancho Bernardo Relief Center, right across the street from the Rancho Bernardo Recreation building/field. The Rec Center is located at 18448 West Bernardo Drive,
and the Relief Center is sign-posted directly across from it. I drove in and asked what they need, and they gave me a list, which I have copied for you below. I asked if they could use
beds or couches . . . and the gentleman there said "yes - anything". Just as I was driving away, an elderly man drove up and told the relief center worker that he had lost everything in the fire.
If you can pass this list on to as many people as you can . . . the relief center worker said that things are flying off the table, especially cleaning supplies.
CLEANING SUPPLIES (high priority)
Basic cleaning agent (409, Simple Green, etc.)
Paper towels and rags
Brooms/Dustpans
Mops/Buckets
Rubber gloves
Sponges and steel-wool pads

DEBRIS CLEANING SUPPLIES (high priority)
Shovels and rakes
Work gloves
Sifters
Flashlights and batteries
Protective eye wear
N95 face masks

HOUSEHOLD ITEMS
Air purifiers
Toilet paper
Laundry detergent
Paper plates and plastic-wear
Napkins

NEW clothing (will not accept used clothing)
NEW shoes and socks (will not accept used shoes)

TOILETRIES
Men's deodorant
Disposable razors (in package/unopened)
Cotton swabs
Kleenex
Feminine hygiene products
Baby/children items

CHILDREN'S
Baby bouncers
Play mats
Children's playpens and cribs
Baby food

OTHER ITEMS
Disposable cameras
Can openers
Canopies
Rope
Pillows, blankets, sheets
Coffee makers

Helping Hands Needs Volunteers and Donations

HELPING HANDS VOLUNTEERS… RAMONA NEEDS OUR HELP!

TODAY WE TOOK 100+ COMFORT BAGS TO RAMONA. THANK YOU TO ALL WHO DONATED AND HELPED STUFF THE BAGS!!!!

WHILE WE WERE IN RAMONA WE DISCOVERED THEY NEED VOLUNTEERS. THEY ONLY HAVE A HANDFUL OF VOLUNTEERS WHO ARE WORKING 8-12 HOUR SHIFTS. THEY NEED TO BE RELIEVED. IF YOU HAVE SOME TIME TO HELP PLEASE LET ME KNOW.

THEY ALSO NEED THE FOLLOWING LIST OF DONATED ITEMS:
- A WASHER AND DRYER THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!!!!
- SHOVELS, BUCKETS, SIFTERS, GARBAGE BAGS
- WATERS, NON PERISHIBLES
- ADULT, TEEN AND CHILDRENS CLOTHES, SHOES etc.
- TOYS, BOOKS
- TOWELS, TOILETRIES
- GIFT CARDS
- WHATEVER ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO DONATE

PLEASE DROP OFF YOUR ITEMS TO 12438 KINGSPINE AND WE’LL MAKE SURE ALL ITEMS ARE TAKEN TO RAMONA FIRE SURVIVORS.

Thank you for your generosity. It is very much appreciated! God Bless!
Contact Laura Olsen,The Helping Hands Foundation 619-992-6375 or 858-547-9440 for more info.

God at Work Already- Keep Shining the Light

"Thank you for the inspiration in today's message. After church today, our family went to Staples to put together file boxes for fire victims. We do not know anyone personally who lost their homes. So we then drove up to Rancho Bernardo and distributed the boxes to people who were at their properties. Needless to say, they were incredibly appreciative. Most interestingly, we gave one to a Muslim man. He said he is very interested in learning about different religions. Then he took us to his car to show us the only thing that he found in the rubble: a bible that a friend from work had given him. The inscription from the friend on the inside cover and the pages were still mostly in tact. A miracle!"

The Coats Family

Supplies You Can Provide to Fire Victims

The following "kits" were suggested by victims of the Cedar Fire. If you know about a family that has lost their home, here are the suggested kits you can put together to bring to them. In addition, at the bottom of this post are "10 Ways To Respond To A Fire Victim".

Office in a Box: Plastic file carrier box with handle including the following inside: book of stamps, personal address/phone book, 3-5 pens, 15-20 file folders w/ tabs, blank labels for files, 2 small notepads, box of standard envelopes, 2 spiral binders, scotch tape dispenser,small stapler w/ staples, rubber bands, paper clips,accordion file to place files in, basic calculator.

Essential Tools: Some type of tool box or carrier w/ the following inside: sturdy hammer, adjustable pliers, adjustable wrench, flat head screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver, picture hanging materials, measuring tape, small level, flashlight with batteries.

10 Ways To Respond To A Fire Victim

1. Let them talk, while you listen (you don't have to "fix" it)
2. Give a hug and say "I'm sorry"
3. Accept their reactions. These may include anger, denial, frustration, numbness, joking, sadness, tears. These will change throughout the next few years.
4. Avoid talking about yourself and your experiences.
5. Ask what they need; clothes company, errands, childcare, place to live, kitchen supplies, tools, meals..
6. Watch for what they need; remember that they may not be able to think of what they need.
7. Offer your time to go with them on errands, shopping, etc.
8. Commit for the long run as they will continue to have needs.
9. Anonymously drop off food, supplies, cashier's check.
10. Tell them you are praying for them and consistently do it!

Copyright2007 Edie Davis, MS, MFT

"Free Store" Locations Full

Due to a HUGE response, all of the drop off locations for the Kids Korps "Free Store" have been filled to capacity. Many thank yous to our generous community! Please do not bring any more supplies, as there is no room to store them.

However, they CAN use volunteers on Saturday (tomorrow, Oct 27) from 6am-noon to help sort and distribute all of these awesome donations!

Please go to South Creek Park near 12362 Springhurst Drive in San Diego starting at 6am to volunteer.

“Free Store” for fire victims

Note LOCATION CHANGE:
Here is info for a “Free Store” for fire victims. Debbie Kayton, one of our Canyon Springs family members, is hosting one of the drop off sites (11962 Mil Pitrero Rd)—or you can drop off items at South Creek Park, behind Creekside Elementary:

"We were fortunate enough to be able to host the KIDS KORPS FREE STORE for fire victims at South Creek Park, behind CREEKSIDE ELEMENTARY ON SATURDAY (NOT SUNDAY). You will be able to drop off donation items at the park directly behind the school : 12362 Springhurst Dr San Diego. We will open doors at 6:00 am on Saturday morning. We will begin the “FREE STORE” at 9:00am.Please focus your donations of items in good condition on the fire victims who need to set up a new rental home.(also school supplies, backpacks, Halloween costumes)"

This might be a great way for our kids and teens to give to other kids who have suffered loss. The simple act of shopping (with their own money) for a peer is a great way to learn about service and outreach. I know many of us know families who have been affected, and I am sure all of us are helping in some way. This is just another option to think about.

Praying that all of you are seeking what is important and valuable during this time. Let’s keep Christ at the center of all we do and say.

Through Christ,

Kirsten Loy

Hallums Family ok-Need generator

For those of you who know Burgess Hallums and family, they are ok and staying in Tierra Santa with friends. They are not able to get back into their home yet, but they are in need of a power generator of 3000 watts or more.

If you can get them one to borrow, please email kim@canyonsprings.org

Need Rental in or near RB

Our friendswho lost their home are Gerry & Kristin Heidrich, they have two boys,Ryan-16 and Blake-14 (both attend RB High). They are looking for a rental ASAP. Minimum of 3 bedrooms, they will take any location within areasonable distance. They do have two dogs so they will need a yard. If anyone knows of any available rentals, they can contact me at 858-484-5272 or email mhtml:%7BC7D3CCA0-26D2-43AD-AA65-4F90738D6A52%7Dmid://00000057/!x-usc:mailto:templeton@san.rr.com

UPDATE: Rental found for this family, but please let us know of rentals for future families.

San Diego Fires

In order to keep from overuse of email in your inboxes, we have created this temporary blog to help with information regarding the 2007 San Diego fires. Please keep sending your information on available lodging or need for lodging to kim@canyonsprings.org and we will post as appropriate.

Currently we are in need of permanant housing in the Rancho Bernardo and Poway areas for families we have heard about so far that can not return to their homes. If you have access to rentals (apartments, condo, house), especially that allow pets, please contact us.

There are also a number of people who are offering temporary housing (guest rooms) to our church families in need- some have capacity for pets as well.

Please contact us if you call Canyon Springs your home and you need help with shelter or have other needs. If you need a bed to sleep in or a place to shower (or both) we are here to care for you. Contact kim@canyonsprings.org or call 858-653-3664.