Emergency Assistance
for
Santana Row Fire Victims
San José, CA --- Mayor Ron Gonzales today pledged the strong
support from the City of San José to provide assistance for the residents
and businesses displaced or damaged as a result of yesterday’s major
fire centered at Santana Row.
“Our hearts go out to the families who lost their homes in yesterday’s
fire, and we will be working with the American Red Cross to help them
get back on their feet as quickly as possible,” said the Mayor.
The City estimates that approximately 130 residents lost their homes
in yesterday’s fires. The San José Housing Department and the Red
Cross are coordinating services to make temporary shelter available for
those who need it and to secure additional assistance as necessary.
Through the Red Cross and the City, affected residents may be eligible
for emergency accommodations in hotels for seven days, as well as vouchers
for new clothing and food.
Residents requiring emergency information or assistance can go in person
to the Sherman Oaks Community Center at 1800A Fruitdale Ave, between Leigh
Avenue and Southwest Expressway. Staff from the City and the Red Cross
are there to answer questions. Residents may also contact the Red Cross
by phone at (408) 577-1000.
The City of San José 24/7 Customer Service Call Center also can refer
residents needing assistance to service agencies.
Councilmember Ken Yeager, who represents this part of San José, has
planned a community meeting to answer questions and help residents find
available assistance. The meeting will be held at 7:00 p.m., Thursday,
August 22, at Monroe Middle School, 1055 South Monroe Street, San José.
For more information, call Councilmember Yeager’s office at (408)
277-5166.
“We are committed to do all we can to help our families recover
from this tragedy,” said Yeager.
In addition to the residential damages, approximately 28 business tenants
were scheduled to open in the Santana Row building that was destroyed
by the fire. The city is coordinating with Federal Realty Investment Trust,
the developers of Santana Row, to determine what type of assistance those
businesses may need.
Affected businesses may contact the San José Office of Economic Development
at (408) 277-5880. City staff will work with them to assess individual
needs and determine what types of assistance and services may be available.
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