FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Carolyn Jhajj
Communications Director
916-447-4806 x1018
cjhajj@rcrcnet.org
RCRC Partners with United Policyholders to Provide Wildfire Recovery Assistance to Rural Communities
SACRAMENTO, CA – November 22, 2021– Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) and its affiliated entity, Golden State Finance Authority (GSFA), have partnered with the non-profit United Policyholders (UP) by providing $50,000 in funding to the 2021 California Wildfires Roadmap to Recovery Program to support rural county communities impacted by catastrophic wildfires. The program helps homeowners and renters navigate the process of returning to a wildfire damaged area, repairing and replacing damaged and destroyed property, and collecting all available insurance funds.
Residents throughout rural California communities were impacted by catastrophic wildfires in 2021 and are depending on homeowners insurance to finance repairs and rebuilding efforts. Through the 2021 California Wildfires Roadmap to Recovery Program, UP aids the disaster recovery process by providing free insurance and decision-making guidance, tools and resources to people, businesses, and communities. These services include tips, tools, information and support from previous disaster survivors and from experts on insurance claims, legal matters and the rebuilding/repair process. UP also offers educational workshops and long-term recovery services after disasters in coordination with public agency partners and other non-governmental organizations.
“Families and businesses have been devastated by catastrophic wildfires this year and are in need of support in navigating the insurance claim process and understanding their rights,” said Mono County Supervisor and RCRC Board Chair Stacy Corless. “Through our contribution to the 2021 California Wildfires Roadmap to Recovery Program, RCRC and GSFA aim to assist in the vital work of the United Policyholders in rebuilding and revitalizing our rural communities.”
“This funding has been critical to UP’s ability to provide support to 2021 wildfire impacted households without leaving behind those who were impacted in 2020 and 2019 and still need our services on their road to recovery. We’re deeply grateful,” said Amy Bach, UP’s co-founder and Executive Director.
UP is a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization whose mission is to be a trustworthy and useful information resource and an effective voice for consumers of all types of insurance in all 50 states. UP launched the Roadmap to Recovery program in 1991 and has assisted with recovery efforts for a variety of disasters across the nation. RCRC members have coordinated with UP to support wildfire-impacted constituents after numerous events including the 2017 North Bay and 2018 Camp wildfires. Additional information regarding the 2021 California Wildfires Roadmap to Recovery Program and available resources is located at https://uphelp.org/disaster-recovery-help/2021-ca-wildfires/.
ABOUT RURAL COUNTY REPRESENTATIVES OF CALIFORNIA (RCRC) AND GOLDEN STATE FINANCE AUTHORITY (GSFA)
The Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) is a thirty-seven member county service organization that champions policies on behalf of California’s rural counties. RCRC is dedicated to representing the collective unique interests of its membership, providing legislative and regulatory representation at the State and Federal levels, and providing responsible services for its members to enhance and protect the quality of life in rural California counties. To learn more about RCRC, visit rcrcnet.org and follow @RuralCounties on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Golden State Finance Authority (GSFA) is a California joint powers authority and a duly constituted public entity and agency. GSFA was established in 1993 by RCRC and has distinguished itself as a leader in housing finance in California for more than 28 years, helping more than 83,400 individuals and families purchase a home. GSFA has provided over $634.4 million in down payment assistance and helped finance 34,300 energy efficiency improvement projects.
###