DISASTER RESPONSE

Willow Glen Fire

Early in the morning on March 23, disaster struck the Glen Willow Apartments in the Willow Glen neighborhood of San Jose. A fire started in a third story apartment and quickly spread to surrounding units. Before the day was over, the six-alarm fire caused $4 to $5 million in damage and fire officials declared the building uninhabitable.

As the day progressed, we learned that 21 units were either completely destroyed or severely damaged. The residents of these units lost everything. The HIF executive committee met electronically and agreed to make $10,000 available to assist these residents with relocation expenses.

Other CADRE members participated as well. The Red Cross had caseworkers on the seen immediately. The Housing Services Partnership committed to $400 for each household and the Salvation Army agreed to provide household goods using a voucher system. The Center for Death and Dying would be available for counseling, if needed.

In the interim, the Tri-County Division of CAA was on the scene with a list of vacant units in the area, many with offers of special concessions for the fire victims.

Disasters are always disastrous. But as devastating as this one was for those involved, it was gratifying to know that we can quickly mobilize our resources and respond quickly to the needs of the victims.