By Marcia Antipa, Volunteer
Eric and Yvette Hoy’s family has farmed in Siskiyou County on the same piece of property for five generations. Now the farm’s future legacy is at risk, after the Mill Fire swept through earlier this month, destroying the family’s home, barn and grazing lands.
“It’s all I’ve ever done. It’s all I’ve ever known,” said Eric.
On September 9, Red Cross Volunteers helped Eric and his wife, Yvette, take their first steps toward recovery, at the Local Assistance Center in Weed.
The Red Cross joined dozens of county agencies and nonprofit organizations in offering help to people who survived the wildfire. For example, the California Department of Motor Vehicles provided temporary driver’s licenses, and county health workers gave out tetanus shots and other immunizations. Families also were able to pick up food boxes and other supplies.
Red Cross caseworkers documented the losses these people suffered, and in some cases, offering financial assistance. Other Red Crossers handed out cleanup kits, rakes, shovels and other supplies to help families whose homes were left in rubble.
Eric and Yvette were still reeling from the fire, staying in a hotel and trying to plan their next moves. For now, they are grateful that they and their little dog, Lincoln. Their 400 head of cattle were able to survive the fire also.
If you would like to support Red Cross disaster relief, consider a financial donation by visiting redcross.org/donate or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.
Gold Country News and Notes 