REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Recognition of Non-Profit Community Partners and City Departments Providing Emergency Services to Residents due to the Winchester Boulevard Apartment Fire
Report
BACKGROUND
On August 23, 2018 a fire broke out in a ten unit apartment complex at 462 Winchester Boulevard, and temporarily displaced ten families. The American Red Cross Silicon Valley Chapter arrived on scene as the Santa Clara Fire Department was still extinguishing the fire. The Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary provided meeting space nearby for the Red Cross to assess the needs of families. All families were provided financial assistance from the Red Cross, and those who did not have an immediate place to stay were given supplemental financial assistance. The City's Parks and Recreation Department prepared to open an emergency shelter which was later determined by the Red Cross to be unnecessary.
City departments worked together quickly to enable families to move back into their homes as soon as was safely possible. This included inspectors from the Fire Department, Silicon Valley Power and the Community Development Department.
By the end of the second day, all but three apartment units were determined to be habitable. Three families, including one with a six week old baby, were displaced and received financial assistance from the Mission City Community Fund, the Santa Clara Firefighters' Foundation, and the City's Housing Division for lodging and/or basic necessities.
The Salvation Army provided vouchers for clothing and necessities, and the Best Western Inn Santa Clara provided a discounted rate for lodging.
The City's Office of Emergency Services, located in the Fire Department, provided information management while interfacing with government and non-profit partners and businesses to meet the needs of the displaced families.
DISCUSSION
As a Special Order of Business, the Mayor and Council will recognize the following groups for their efforts to as...
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