An Impressive Record of Real Accomplishment ~ '07 Wildfires:
As a result of the work done following the 2003 Old Fire, San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors named Hearts & Lives as "Lead Agency' to coordinate rebuilding efforts following the Grass Valley and Slide Fires.
To better serve the Rim Community, a Running Springs satellite office was opened immediately after residents were allowed to return to the mountain. This new office was funded 100% by donations and remained open from November 2007 through January 2009 to better serve the mountain residents in the following areas:
- As with the '03 Old Fire resources (food, clothing, furniture, household items and emergency financial assistance) distributed for emergency needs as well as informational seminars on debris removal, insurance issues, building codes, and rebuilding needs were made available at no cost.
- Used a $20,000 grant from the Community Foundation to distribute gift cards for food and clothing.
- Hearts & Lives partnered with Rim O? The World Realtors Association to create a listing of 1,100 rental homes available for families who needed housing prior to rebuilding their homes
- Over 4,800 hours of volunteer services were donated for Immediate and Intermediate needs by community members the first year following the ?07 fires.
- Case management conducted with 461 families helping over 1,500 residents.
- Helped with emergency financial assistance to pay utilities
- Provided Christmas toys, gift cards and food to 44 families.
- Conducted multiple clothing and toy drives for distribution to fire survivors.
- For "Long Term Recovery" over $800,000 was collected allowing 10 fire victims, who were under insured, the opportunity to rebuild.
- Facilitated "resource puzzle" for those impacted by the fire through coordination and working closely with and FEMA, SBA, American Red Cross, United Way and Salvation Army and other governmental agencies at the County, State and Federal levels.
"Not only has Hearts & Lives met the serious challenges of multiple major fires and disasters in the San Bernardino mountain communities of recent years, but they have consciously developed a most valued and needed “best practice” model and methodology that can be (and should be) adapted in nearly any community in the United States”
Daniel Foster, President/CEO
The Community Foundation
"Not only has Hearts & Lives met the serious challenges of multiple major fires and “Out of the ashes comes hope that has been our family’s motto after our hose burned in the Slide Fire. Hearts & Lives has given us so mush Hope, Help and Peace. We cannot thank them enough.”
The Black Family
’07 Fire Survivor
"For someone who lost their home and possessions, one cannot imagine the healing it brings to be helped by another, especially a stranger. Hearts & Lives has done this for many, many people.”
Local Licensed Contractor
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| Hearts & Lives Coordinates Rebuilding of Pineridge Bridge following 2003 Old Fire ~ Cedar Glen |
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| Community leaders gather to celebrate rebuild of Pineridge Bridge. Fifty three parcel owners now have access to their properties and can begin rebuilding. |
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| Completed Pineridge Bridge. It take a "Community Network" to rise from the ashes. |
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