March 3, 2021 3:50 a.m.

One-on-one assistance is coming to communities hard hit by the September wildfires.

A release from the Oregon Department of Human Services said they have been awarded a $6.3 million grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for a disaster care management program.

The release said the program will provide funding and technical assistance “…to ensure holistic services to each impacted Oregonian”. The program will offer a single point of contact to coordinate a variety of services to assist in addressing the unmet disaster-related needs of September 2020 wildfire survivors.

Disaster case managers will work with survivors to identify their unique needs and help coordinate services with federal, state and local programs, including services provided through voluntary and charitable organizations and long-term recovery groups in local communities.

Ed Flick, director of the ODHS emergency management unit said in their work with survivors and local agencies, it is clear those survivors have struggled to find resources and information about available supports, including shelter, housing resources, food and other basic necessities.

The release said disaster case management will be open to all Oregon residents impacted by the wildfire disaster, regardless of whether they are registered with FEMA.