March 25, 2009
San Diego Senior Fire Victims Still Eligible for Help
San Diego, Calif., March 25, 2009 - Although the October 2007 wildfires may have faded from the collective memory of many San Diegans, ElderHelp of San Diego wants seniors affected by the fires to know there is still help available.
ElderHelp acknowledges that disaster recovery is a long-term process that spans years, not months and weeks. "We want to reassure community members we are committed to supporting senior fire survivors throughout their recovery process, until each survivor is living independently in a stable environment," said Executive Director Leane Marchese. ElderHelp's Wildfire Recovery Program is generously funded by the United Way Fire Fund.
Following the devastating fires, ElderHelp's Wildfire Recovery Program began to offer information and referral services, assistance replacing medical equipment, advocacy, and support to fire survivors free of charge. Personalized assistance is still available and new clients, age 60 plus, are encouraged to contact ElderHelp for more information. Whether seniors are struggling to complete an inventory listing, are confused by complicated insurance paperwork, or simply feel overwhelmed by all that lies ahead in the rebuilding process, ElderHelp is there to provide information, support, and assistance every step of the way. For anyone interesting in these services, please call our Wildfire Recovery Coordinator, Cara Simpkins at 619-228-6466.
About ElderHelp of San Diego
Founded in 1973, ElderHelp of San Diego is one of the oldest and most trusted organizations offering personalized assistance to seniors in San Diego. ElderHelp is a non-profit organization comprised of professionals and community volunteers committed to offering quality social services that help seniors live independently in their own homes. Last year, ElderHelp assisted nearly 5,000 seniors throughout San Diego County. To learn more about ElderHelp and the Wildfire Recovery Program visit www.elderhelpofsandiego.org or call (619) 228-6466.
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CONTACT:
Leane Marchese
Executive Director
ElderHelp of San Diego
phone: 619-284-9281 x 11
fax: 619-284-0214
lmarchese @ elderhelpofsandiego.org
www.elderhelpofsandiego.org