Monday, 11/6

Tomorrow, 15 displaced community members will arrive at the Mary Isaak Center who are being relocated from Finley Center, the last remaining fire evacuation center. COTS staff have already welcomed clients into our family program from Interfaith Shelter Network, our sister agency who’s transitional housing facilities were damaged in the fire. All of our newest guests will have free access to three meals a day, shower and laundry facilities, storage for belongings, and a medical clinic staffed by the Petaluma Health Center.

We are in a fortunate position: None of our COTS facilities were damaged by the fire and none of our staff lost their homes. We feel extremely lucky to be in a position to play a role in our community’s recovery, alongside our community partners.

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ITEMS NEEDED

  • Sleeping bags: We have an immediate need for 50 cool weather sleeping bags and 15 foam non-slip camping sleeping mats. Out of respect for the extreme difficulty experienced by our clients, and the amount of wear and tear we expect out of these items, we are respectfully requesting that these items be new.
  • Gift cards are also appreciated for all clients in need.

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Thursday, 10/12

Thank you for reaching out to COTS during this time of crisis. We are committed to providing information and connecting you and your family with aid. Below are answers to frequently asked questions we’ve received regarding how COTS can assist you or your loved ones.

Is COTS an evacuation center? Do you have space for evacuees, families, or animals?

At this time, we are not able to accommodate fire evacuees at the Mary Isaak Center or the Kids First Family Shelter. The City of Santa Rosa Emergency Information website has a regularly updated list of evacuation shelters around the county.

I have money, do you have properties for rent immediately?

All of our properties are at capacity, and we regret to say that we do not have rental properties available at this time. We have been in contact with local, regional and State of California leaders around the status of medium and long-term solutions for housing. We will update our community as we learn more. Right now, all energy and focus from leadership is on crisis resolution and saving lives.

Is COTS doing anything to assist evacuees?

COTS is providing resources to the evacuation shelters in Petaluma (blankets, pillows, and other necessities), as well as direction on how those seeking help can get to the open shelters. Our staff is also helping other agencies who are short staffed due to employees being evacuated.

Are you taking donations of supplies?

As of right now, we do not have a need for donations of food, clothing or other items. But other locations might. Nixle and Nextdoor are two official channels being used by authorities with visibility to the entire scope of the crisis. Facebook is also a good resource, but make sure to look at official channels such as the Police and Sheriff’s Departments.

Are you taking monetary donations for the fire?

We encourage people wishing to make a donation directly to immediate fire relief to donate to RCU or the Community Foundation. Our staff spoke with Community Foundation Sonoma County yesterday, and learned that they have received a $250,000 donation as seed money from Facebook. The Community Foundation will address medium- to long-term needs. Redwood Credit Union will address needs in the short- to medium-term.

Our hearts are with everyone in our community during this tragedy. COTS is here, along with our partners, to provide as much support as possible.

 

Wednesday, 10/11

COTS staff volunteers took shifts covering for displaced Catholic Charities staff yesterday. Many of our friends at Catholic Charities are deeply impacted by the fire, including losing their homes.

We have received calls asking about needed supplies and financial donations. At this time, COTS does not have a need for tangible items or food, but our sister agencies and evacuation centers might. For the most current needs, we encourage you to stay in contact with Nextdoor and the Nixle alerts from local Sheriff or Police Departments.

For financial contributions, if you would like to donate directly to fire relief here are a couple of resources:

COTS Mary Isaak Center is not acting as an evacuation center at this time, although we are a designated overflow facility. We expect that our role will be to support the longer term impact of the fire on those who cannot easily recover – either with short-term shelter, or re-housing assistance. If you are interested in supporting these efforts, a financial contribution to COTS can be made on our website.

Stay strong, Sonoma County. A big thanks to our friends from afar for your concern. We will keep you updated.

 

Monday, 10/09

The COTS Mary Isaak Center is open for lunch today at 900 Hoper Street, Petaluma, for anyone who needs food or sanctuary. Lunch hours are 11:30am to 1:00pm, but food is available all day to anyone with emergency food needs.

Right now, our most urgent need is for blankets and sleeping bags. What we cannot use, we will pass on to our sister agencies. Please only deliver these items if you able to stay off of Highway 101 and it is safe for you to travel.

As of this morning, all of our clients in permanent housing in Rohnert Park, Petaluma, and Santa Rosa are safe. We are slowly learning about former clients who are evacuating their homes; one client is on her way to family in Sacramento. We are in close communication with authorities and sister agencies as the situation unfolds and will keep you posted on any additional details.