Pete and Angela Mitchell are struggling to recover after the Eaton Fire destroyed their home in Altadena. Their attempt to secure FEMA assistance was initially unsuccessful due to missing insurance documents, which were also lost in the fire. They feel lost and overwhelmed by the process and worry about future support as they rebuild their lives. Experts emphasize the importance of case management and personal advocates in assisting fire victims, highlighting the emotional and logistical support required to navigate the long recovery journey following such devastating events.
"It's a marathon, not a sprint," said Angela, but they don't know who can guide them. And they worry about what happens when FEMA and the media move on to the next crisis.
"They feel like there's not a path forward, and if they don't have an advocate, I think a lot of people do give up," said Melissa Baurer, director of integrated health and outreach.
"We gave that case manager boxing gloves," said Baurer. "She just went to battle on every FEMA appeal and never took no for an answer."
"Case management isn't just about navigating paperwork, it's about human connection," said Skye Kolealani Razon-Olds, director of resiliency at the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement.
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