LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Thousands of families – many of whom left their house with nothing more than the clothes on their backs – are recovering after the devastating 2017 North Bay fires.

State Sen. Mike McGuire, The Press Democrat, and Redwood Credit Union (RCU) have partnered to establish the North Bay Fire Relief Fund.

RCU is paying all administrative costs, so 100 percent of all donations will benefit the relief efforts and the victims of the devastating fires.

The Relief Fund is focused on neighbors who are in greatest need. Neighbors who lost their homes can apply for an immediate $1,000 to assist with essentials such as rent, food, clothing and other personal necessities.

The fund is also investing an immediate $750,000 to provide every student in Lake, Mendocino, Sonoma and Napa counties with a $250 gift card to replace school clothes and supplies.

“Never in our state’s history have we seen a disaster like the Fire Storm that hit Mendocino, Lake, Sonoma and Napa counties,” McGuire said. “Our community is suffering not only from the loss of loved ones and thousands of homes, but also from the emotional trauma caused by having only minutes to escape the path of these massive blazes. We're coming together to ensure help is there when Lake and Mendocino counties need it most.”

“We’re seeing an incredible outpouring of support and money coming from around the country and the world – from people and organizations wanting to show their care and support for fire victims across the four North Bay counties who were impacted by these devastating fires,” said Brett Martinez, president and CEO of Redwood Credit Union.

The fund has made it simple to apply for and receive direct assistance. North Coast Opportunities in Mendocino and Lake Counties will immediately process applications on behalf of the North Bay Fire Relief Fund.

Here’s how to apply in Mendocino and Lake counties.

The North Bay Fire Relief Fund has partnered with North Coast Opportunities (NCO) for fund application and disbursements.

Applications are available at: https://www.ncoinc.org/2017-fires/.

Return completed application to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or to any NCO office (open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.):

- Ukiah: 413 N State St.
- Lakeport: 850 Lakeport Blvd.
- Clearlake: 14832 Lakeshore Drive.

The deadline to apply will be 30 days after the fire has been 100-percent contained by Cal Fire.

Redwood Credit Union is covering all administrative costs related to the fund administration and disbursement, so 100 percent of the donations to the fund are supporting fire survivors.

This includes any administrative costs of nonprofits that we’ve partnered with to provide direct service or fund disbursements to fire survivors.

Over 20,000 people have donated more than $11 million to the North Bay Fire Relief Fund.

Contributions may also be made online at www.redwoodcu.org/northbayfirerelief.