The Yavapai County Community Foundation has approved the release of $400,000 to the Yarnell Hill Recovery Group, which includes money for the most immediate needs in the areas of rebuilding homes, help for the underinsured, other unmet needs of fire victims and aid to community organizations like the Yarnell Water Improvement Association and the Yarnell and Peeples Valley fire departments.
These funds were part of the more than $700,000 donated to the YCCF for Yarnell’s recovery.
“We are deeply grateful and excited about having funds released so quickly after submitting our budget as required by the Foundation,” said YHRG Finance Director Paul Jones. “The partnership we have been able to forge with the Foundation will be invaluable as we move forward in our recovery.”
The initial budget was the first phase (covering15 months) of a three to five year strategic plan the Steering Committee has been working on in conjunction with a budget taskforce that included 15 representatives from Yarnell and Peeples Valley organizations and consultant Lori Deutsch of Fast Consulting, LLC. The outline of the first phase will be presented to the community at a community forum on Weds., Nov. 13, at 5 p.m. at the Yarnell Community Presbyterian Church.
Oct. 30 marked just four months since the Yarnell Hill Fire destroyed nearly a quarter of the homes in Yarnell and killed 19 firefighters. Eight homes are currently under construction, including four homes for the uninsured.
About Yarnell Hill Recovery Group
Exiled from their homes and divided by the closure of Highway 89, a group of 20 Yarnell and Peeples Valley residents conferred in person and by phone about how to rebuild their fire-ravaged community.
Out of that conversation, the all-volunteer Yarnell Hill Recovery Group was formed with a steering committee made up of five key leaders representing organizations that have long provided services to residents: the Yarnell-Peeples Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Yarnell Community Center, the Yarnell Community Presbyterian Church, the Fire Department and Weaver Mountains – People Who Care.
Under the direction of the steering committee, a dozen volunteer sub-committees have been formed to provide resources for everything from emergency housing and financial assistance to clean up and rebuilding. The group’s website, www.YarnellHillRecoveryGroup.
The group was recently recognized by Arizona and Yavapai County as the official recovery group for the Yarnell Hill Fire.
The Yarnell Community Presbyterian Church, acting as the Yarnell Hill Recovery Group’s fiscal agent, has set up an account for the Yarnell Hill Recovery Group though the National Bank of Arizona, account #76 0000 2730, Routing #122105320. There is a Pay Pal button for donations at www.YarnellHillRecoveryGroup.
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