Morgan Territory Disaster Relief
Donation protected
On the 24th of February a huge landslide took out a large section of Morgan Territory Road on the East side of Mt. Diablo, effectively trapping hundreds of residents behind the destruction. When the road went it also took out water, electricity, phone, access to propane, access to mail, and many other important resources. Temporary fixes have since been established for -some- of these needs but even these are plagued by repeated interruptions and other challenges. Currently the only way in or out of the area is either a treacherous mile-long hike over the slide and through the associated construction zone, or an equally treacherous 14 mile drive along a twisting, partly flooded, one-lane mountain road that is also threatening to collapse. This route takes about an hour to traverse and is so harrowing that many residents are too fearful to take it.
The area has long been a respite for the elderly, families with young children, and those on a limited income. Following the slide, what was once a quiet, rural community is now a huge source of extensive hardship for those with mobility issues, chronic health problems, medication needs, transportation challenges, small children, or other similar concerns. While the state has declared the area a Disaster Zone, assistance has been very slow to arrive. Currently we are told that it might be in excess of -NINE- months before our road is repaired! As such, the elderly and many low income families have been forced to rent extra vehicles to park on the far side of the slide just to get to work, school, or the doctor. Additionally, anyone requiring life-saving emergency transport is more than likely going to require helicopter transport at a huge cost compared to a conventional ambulance ride. Even every day tasks such as shopping for groceries or drinking water has become an all day-process for some residents due to the new challenges.
Any funds collected will be distributed on an as-needed basis to those affected by the slide. A non-profit organization is currently being formed with unpaid, volunteer officers to be elected to the required positions. These individuals will eventually take over full management and responsibility of the fund. Any disbursements made from the fund will require the signatures of at least two of these elected officers. The current organizers of this fund, a collection of residents also affected by the slide, have decided to forego any claim to the money collected in order to better insure an ethical management of any resources thus donated.
In addition to monetary donations the community would also welcome other forms of assistance including transportation, shopping help, hauling, and similar. Please contact the organizers directly to learn more about these options.
Your friends and neighbors need your help. Will you give it?
The area has long been a respite for the elderly, families with young children, and those on a limited income. Following the slide, what was once a quiet, rural community is now a huge source of extensive hardship for those with mobility issues, chronic health problems, medication needs, transportation challenges, small children, or other similar concerns. While the state has declared the area a Disaster Zone, assistance has been very slow to arrive. Currently we are told that it might be in excess of -NINE- months before our road is repaired! As such, the elderly and many low income families have been forced to rent extra vehicles to park on the far side of the slide just to get to work, school, or the doctor. Additionally, anyone requiring life-saving emergency transport is more than likely going to require helicopter transport at a huge cost compared to a conventional ambulance ride. Even every day tasks such as shopping for groceries or drinking water has become an all day-process for some residents due to the new challenges.
Any funds collected will be distributed on an as-needed basis to those affected by the slide. A non-profit organization is currently being formed with unpaid, volunteer officers to be elected to the required positions. These individuals will eventually take over full management and responsibility of the fund. Any disbursements made from the fund will require the signatures of at least two of these elected officers. The current organizers of this fund, a collection of residents also affected by the slide, have decided to forego any claim to the money collected in order to better insure an ethical management of any resources thus donated.
In addition to monetary donations the community would also welcome other forms of assistance including transportation, shopping help, hauling, and similar. Please contact the organizers directly to learn more about these options.
Your friends and neighbors need your help. Will you give it?
Organizer
Jessica Bussert
Organizer
Clayton, CA
