B.C. Wildfire Management crews are fighting a fire near Zipzone Peachland on Brenda Mines Road, Saturday, June 27, 2015.

(JENNIFER STAHN / iNFOnews.ca)

The province and Canadian Red Cross are providing eligible residents with $1,300 a month to support housing needs following wildfires last summer.

Starting December 2021, the province will provide eligible households with financial assistance while they are supported in the transition to long-term housing. This program will be facilitated through the Canadian Red Cross, according to the province’s press release.

A total of 343 homes were destroyed during this year's wildfire season in B.C.

READ MORE: 343 homes destroyed during B.C.’s unprecedented wildfire season

This assistance will help meet the interim housing needs of households that have been receiving short-term accommodation supports through Emergency Support Services since July, according to the province.

The Canadian Red Cross will contact eligible households to assess their unique needs and discuss the next steps to help cover their interim housing needs and find longer-term housing solutions. This is in addition to its work offering personalized support to people affected by the 2021 wildfires to discuss their unique needs and next steps for early and long-term recovery.

The non-profit is also providing support with housing repair and reconstruction to homeowners who have been unable to return home. Eligible homeowners may receive financial support to help meet their immediate needs, clean up their property and/or assist with expenses related to the repair or rebuilding of their home.

READ MORE: Couple racing to rebuild home destroyed by Lytton Creek wildfire as winter approaches

Additional support may include helping to understand insurance and community resources, planning for rebuilding and returning home, help with financial assistance to access mental health services, and making informed decisions as residents progress in their recovery.

For more information on Canadian Red Cross services and how to access them, call 1-800 863-6582, Monday to Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., or visit the Red Cross’ website.

For more information on insurance coverage, visit the Insurance Bureau of Canada’s website.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Carli Berry or call 250-864-7494 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above. 

News from © iNFOnews, 2021