Federal Administration for Community Living hosted disability forum in Chico

CHICO, Calif. — On Tuesday, the federal Administration for Community Living (ACL) hosted a resource fair and listening session geared towards older adults and people with disabilities.

People were asked to share their experiences during emergencies while being provided with resources that can help in the process.

All across the Northstate, people gathered at the Chico Masonic Family Center to speak with organizations that can provide them with information on everything from emergency preparedness to disaster recovery efforts.

ACL joined forces with the State Council on Developmental Disabilities to bring together resources that span from Butte county to the Oregon border.

On Tuesday, organizations hosted information booths focusing on prevention and assistance during times of emergency.

Butte County 211, a non-profit at Tuesday's resource fair, connects people in need with services offering help.

Since the Camp Fire in 2018, they say it has connected more than 33,000 survivors with recovery services.

Sandy Doolittle, an employee for Butte County 211 who was in attendance told KRCR its a great starting point for people who need information.

"Rather than making 100 phone calls and getting told call them, call them, and it is like going in circles, just call 2-1-1 and we have a database that is updated daily. We have four people in the resource center that are constantly updating information as programs open, as they close, we have websites you can look-up. There is just so much out there to help people and this is the first place to start," said Doolittle.

The resource fair was followed by a listening session where older community members and people with disabilities shared their experiences with emergency and disaster situations.

ACL says they want to use this information to improve support, training, and technical assistance during these times.

They say the first step to accomplishing their goals is listening.