Assistance for Riot Victims

We read with interest the article (“Many Riot Victims Aren’t Getting Aid, Workers Say,” June 5) that discussed the complexities of the efforts to reach the thousands of people in many communities who were impacted by the riots.

Local, state, and federal agencies have undertaken an extensive outreach effort to make residents aware of the assistance programs. We have worked with many community organizations and advocacy groups in this effort; in response to your article we renewed contacts with each of the organizations cited to seek their assistance in spreading the word about the programs available.

We recognize that the assistance programs can seem complex and the processes for receiving assistance intimidating. We are making every effort to assist those affected by the riots in completing the various steps in gaining aid, and will continue to do so.

The success of these efforts depends on the work of not only public agencies, but also the print and electronic media and community organizations.

We invite any organization that is aware of victims of the riots who have not applied for assistance to contact our outreach staff at (818) 405-7311.

Thanks again for the interest and support of The Times in the disaster assistance process. Your column “After the Riots: News In Brief” has been particularly helpful.

LINDA GRIEGO

City of Los Angeles

BEN NOTTINGHAM

Los Angeles County

RICHARD ANDREWS

State Coordinating Officer

BILL MEDIGOVICH

Federal Coordinating Officer

DAVID KEARNS

Federal Task Force

ALFRED DELLIBOVI

Federal Task Force