Paradise is on its way to opening a brand-new one-stop-shop for people looking to rebuild in the town.
The Building Resiliency Center — nicknamed “The Brick” — at 6295 Skyway was opened to the public for the first time Friday morning for a sneak peek during commemoration ceremonies for the Camp Fire. There are long lines at town hall’s current permitting center.
Bank of America, which formerly occupied the location, donated the building to the town. It survived the fire with only minor roof damage, but it was built in 1975. It still needs some upgrades before it can fully open to the public sometime before the end of the year, said Laura Page, the town’s recovery manager.
The town cobbled together different funding sources to make the center happen. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development program is providing a grant worth $148,300. The North Valley Community Foundation’s Butte Strong Fund agreed to fund another $346,953. AT&T and the Ray Morgan Company are also providing $20,000 each.
The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and the Federal Emergency Management Agency will provide staff to answer residents’ questions at the center when it opens. There will also be “housing advocates” on hand to help residents navigate through different resources to help finance their rebuild. They are already available by appointment during limited hours at town hall in Paradise.