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| Google Map created by David Forsyth for Camp Fire survivors to pin their locations. |
The Camp Fire survivors Google Map has created a support system for those affected, according to David Forsyth.
After witnessing family and friends devastated by the fire, Forsyth wanted to create a map for survivors to stay connected. Forsyth does not use any personal data for the map. It remains open for survivors to pin their location as they move in the months and years to follow. Survivors have moved all over the states, with single pins being made in Wisconsin, Maine, and Mississippi. Two pins have also been made in separate communities in Hawaii.
No names are tied to each pin, Forsyth said. However, after creating a Facebook page for survivors, people began sharing their locations directly to find neighbors.
Forsyth has continued to use the map as a platform after it went viral earlier last month. He created a GoFundMe page in the hopes of raising money for survivors.
“Survivors become more needy as the days go on. They are in a worse place than the day after the fire,” he said.
Forsyth is aiming to use funds to raise to develop Disaster Cards for those affected that can be used for necessities such as gas, which he believes is one of the most overlooked items for survivors.
“This is not just a state or regional problem. This is an American problem,” Forsyth said.