The Hermit's Peak Calf Canyon FEMA Claims has now hired 19 local employees that will directly get in touch with almost 400 people who have submitted a claim.The Hermit's Peak Calf Canyon Fire Claims Office is a new program.It's not the first time something like this has happened in New Mexico. “So FEMA has done this once before with the Cerro Grande fire over 20 years ago. As many here in New Mexico know, it was a really different population that was impacted by that fire and many things have changed since then,” Angela Gladwell, the director of Hermits Peak Calf Canyon Claims Office. The office also has one role to be a community advocate. Paula Gutierrez is that person.“I am very, you know, persistent and really a great advocate,” said Gutierrez, Hermit's Peak Calf Canyon Claims Office advocate said. She added, “And not afraid to be able to stand up and, you know, address the issue and actually, you know, be that person that's going to fight for the claimants and be able to help come to a solution.” The deputy director has also been in the shoes of many of the fire victims. “I still have a house in Rociada and I empathize with what the community is going through. I've been there since day one and understand the frustrations and sentiments associated with the disaster assistance programs,” Jennifer Carbajal, the deputy director of Hermit's Peak Calf Canyon Claims Office said. There will be three offices in Mora, Las Vegas and Santa Fe opening soon. According to FEMA, the deadline to file a claim is not until November 2024. FEMA set up a Facebook page to share information, announcements and clarify misinformation.