L.A. Fire resources

Our hearts ache for everyone impacted by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. Fortunately, community response in L.A. and beyond has been tremendous and there are many resources available for wildfire survivors. Thanks to Senator Ben Allen's office for compiling these resources. Below is info on sources of support. 

Good news

How can I get help?

Go to the new website from the state of California to get access to resources all in one place.

Individual assistance is available through FEMA. The deadline to apply is March 10. There are three ways to register for FEMA assistance.

  1. Applying online at DisasterAssistance.gov is the easiest, fastest, and most convenient way to apply;
  2. On the FEMA App for mobile devices, or
  3. Call the FEMA helpline at 1 (800) 621-3362. This line is available 4 a.m. – 10 p.m. (PST) in most languages.
  • Watch an accessible video about how to apply here.
  • FEMA is also providing Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) for eligible renters and homeowners to temporarily stay in a hotel or motel. You must have already applied for disaster assistance to be eligible, and FEMA will automatically notify you of eligibility by the method of communication selected at the time of application for assistance.
    • TSA is a temporary program intended to provide short-term lodging for eligible disaster survivors whose primary residence is uninhabitable or inaccessible and are not covered by insurance for additional living expenses or loss of use.
    • Find participating hotels or motels.
  • Disaster Recovery Centers offer in-person FEMA assistance and services from various County and State departments and agencies, including EDD, Social Services, DMV, Insurance, Housing, and more.
  • Assistance for small businessesis available through the federal Small Business Administration.
  • The LA County Department of Economic Opportunity is offering additional resources for businesses and workers.
    • Businesses can find resources for state and federal loans, grants, financial counseling, legal services, insurance and tax resources, and more.
    • Workersmay find grant assistance, unemployment and job search assistance, health coverage, and more.
  • Find employment assistance through EDD today, and learn about specific disaster-related services from EDD.
  • A real-time list of open shelters and their overnight count can be found at CalOES.
  • The County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk is providing free replacement of property and vital records, such as birth, death, and marriage certificates. Call (800) 201-8999 or email [email protected] for this service.
  • USPS is allowing residents to pickup mail at a relocated post office, or have mail forwarded to a temporary location.

What is individual assistance?

Individual assistance consists of multiple federal programs to help disaster survivors start to recover. These programs include, but are not limited to:

  • Advanced Financial Assistance
  • Housing and Rental Assistance
  • Fund for Repair / Replacement of Damaged Homes
  • Disaster Legal Services
  • Disaster Unemployment Assistance
  • Other Needs Assistance

How can I stay informed?

How Can I Get Involved?

  • Salvation Army: The Salvation Army Southern California Division is accepting donations to provide food, personal necessities, and shelter to survivors and first responders.
  • California Community Foundation: Accepting donations to provide targeted immediate recovery and long-term support for residents.
  • California Fire Foundation: Accepting donations to provide direct support for impacted residents.
  • World Central Kitchen: Accepting donations to provide warm, nourishing meals.
  • YMCA Koreatown Locations: The Anderson Munger Family YMCA and the Koreatown YMCA Center for Community Well-being are accepting donations of essential items such as unopened food, clothing, blankets, emergency supplies, and pet food.
  • American Red Cross: Accepting donations and volunteer sign-ups to help provide shelter, food, emotional support, and health services.
  • Set Active: Accepting clothing donations for families affected by the fires. They are asking potential donors to contact them via direct message on Instagram.
  • Baby2Baby: Accepting donations to help provide critical items for children such as diapers, food, formula, and hygiene products.
  • Canine Rescue Club: Accepting donations to provide temporary foster care for dogs displaced by the fires.

News from Sacramento:

 

 

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Authors

Laura Deehan

State Director, Environment California

Laura directs Environment California's work to tackle global warming, protect the ocean and fight for clean air, clean water, open spaces and a livable planet. Laura stepped into the State Director role in January, 2021 and has been on staff for over twenty years. She has led campaigns to make sure California goes big on offshore wind and to get lead out of school drinking water. As the Environment California Field Director, she worked to get California to go solar, ban single use plastic grocery bags and get on track for 100% clean energy. Laura lives with her family in Richmond, California where she enjoys hiking, yoga and baking.