Community-at-Large

Disaster Assistance: Families and individuals affected by the wildfires can apply for assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to receive money for essentials like food, water, medication, and housing needs if they cannot return home. They may also get money for rental assistance, home repairs, and personal property losses

Red Cross Wildfire Assistance: American Red Cross workers are aiding Southern California residents, ensuring they have a safe place to stay and support during this crisis.

Mutual Aid LA Network: - List of Active Shelter, Animal Boarding, Food, and Distribution Sites

LA Restaurants: Offering Free Meals and Relief

Los Angeles Regional Food Bank: Works with its network of more than 600 partner agencies. To find a local food pantry

Food and Nutrition for Older Adults: Offers support for older adults who may be experiencing food insecurity. To locate a meal site

LA County Aging and Disabilities Department: Food pantry sites

Unemployment Assistance: People who are out of work due to the fires may be eligible for unemployment benefits. In events of disasters, there are circumstances where independent contractors are eligible for disaster unemployment assistance and people are able to apply by filing regular claims.

Immediate Housing Relief: Los Angeles County residents displaced by wildfires can apply for temporary housing through an Airbnb and 211 LA partnership.

Insurance Relief: The California Department of Insurance has taken the following actions to protect individuals affected by wildfires, including in Los Angeles County

Evacuation Relief. Insurers must reimburse living expenses for renters or homeowners under evacuation order. Additional information is available here and here. Residents can also call the California Department of Insurance Hotline at 800-927-4357.

Moratorium on Non-Renewals and Cancellations: There is a one-year moratorium on insurance non-renewals and cancellations for affected areas. Residents can check if their ZIP code is under moratorium once the wildfire perimeter is determined.

Insurance Commissioner Workshop: For Los Angeles residents affected by Eaton Fire to ensure they understand their insurance policies and are aware of the resources available during the rebuilding and recovery process.

• Pasadena City College – 1570 East Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91106

• January 25, 2025 from 10:00am to 5:00 pm

• January 26, 2025 from 10:00am to 1:00pm

To reserve a one-on-one appointment with an expert call (800) 927-4357

Protect Your Home and Finances: For general info and resources on protecting your home and finances after a wildfire, including avoiding scams and filing complaints, visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).

Resources Available through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): After a disaster, FEMA, the Small Business Administration, and other agencies provide initial assistance. HUD then supports ongoing recovery with programs and partnerships, including filing discrimination complaints. Find HUD Disaster Resources.

Shelter, Rental, and Home Replacement Assistance: You may be able to receive temporary shelter, rental assistance, or help to repair or replacement your home through FEMA.

Mortgage Relief: Homeowners must keep making mortgage payments after a wildfire. If you're struggling, contact your mortgage servicer for possible forbearance relief. Additional help may be available for federally backed or insured mortgages.

Contact A Housing Counselor: For on-the-ground help with post-disaster housing relief, mortgage assistance, and financial planning, families can contact HUD-approved housing counselor.

Get Coverage and Prepare for Future Wildfires: Prepare for future wildfires by reviewing your insurance and exploring options like California’s FAIR Plan. Check with your insurer for wildfire risk mitigation programs.

SBA Disaster Assistance: The U.S. Small Business Administration is providing disaster assistance to homeowners, renters, nonprofits, and businesses of all sizes impacted by the wildfires and straight-line winds in California.

LA County Economic Development: Once residents and properties are safe, the County will release Wildfire Economic Recovery resources, including grants and assistance. In the meantime, the Business Assistance Team will continue providing business assistance services.

LA County Assessor: The County Assessor has the Property Tax Installment Deferral Application and the Application for Reassessment Property Damaged or Destroyed by Misfortune or Calamity posted.

DMV Suspends Fees: For qualifying individuals impacted by the Eaton, Palisades, Hurst, Woodley, and Linda fires, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has waived the fees for those who have lost their driver’s license, ID card, vehicle registration, or title. Sticker replacements can now be requested at no cost. Deadlines for vehicle registrations and title transfers are extended, and no late penalties will be applied during this period. For more information, visit the DMV webpage by clicking here or call 1 (800) 777-0133.

Supportive Space for Youth and Teens: To support families impacted by the Eaton Fire, LA County Parks Care Camps will provide youth and teens with a supportive space for fun and recreation including music, arts and crafts, sports activities and field trips to the LA County Natural History Museum, La Brea Tar Pits, Dodger Stadium, & more. Breakfast, snacks, and lunch will be provided daily; teens will also get supper. Open Monday, January 13 to January 31, 2025. For more information, visit: Care Camp for Youth Impacted by Eaton Fire.

Rx Open Pharmacy Locator: Has been turned on for all pharmacies in California. Patients, prescribers, and public health officials can use Rx Open to locate pharmacies that are operating after an emergency or natural disaster such as a PSPS event or wildfire in their area.

Mental Health Resources for those Impacted by Wildfire

• 24/7 Mental Health Helpline for Emergency and Clinical Services: 1 (800) 854-7771

Department of Consumer and Business Affairs: Price Gouging - When businesses raise their prices beyond 10% in declared disaster areas, on items such as food, repairs, construction, housing, emergency and medical supplies, and gasoline it may be considered price gouging, a crime in California. If you see or experience price gouging, file a complaint with the Attorney General at oag.ca.gov/report or contact your local police or sheriff's department.

American Red Cross: Disasters can be particularly challenging for children, seniors, and people with disabilities, and non-English speakers, who often need extra care. For free multilingual 24/7 counseling or support, call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990.