Los Angeles Wildfire Jan 2025: Support and Resources
The recent wildfires in Los Angeles have left a trail of devastation, impacting the lives of thousands of residents. Beyond the immediate danger and displacement, many individuals face the added challenge of job loss due to business closures or disruptions caused by the fires. For others, the fires have brought an even greater tragedy: the loss of their homes, forcing them to start over with few or no belongings and creating additional emotional and financial burdens. This article aims to provide a guide to the support and resources available for those who lost their jobs or homes as a result of the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires.
Image Retrieved From: https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents.html, January 9th, 2025.
Housing Assistance
The wildfires have displaced many residents, leaving them without a place to live. Several resources are available to help with temporary and long-term housing needs:
- FEMA Housing Assistance: FEMA can provide grants for temporary housing and home repairs, as well as low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses. Individuals can apply for assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621-3362, or by using the FEMA App.
- Airbnb.org: Airbnb.org is partnering with 211 LA to offer free, temporary housing for people displaced by the wildfires.
- Section 203(h) Mortgage for Disaster Victims Program: This program allows FHA-approved lenders to provide financing to individuals and families whose residences were destroyed or damaged to such an extent that reconstruction or replacement is necessary.
- Section 203(k) Rehabilitation Mortgage Insurance Program: This program enables those who have lost their homes to finance the purchase or refinance of a house along with its repair through a single mortgage.
Arcadia Community Center
Address: 375 Campus Drive, Arcadia
Services: Available 24/7 for residents to charge devices, access Wi-Fi, and make shelter arrangements.Arcadia Public Library
Address: 20 W. Duarte Road, Arcadia
Services: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. offering charging stations, Wi-Fi, and assistance for shelter arrangements.Pasadena Convention Center
Address: 300 E. Green St., Pasadena
Services: Designated evacuation center with parking at 155 E. Green St. (via Marengo Avenue). Offers pet boarding through Pasadena Humane. Service animals are permitted inside the Convention Center.Planet Fitness
Services: Free access to locker rooms, showers, HydroMassage loungers, electrical outlets, and Wi-Fi through January 15. Available at participating locations across Los Angeles County not impacted by wildfires.
Learn more about participating Planet Fitness locations.Westwood Recreation Center
Address: 1350 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles
Services: Open for evacuees and allows small animals. Recently expanded to serve as an overnight shelter for displaced residents.
Local Shelter Information Retrieved From: https://www.optionsforlearning.org/
Financial Assistance
Financial aid is crucial for those who have lost their jobs and are struggling to meet their basic needs. The following programs offer financial assistance to wildfire victims:
- FEMA Disaster Assistance: In addition to housing assistance, FEMA provides financial aid to individuals and households affected by disasters. This aid can cover various essential needs, such as food, medical expenses, and personal property replacement.
- Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans: The SBA offers low-interest disaster loans to businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners, and renters to cover uninsured property losses. These loans can help businesses rebuild and recover from the economic impact of the wildfires. The loans can be used to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.
- Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA): DUA provides financial assistance to individuals who have lost their jobs as a direct result of a major disaster, such as the wildfires. This program is administered by the California Employment Development Department (EDD). To be eligible for DUA, individuals must meet certain requirements, including:
- They must be unemployed due to the disaster.
- They must not be eligible for regular unemployment insurance benefits.
- They must be able to work and available for work, unless injured as a direct result of the disaster.
- They must have been working or were scheduled to begin work in the disaster area.
- They must not have left their job voluntarily. The amount of DUA benefits varies depending on the individual’s previous earnings. Individuals can apply for DUA online, by phone, or in person at a local EDD office.
Food Banks and Resources
Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
Locate a food pantry near you through the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.
Find a food pantry
Health and Medical Resources
Wildfire Smoke and Ash Safety Tips
Guidance on protecting yourself from smoke and ash exposure, provided by the South Coast AQMD.
View safety tips
Animal Shelters
Los Angeles Equestrian Center
Address: 480 Riverside Drive, Burbank
Services: Open for the evacuation of large animals.
Unemployment Benefits and Job Search Assistance
For those who have lost their jobs, the following resources can help with finding new employment opportunities:
- California Employment Development Department (EDD): The EDD offers various services to help individuals who have lost their jobs, including unemployment insurance benefits, job search assistance, and training programs. The EDD provides online resources, workshops, and career counseling to help individuals find new jobs.
- Career One Stop: This website, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, provides resources for job seekers, including career exploration tools, training information, and job postings. Career One Stop offers a comprehensive database of job openings, as well as information on career paths, salaries, and required skills.
- Local Workforce Development Centers: These centers offer job placement services, career counseling, and training programs to help individuals find new employment opportunities. In Los Angeles, several workforce development centers provide specialized services for different industries and populations. For example, the Los Angeles County Workforce Development, Aging and Community Services offers programs for older workers, while the South Bay Workforce Investment Board focuses on job training and placement in the South Bay region.
Crisis Counseling and Mental Health Support
The emotional and mental health impacts of wildfires can be significant. The following resources offer support for those struggling to cope with the aftermath of the fires:
- California HOPE Crisis Counseling Program: This program offers free crisis counseling for disaster survivors. The program provides individual and group counseling, as well as referrals to other mental health services. Crisis counselors can help individuals process their experiences, cope with stress and anxiety, and develop strategies for managing their emotional well-being.
- Jewish Family Service Los Angeles (JFSLA): JFSLA offers mental health services and community support. JFSLA provides individual and family therapy, support groups, and case management services to help individuals and families cope with the challenges of wildfire recovery.
Support for Children and Families
Wildfires can be particularly traumatic for children. The following resources offer support specifically for children and families affected by the fires:
Parent Guidelines for Helping Children
Tips from The National Child Traumatic Stress Network for parents assisting children impacted by wildfires.
Access guidelinesResources for Early Care and Education Professionals
Zero to Three offers guidance and support for early care professionals dealing with crises.
Explore resources
Non-Profit Organizations
Several non-profit organizations are actively involved in providing aid to wildfire victims. These organizations offer a range of services, including:
- American Red Cross: The Red Cross provides shelter, food, and emotional support to those affected by the wildfires. They also offer disaster preparedness training and assistance with accessing resources.
- California Fire Foundation Wildfire & Disaster Relief Fund: This fund provides direct financial support to impacted residents. The foundation works with local fire agencies and community-based organizations to distribute funds to those in need.
- Salvation Army: The Salvation Army offers emergency relief to wildfire evacuees and first responders, providing food, shelter, and ongoing support. They also offer assistance with rebuilding and recovery efforts.
- California Community Foundation (CCF): CCF’s Wildfire Recovery Fund focuses on long-term support for the communities hit hardest by the fires. The fund supports a range of programs, including rebuilding homes, providing mental health services, and addressing the needs of underserved communities.
- World Central Kitchen: This organization provides meals to those affected by disasters. World Central Kitchen mobilizes chefs and volunteers to prepare and distribute meals to wildfire evacuees and first responders.
State and Local Government Response
In addition to federal aid, state and local governments are providing support to wildfire victims:
- Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAG): California has secured Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAG) from FEMA to help with fire suppression costs. These grants provide a 75 percent reimbursement of eligible fire suppression costs to local, state, and tribal agencies responding to the fires.
- California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD): HCD offers Community Development Block Grants (Disaster Recovery Assistance) to help rebuild affected areas and provide crucial seed money for the recovery process. These grants can be used for a variety of purposes, such as infrastructure repair, housing rehabilitation, and economic development.
- City of Los Angeles: The city provides various resources, including temporary housing, food assistance, and mental health services, to support wildfire victims. The city is also working to clear debris, restore utilities, and provide other essential services to affected communities.
| Organization | Phone Number | Email Address | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| FEMA | 1-800-621-3362 | www.DisasterAssistance.gov | |
| California Employment Development Department (EDD) | 1-800-300-5616 | https://edd.ca.gov/ | |
| California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) | 916-263-2771 | cdbg@hcd.ca.gov | https://www.hcd.ca.gov/ |
| American Red Cross | 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) | www.redcross.org | |
| California Fire Foundation | www.cafirefoundation.org | ||
| Salvation Army | 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769) | https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/ | |
| California Community Foundation | 213-413-4130 | www.calfund.org | |
| Dream Center | (213) 273-7000 | info@dreamcenter.org | www.dreamcenter.org |
| Friends in Deed | (626) 797-2402 | info@friendsindeedpas.org | www.friendsindeedpas.org |
| Direct Relief | 1-805-964-4767 | www.directrelief.org | |
| Americares | (800) 905-1082 | www.americares.org | |
| GlobalGiving | +1-202-232-5784 | www.globalgiving.org |
Navigating Wildfire Recovery
Recovering from a wildfire involves several steps, from ensuring safety and securing temporary housing to dealing with insurance claims and rebuilding. Here are some guides to help navigate the process:
| Resource | Description | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Ready for Wildfire | Provides resources on wildfire preparedness, safety, and recovery, including information on creating defensible space around homes, developing evacuation plans, and accessing assistance after a fire. | https://readyforwildfire.org/ |
| Cal OES | The California Office of Emergency Services website offers information on emergency preparedness, response, and recovery, including guides for creating emergency kits, staying informed during a disaster, and accessing resources for various needs. | https://www.caloes.ca.gov/ |
| UPHelp | This website provides resources and guides for disaster recovery, including information on insurance claims, rebuilding, and financial assistance. UPHelp offers tips for filing insurance claims, choosing contractors, and navigating the legal and financial aspects of recovery. | https://uphelp.org/ |
| CDFA | The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) offers a website with resources for wildfire recovery, including information on financial assistance, rebuilding, and support for farmers and ranchers affected by the fires. | https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/firerecovery/ |
Disclaimer: The content provided on this webpage is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the information presented here, the details may change over time or vary in different jurisdictions. Therefore, we do not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or absolute accuracy of this information. The information on this page should not be used as a basis for making legal, financial, or any other key decisions. We strongly advise consulting with a qualified professional or expert in the relevant field for specific advice, guidance, or services. By using this webpage, you acknowledge that the information is offered “as is” and that we are not liable for any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in the content, nor for any actions taken based on the information provided. We shall not be held liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of your access to, use of, or reliance on any content on this page.
About The Author
Roger Wood
With a Baccalaureate of Science and advanced studies in business, Roger has successfully managed businesses across five continents. His extensive global experience and strategic insights contribute significantly to the success of TimeTrex. His expertise and dedication ensure we deliver top-notch solutions to our clients around the world.
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