Financial Assistance

Federal Disaster Assistance for Individuals and Families (FEMA)

After a disaster, FEMA can reimburse expenses for immediate needs as well as for repair and recovery. Common examples include:

• Temporary housing, such as hotels, motels, or rental assistance
• Immediate needs, such as water, food, first aid, prescriptions, infant formula, breastfeeding equipment, diapers, personal hygiene items, and transportation fuel
• Childcare
• Recovery supplies, such as generators, dehumidifiers, chainsaws
• Home repairs, including accessibility needs
• Personal property, such as appliances, furniture, computers, and work or school supplies
• Transportation, such as a car you relied on
• Medical needs, such as medical/dental equipment, breastfeeding equipment, prescription medicine, or lost or injured service animals

FEMA only assists with costs that are not covered by insurance or other programs. If you have insurance, apply there first.
Click here to apply at disasterassistance.gov.

On-site support at Local Assistance Centers and SBA Disaster Outreach Loan Centers

The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) will be joining federal, state, and local partners, including the County Office of Emergency Management (OEM), FEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and local city governments, to provide on-site direct services to those impacted by the recent wildfires at the newly opened Local Assistance Centers (LACs) and SBA’s Disaster Loan Outreach Centers (DLOCs). DEO will play a leading role by offering tailored workforce and business recovery services, including access to grants, employment assistance, and guidance for navigating state and federal resources. 

SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Centers  

• Pasadena City College Community Education Center (PCC CEC) Address: 3035 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91107 Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF) Address: 4001 Mission Oaks Blvd., Ste. A1, Camarillo, CA 93012 Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.  
  Note: Both centers will be closed on January 20, 2025, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. 

Local Assistance Centers    

• Pasadena City College Community Education Center (PCC CEC) Address: 3035 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91107 Hours: Daily 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• UCLA Research Park West  Address: 10850 West Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064 Hours: Daily 9 a.m. – 8p.m. 

Open Air Worker Emergency Fund 

During the ongoing wildfire emergency in Los Angeles County, Inclusive Action has launched a new emergency fund to help outdoor workers – street vendors, landscapers, and recyclers – impacted by the fires. 

Through this fund, impacted outdoor workers can apply for one-time cash assistance support of $500. Recipients will receive cash payments on a first-come, first-served basis, and as funding allows. 

To be eligible for funding, community members must meet all of the following qualifications: 

• Live or work in areas directly impacted by the fires 
• Primarily work outdoors, (e.g. as a street vendor, landscape worker, recycler, etc.) 
• Have experienced a loss of income/property/belongings due to fires 

Visit www.inclusiveaction.org/workeraid to learn more and apply. 

Alliance for a Better Community: Fuerza Fund 

The wildfires have severely disrupted the livelihoods of essential workers in our community, including caregivers, housekeepers, landscapers, and hourly and part-time service workers. The Fuerza Fund is a dedicated initiative created to support and strengthen our community during times of crisis. The Fuerza Fund will provide essential resources to help those affected by the devastating Los Angeles County wildfires by providing immediate and direct emergency cash assistance to workers and unique households impacted by the wildfires, ensuring no one is left behind. Click here to learn more and apply. 

Emergency Services Fund 2025 

The Filipino Migrant Center in partnership with the National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON) is providing emergency funds to Filipino workers whose home or livelihood was directly impacted by the fires.

Community members can apply through the Filipino Migrant Center for necessities such as: 

• Accessing health services 
• Food, clothing, or emergency needs 
• Emergency shelter 
• Transportation 

Apply now to be considered for the Emergency Services Fund if you are an essential worker (i.e. caregiver, retail, fast food, etc.): 

• Whose workplaces were directly affected by the fires; OR 
• Who lost wages due to workplace closures; OR 
• Whose homes have been directly impacted by the fires 

If you have any questions, please call 562-453-3408. Click here to fill out the online application. 

Emergency Zero-Interest Loans (Jewish Free Loan Association)

Emergency loans to help with the costs of evacuating, such as hotel or motel rooms, short-term rentals, and travel. Zero-interest, zero-fee loans of up to $15,000 are available. Click here to learn more and apply.

Federal Disaster Loans (U.S. Small Business Administration)

The SBA can provide disaster assistance for homeowners, renters, nonprofits, and businesses of all sizes.

• Home Disaster Loans: Loans to homeowners or renters to repair or replace damaged real estate and personal property, including cars.
• Business Physical Disaster Loans: Loans to businesses, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations to repair or replace damaged property, including real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery and equipment.
• Economic Injury Disaster Loans: Working capital loans to help small businesses and nonprofits meet their financial obligations

Click here to apply at sba.gov. For questions, call 800‐659‐2955 or click here to schedule an appointment.

Insurance Claim and Recovery Help (United Policyholders)

Guides and resources for homeowners impacted by the fires. Click here for more information.

Office of CA Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara Insurance Support Workshop 

The Office of CA Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara will be hosting FREE workshops to support LA residents affected by the recent wildfires on Saturday, January 25 from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, January 26 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Pasadena City College: 1570 East Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91106. Experts will be available for one-on-one consultations. To schedule an appointment please call 1-800-927-4357. More info at insurance.ca.gov.

Misfortune and Calamity Property Tax Relief 

If your property was damaged or destroyed by the windstorms or wildfires you may qualify for temporary property tax relief through the LA County Assessor’s Office Misfortune & Calamity Property Tax Relief. For more information visit assessor.lacounty.gov/tax-relief/disaster-relief or call (213) 974-3211. 

Unemployment Benefits (California Employment Development Department)

California’s Unemployment Insurance (UI) program pays benefits to workers who lose their jobs or have their hours reduced through no fault of their own. People affected by the fires can be paid benefits for the first week they are unemployed due to the disaster. Click here to learn more about the Unemployment Insurance program and eligibility requirements for collecting benefits.

In response to the wildfires and windstorms, federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is now available for workers and self-employed individuals who do not qualify for regular unemployment benefits. Please note that DUA benefit claims must be filed by March 10, 2025.  

• For detailed information please visit: Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) Now Available for Los Angeles County Workers Affected by California Wildfires and Severe Winds.

LA Arts Community Fire Relief Fund

The LA Arts Community Fire Relief Fund (the “Fund”) is a pooled fund led by the J. Paul Getty Trust with support from a coalition of major arts organizations and philanthropists. The Fund is for the benefit of Los Angeles County’s artists and arts workers in all disciplines impacted by the unprecedented wildfire crisis.

Individuals may apply only once for up to $10,000. Funds are unrestricted and can be used in any way that alleviates financial hardship. artists and arts workers who are of low incomes, of historically underserved populations, and those with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Click here to learn more and apply.

Entertainment Community Fund Emergency Financial Assistance

Emergency Financial Assistance is available to eligible performing arts and entertainment professionals:

• In times of unexpected critical need
• To assist towards basic living expenses such as health care, housing and utilities to prevent eviction or shut-offs

We take into consideration:

• If you can cover your expenses for the next few months, you may not be eligible at this time.
• Please access all personal and community resources prior to applying.
• If you are able to work, we expect that you are making all efforts to secure work, both within and outside of the industry.

Click here to learn more and apply for assistance.

Catholic Charities of California Disaster Case Management Program (DCMP)

This program assists with urgent basic and household needs. To apply, call (833) 775-3267