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WILDFIRE RELIEF RESOURCES
The San Gabriel Valley and many other parts of Southern California are dealing with massive wildfires this week. We would like to share resources for those who have been impacted, and opportunities to help those in need.
Up to Date Information
The latest up-to-date information on the current fires can be found through the following:
Los Angeles County: To view real time evacuation, shelter, and other information visit Alert LA County
CalFire: To view ongoing emergency responses in California visit https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents
AQMD: To stay informed about wildfire smoke conditions and real-time Air Quality in your area. http://aqmd.gov/aqimap
Current Gas Availability: SoCalGas has constant updates on where service has been restored.
Red Cross Fire Relief Briefing: The Los Angeles area Red Cross has up-to-the-minute information on fires and relief efforts.
President Biden made a “major disaster declaration,” which allows for immediate cash assistance for parties affected for food, prescriptions and other necessary costs like baby formula. People can contact disasterassistance.gov or call (800) 621-3362. Also increasing coverage from 75% to 100% for 180 days for things like debris and hazardous materials removal, temporary shelter and 1st responder salaries.
Watch Duty: https://www.watchduty.org/ - a nonprofit that alerts the public of nearby wildfires and firefighting efforts in real-time.
LAist: The culture website has compiled a list of resources: https://laist.com/news/climate-environment/resources-for-socal-fire-victims-evacuees-and-first-responders.
Mutual Aid LA Network: An extensive list of resources for fire evacuees and folks who want to help.
Assistance & Other Services
Informational Sessions for Property Owners Affected by the LA Wildfires from Hahn & Hahn LLP: A full seminar led by Hahn & Hahn LLP about valuable resources available for wildfire relief. These sessions were recorded and is available to the public. Many important questions and responses are covered in this resource. The panel consisted of: Partner and Founder Ellen Kaufman Wolf of Wolf Wallenstein, with Hahn & Hahn LLP's PC and Partner Karl Swaidan, Of Counsel Todd Moore, and CEO and Managing Partner Christianne Kerns. Listen Here.
The Community Grant Program is in partnership with the Arcadia Association of Realtors®, CAR and the REALTORS® Relief Foundation (RRF). This program provides up to $1,000 per household to help eligible community members with housing-related expenses due to wildfire displacement or damage. The application and details on the program can be found here: www.car.org/difference/realtorscare.
SBA Disaster Assistance Loans: The U.S. SBA announced that certain private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in LA County may now apply for low-interest federal disaster loans to offset physical damage and economic losses caused by wildfires and straight-line winds that began Jan. 7.
Pasadena City College Resources: PCC is offering free childcare, mental health services, and a disaster relief help center.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Residents & businesses in evacuation zones can apply now for relief at http://disasterassistance.gov.
This includes:
- Temporary displacement assistance (e.g., hotel costs for 2 weeks)
- $770 for essential personal items
- Large grants for needs like medical bills & car repairs
You can also call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language.
Multilingual Resources from the California Department of Insurance: Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara's office is offering timely resources on their webpage.
Misfortune and Calamity Tax Relief: You may be eligible for tax relief if your property is damaged or destroyed by a calamity, such as fire or flooding. To qualify, you must file an Application for Reassessment: Property Damaged or Destroyed by Misfortune or Calamity (ADS-820) with the Assessor’s Office within 12 months from the date the property was damaged or destroyed. The loss must exceed $10,000 of current market value. https://assessor.lacounty.gov/tax-relief/disaster-relief
211 LA: provides assistance and referrals to local resources for housing, food, health, and other services. Dial 211 or visit 211la.org.
CAR Rentals: An extensive list of resources is available from the California Apartment Rentals Association.
Spectrum: To help keep people connected in impacted communities, Spectrum has opened more than 35,000 out-of-home WiFi access points to be available to all users at no cost. spectrum.net/CAfires
AT&T announced it is offering wildfire areas unlimited data, talk and text through Feb. 6. Visit their official site for a list of valid zip codes.
Verizon announced it will waive call, text and data charges for customers in hardest hit areas. The company also deployed free WIFI and charging stations at three wildfire shelters.
The American Red Cross offers shelter, meals, and emotional support. Visit Red Cross Find Open Shelters or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767)
AirBnB’s Open Homes Program connects those displaced with free temporary housing. Learn More Here
Asbestos Care: Wildfires present numerous hazards, yet one often underestimated risk is asbestos exposure. During fires, asbestos and other cancer-causing minerals can be released into the air as buildings burn, posing severe health risks. Follow the link to learn more about toxins released by older/outdated insulation.
Uber and Lyft re offering free rides up to for evacuees to designated shelters through January 15, 2025. To redeem the free ride, evacuees must use the promo code "WILDFIRE25" in their Uber app and "CAFIRERELIEF25" for Lyft.
How to Help
Red Cross Los Angeles: The Red Cross is helping those impacted by fires. If you would like to help you can donate money, volunteer or give blood. Volunteer shifts must be scheduled in advance! Visit the following link for more details. https://www.redcross.org/local/california/los-angeles/volunteer.html
Union Station Homeless Services: Union Station Homeless Services has had to evacuate a number of sites within the emergency evacuation zones and is urgently working to provide essential support to those affected. If you would like to help you can donate money, provide in-kind donations or volunteer. For more information, visit https://ushs.org/emergency
Habitat for Humanity is thinking forward regarding the time to rebuild. Among the many worthy causes during the current natural disaster in Southern California, This means future volunteers for when it's time, gathering building materials, and locating warehouse space now to hold the materials until they are needed.
Where to Volunteer Google Doc: A constantly updated list of opportunities for where to make a difference.
Other places to donate: