|
Dear Neighbor,
It has been seven weeks since the devastating Eaton Fire. But through the tragedy, it has been remarkable to witness our neighbors’ strength and resilience and see our community come together. As we continue to respond and recover, I know many still have questions, and I want to reassure you that my office is here to support you every step of the way. Last week, I hosted an informational event in Altadena at Metropolitan Baptist Church with federal agency disaster response experts and community leaders on the phases of debris clean-up and recovery. To watch that event in full, please visit here.
Here are some additional updates that I want to share with you.
LA County Small Biz and Worker Relief Fund: March 2nd, 2025
The LA Region Small Business and Worker Relief Funds provide direct financial support to businesses, nonprofits, and workers impacted by the Windstorm and Wildfires of January 2025. These funds are intended for immediate relief today while the County and City of Los Angeles, along with federal, state, local, and community partners, plan for the long-term economic recovery and resiliency of those impacted. Qualified Small Businesses and Nonprofits can receive grants ranging from $2,000 to $25,000, while qualified Workers can receive grants up to $2,000.
Visit: https://opportunity.lacounty.gov/small-business-worker-relief-funds/ to learn more
FEMA Public Assistance: March 9, 2025
Local governments and private nonprofit organizations (PNPs), including houses of worship and other faith-based organizations may file a Request for Public Assistance (RPA) online at the FEMA Grants Portal at grantee.fema.gov, and click on “Register your Organization and Request Public Assistance” (at bottom of opening page). Fill in the requested information.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance: March 10, 2025
If you are unable to work due to the wildfire disaster, apply online at: https://www.disasterassistance.gov/get-assistance/forms-of-assistance/4466.
FEMA Individual Assistance: March 10, 2025
Homeowners and renters who have incurred damage or losses from the Los Angeles County wildfires that began Jan. 7 have until Monday, March 10, 2025, to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance.
Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling FEMA’s helpline at 800-621-3362, or by using the FEMA mobile app.
SBA Disaster Loan: March 10, 2025
An SBA Disaster Loan is a low-interest loan provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to individuals and businesses located in areas declared as disaster zones, allowing them to repair or replace property damaged by a natural disaster, including homes, personal belongings, and business assets, when insurance coverage is insufficient; essentially helping people recover financially from a declared disaster.
Apply for a Small Business Administration Disaster Loan online at www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance/california-wildfires or call SBA at 800-659-2955. Individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing may call 800-877-8339.
LA County Household Relief Grant: March 12, 2025
The Household Relief Grant is immediate financial assistance aimed to help LA County households who have been directly impacted by the 2025 Eaton and Palisades fires. The program is designed to bridge financial gaps and promote the general welfare of affected households until insurance or government recovery resources become available. Eligible households ranging from $6,000 to $18,000, based on household size and composition.
Visit: https://lacountyrelieffund.com/ to learn more
The Government-run Debris Removal Program Right of Entry form: March 31, 2025
To Apply:
.png "opening_statement_(2).png")
Disaster Recovery Centers – Updated Hours of Operation
The Disaster Recovery Centers in Altadena and at UCLA Research Park West will be closed on Sundays effective February 24, 2025. The new operating hours will be Monday through Saturday, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers are currently open and operating in two locations. Starting on March 2, DRCs will be closed on Sundays.
Altadena Disaster Recovery Center
540 West Woodbury Road., Altadena, CA 91001
Monday through Saturday, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
UCLA Research Park West
10850 West Pico Blvd., Los Ángeles, CA 90064
Monday through Saturday, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
.png "by_thenumbers_(1).png")
• From January 7 to 10, 2025, tow truck operators falsely claiming to be contracted by Altadena officials towed Eaton fire victims' cars and then demanded excessive fees to retrieve them. Some of these vehicles were stored in Riverside or San Bernardino County.
• Eaton fire survivors who believe they were targeted by tow truck bandits are asked to contact Sgt. Regina Garay of the Inland Empire Auto Insurance Fraud Task Force at (909) 919-2242.
FEMA:
Has approved $77 million in the following categories to eligible Los Angeles County residents impacted by the wildfires:
- Housing Assistance: $15 million
- Other Needs Assistance: $62 million
- 139,927 residents have applied for FEMA assistance.
- 903 households checked into 141 Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) hotels.
- Two shelters are providing shelter for 37 occupants.
- 70 Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) staff have interacted with
- 22,032 survivors and registered 4,273 survivors.
Small Business Administration (SBA):
- Over $1.1 billion approved for homes and businesses.
- A total of 4,401 loans have been approved.
- Benefits of a Disaster Loan for Homeowners and Renters:
- Low interest fixed rated with terms up to 30 years.
- No payment and no interest for 12 months.
- Up to $500,000 to cover damage to primary residences.
- Up to $100,000 to replace personal property, including vehicles.
- No need to wait for insurance to settle before applying.
- For more information, please visit: https://lending.sba.gov.
|
