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The Southern California wildfires have devastated Los Angeles County, displacing families, destroying homes, and leaving countless individuals in need of support. FEMA has stepped in to provide critical assistance to those affected. Here is an easy guide to understanding and accessing FEMA resources.
➡️ What Does FEMA Assistance Cover?
FEMA’s disaster assistance program is designed to address urgent and essential needs for individuals impacted by disasters. Here’s what it can provide:
- Financial Aid for necessities like food, water, medications, baby formula, and other essential items.
- Temporary Housing Support for hotel stays or rental assistance if your home is uninhabitable.
- Home Repairs to restore safety and livability to your primary residence.
- Personal Property Loss compensation for uninsured disaster-related damages.
- Additional Support for childcare, transportation, medical and dental needs, funeral expenses, and other disaster-related costs.
For detailed information on eligible expenses, visit FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program.
➡️ How Can I Apply In Person?
Two FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) are now open in Los Angeles County to assist residents affected by the wildfires. At these centers, you can:
- Get help applying for federal assistance.
- Speak with representatives from state and federal agencies.
- Receive updates on your FEMA application.
- Learn about the appeals process.
Locations and Hours:
- UCLA Research Park West — 10850 West Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Pasadena City College Community Education Center 3035 East Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91106 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
To find the nearest DRC, text “DRC” and your ZIP Code to 43362.
➡️ How To Apply For FEMA Assistance Online Or Phone
You don’t need to visit a DRC to apply. Here are the other ways to apply:
- Online: Visit DisasterAssistance.gov or its Spanish version at DisasterAssistance.gov/es.
- Mobile App: Download the FEMA app for easy access.
- Phone: Call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362. Support is available in multiple languages. Relay service users should provide their relay number.
For the latest updates, visit FEMA’s California Wildfire Recovery Page or text “DRC” with your ZIP code to 43362 to find local recovery centers.
➡️ Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) Program
Additionally, FEMA is providing temporary housing solutions for displaced residents through the TSA Program. Eligible applicants may stay in participating hotels or motels at FEMA’s expense while they work on their longer-term housing plans.
- Eligibility: Determined upon application. FEMA will notify eligible individuals through automated calls, texts, or emails.
- Coverage: FEMA pays directly for room, taxes, and non-refundable pet fees.
- Duration: Eligibility is reviewed periodically, with notifications sent seven days before check-out dates.
- Participating Hotels: Use the TSA Locator on DisasterAssistance.gov.
➡️ Additional Housing Assistance Options
FEMA offers several other programs to address housing needs:
- Displacement Assistance: Provides up-front financial aid for immediate housing needs, such as hotel stays or staying with family/friends.
- Rental Assistance: Covers the cost of renting alternate housing, including apartments, houses, or other short-term options.
- Lodging Expense Reimbursement (LER): Reimburses out-of-pocket lodging expenses not covered by insurance. Receipts must be uploaded to your DisasterAssistance.gov account.
Recovery from these devastating wildfires requires a collective effort. FEMA and the state of California are committed to helping residents regain stability. For more resources and up-to-date information on recovery programs, visit CA.gov/LAFires.