AP Photo/Ethan Swope
To everyone affected by the recent Los Angeles fires, my heart goes out to you. Below is a comprehensive list of resources from housing, resources financial aid, property tax relief, how to handle insurance claims and much more, to help navigate this challenging time. Please share with anyone who might benefit, and reach out if I can assist in any way. Together, we’ll get through this.
Emergency Housing Assistance
- Short-Term Housing: Reach out to me—I’m working with my network to find temporary housing solutions.
- Airbnb Open Homes: Free stays for evacuees in collaboration with 211. Here’s the link to the form you need to fill out.
- Red Cross Shelters: Call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit redcross.org.
Local Assistance & Disaster Resource Centers
To provide immediate support, Local Assistance & Disaster Resource Centers will open to the public on Tuesday, January 14, from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Starting Wednesday, January 15, these centers will operate daily from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Westside Location
UCLA Research Park West
Eastside Location
Pasadena City College Community Education Center
Support for Families & Animals
- Child Care Support: The YMCA and local community centers may offer temporary childcare services—check availability.
- Animal Shelters: Contact local animal shelters for temporary boarding. The ASPCA and LA Animal Services can provide guidance.
- Food Assistance: Many local restaurants are offering free meals for evacuees—check community announcements. Visit
- Los Angeles Regional Food Bank: Access or donate essentials. Visit lafoodbank.org/find-food/pantry-locator
- CalFresh: Apply for food benefits at GetCalFresh.org.
Free & Discounted Transportation
- Uber & Lyft: Offering free or discounted rides for evacuees. Uber is offering free rides up to $25 via promo code WILDFIRE25 and Lyft is providing 2 free rides up to $25 each via promo code CAFIRERELIEF25. Check their apps or websites for wildfire relief programs.
- Public Transit: Some local transit authorities are waiving fees for evacuees—visit their websites for details.
Communication Support
- Telephone Providers: Many, including AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, are offering free or discounted services for those affected by wildfires. Contact your provider for details.
- Charging Stations: Temporary phone charging and communication stations may be available in evacuation centers.
How to Donate & Support Victims
- California Fire Foundation: Financial assistance for victims.Visit cafirefoundation.org.
- Los Angeles Regional Food Bank: Donate food and essentials. Visit lafoodbank.org.
- GoFundMe: Verified fundraisers for affected families.
Financial Aid & Funding
- FEMA Assistance: Apply at disasterassistance.gov.
- California Disaster Relief: Call 1-800-621-3362 for state support.
- Small Business Recovery Loans: Visit sba.gov.
Assessor’s Disaster Response
The Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office is committed to supporting property owners during this difficult time. While a comprehensive damage assessment is underway, we are mobilizing resources to assist affected residents, including:
- On-the-Ground Support: Assessor staff will be present at the Local Assistance Centers to provide guidance and resources to property owners.
- Property Tax Relief: The County will process “Misfortune and Calamity” claims to provide property tax relief for damaged or destroyed properties.
“Misfortune and Calamity” Property Tax Relief
Property owners whose homes or businesses were damaged or destroyed by the wildfires may qualify for temporary property tax relief under the “Misfortune and Calamity” program.
Key Details:
- Eligibility: The damage must exceed $10,000 in current market value.
- Filing Deadline: Claims must be filed within 12 months of the date of the damage.
- Benefits: Approved claims may result in temporary property tax reductions, with values adjusted until repairs or rebuilding are completed.
For more information or to download the claim form (ADS-820), visit assessor.lacounty.gov/
SCAM ALERT: Please note that the Assessor’s Office never charges for its services. Be cautious of individuals or organizations attempting to charge fees for property-related services.
Handling Insurance Claims
- Document Everything: Photos and videos of damage are essential.
- Contact Your Provider: Report claims promptly.
- Consult an Insurance Attorney: Ensure maximum recovery.
- HOA Residents: Review CC&Rs and your HOA’s Certificate of Insurance.
- Advance Payments: In California, if you’ve experienced a total loss, insurers are required to provide, upon request:
- Personal Property Advance: At least 25% of your contents coverage without requiring a detailed inventory.
- Additional Living Expenses (ALE): An advance payment of no less than four months of living expenses.
- California Dept. of Insurance: Call 1-800-927-4357 for assistance. A public adjuster will prioritize your interests more than an insurance adjuster. Visit insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/140-catastrophes/WildfireResources.cfm for more info.
Maintaining Safe Air Quality
- Use Air Purifiers: HEPA filters are most effective.
- Seal Windows/Doors: Prevent smoke from entering.
- Use AC: turn your AC on auto to avoid stuffiness. AC filters help remove particles like dust, pollen, and pet hair.
- DIY Air Filter: Attach a furnace filter to a box fan.
- Seal & Dispose Trash: Discard spoiled food, even if in the freezer. Seal trash bags before disposing.
- Stay Indoors: Limit outdoor exposure when air quality is poor.
- Wear a Mask: If you need to spend time outdoors, consider wearing an N95 mask. Visit apl.org/branches and laparks.org/reccenter for a list of libraries and recreation centers handing out free N95 masks.
We’re Stronger Together!
Please share this with anyone in need. If you or someone you know requires support, feel free to reach out to me directly. Let’s work together to rebuild and recover! 🖤