Family and Community Resources
Apply for Disaster Relief
Wildfire survivors have more time to apply for disaster relief, including cash aid, housing and home repairs, and worker benefits. Applications for FEMA disaster assistance and California disaster unemployment insurance have been extended to March 31, 2025.
Please visit lafla.org/fires for more resources, guides to applying for assistance, and upcoming legal clinics and workshops.
- Disaster Relief EXTENDED - Arabic
- Disaster Relief EXTENDED - Chinese (Simplified)
- Disaster Relief EXTENDED - Chinese (Traditional)
- Disaster Relief EXTENDED - Farsi
- Disaster Relief EXTENDED - Japanese
- Disaster Relief EXTENDED - Khmer (Cambodian)
- Disaster Relief EXTENDED - Korean
- Disaster Relief EXTENDED - Russian
- Disaster Relief EXTENDED - Spanish
- Disaster Relief EXTENDED - Tagalog (Filipino)
- Disaster Relief EXTENDED - Thai
- Disaster Relief EXTENDED - Vietnamese
Family and Community Resources
Family Hotline
Childcare
Food Resources
LA Regional Food Bank
Visit the LA Regional Food Bank to find locations offering free groceries and meals for those affected by wildfires or other emergencies.
CalFresh Disaster Assistance
Disaster CalFresh provides food assistance to individuals and families impacted by natural disasters. Learn about eligibility and locations to apply here: Disaster CalFresh Information.
Virtual Academy Schools
Mental Health and Wellness Resources
-
-
- Psychological First Aid (PFA): An evidence-based approach to help children, teens, adults, and families cope in the immediate aftermath of a disaster.
- The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN): Offers resources on helping children manage the emotional impact of wildfires.
- Student and Family Wellness Resource Line
-
- Phone: (213) 241-3840
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
-
- Services: Mental health support for students and families access: Tele-mental health services here
- Employee Assistance Service for Education (EASE)
- 24/7 Support Line: 800-882-1341
- Services: Support for LAUSD employees' mental health and well-being
- Additional Resources:
-
- National Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990
-
-
Student Support and Attendance Services
Los Angeles Unified provides resources and support to ensure that students and families can continue their education and access essential services during times of need.- Enrollment Guide for Displaced Families can be downloaded here
- Homeless Education Office: Families who have lost their residence can connect with their designated school site homeless liaison or contact the Homeless Education Office directly at 213-202-7581 for assistance.
- Youth and Family Support: Youth (ages 18-24) and families with children under age 18 experiencing homelessness can access additional support through the Youth or Family Coordinated Entry System (CES). Contact the closest CES site for services available across LA County.
Transportation Support for Students
- Metro GoPass: LAUSD students can access free transportation via the Metro GoPass Program.
- Metro Alerts: For the latest Metro alerts on rail and bus line closures, visit Metro Alerts.
- Big Blue Bus: Free rides to Westwood evacuation center, click here for more details.
Housing Assistance
- Targeted Areas: Altadena, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Pasadena, Santa Monica, Sylmar
- Details: Stays are funded by Airbnb.org and generous hosts offering homes for free or at a discount.
- How to Access: Contact 211 LA directly to request housing.
This program is part of Airbnb.org's disaster response efforts, which have supported hurricane, flood, and earthquake survivors worldwide.
Accommodations and Special Needs Services for Families
Wheelchairs and Other Physical Therapy Access Equipment
Articles for Parents to Read
- Mental Health and Stress after an Emergency: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/docs/MentalHealthandStress.pdf
- Be Prepared to Communicate: https://d3kdbh1wduemv1.cloudfront.net/attVnm39LDeYME657.pdf
- Children & Recovery from Wildfires: Helping children and families respond to the psychological impact of wildfires. https://www.cmosc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Children-and-Recovery-from-Wildfires.pdf
- Helping Children After a Wildfire: Tips for Caregivers and Teachers. https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-safety-and-crisis/natural-disaster-resources/helping-children-after-a-wildfire-tips-for-caregivers-and-teachers
- Parent Guidelines for Helping Children Impacted by Wildfires: How to Talk to Children About Wildfires. https://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/resources/parents_guidelines_for_helping_children_impacted_by_wildfires.pdf
- How to Talk to Your Child About the California Wildfires and Other Natural Disasters: https://www.parents.com/talking-to-kids-about-natural-disasters-8771350
- Coping with Trauma and Stress in the Face of Wildfires: Tips for Early Childhood Professionals. https://www.zerotothree.org/resource/coping-with-trauma-and-stress-in-the-face-of-wildfires
- Parents of Babies and Toddlers: Coping After a Natural Disaster. https://www.zerotothree.org/resource/coping-after-a-natural-disaster/
- Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles Resources: https://lafla.org/los-angeles-fire-emergency/
Health & Medical Care
Prescription Drugs & Medical Supplies
- Find open pharmacies at healthcareready.org/rxopen.
- Medi-Cal members may get a 72-hour refill for prescription drugs when a Federal emergency is declared and can get a 100-day supply of most prescription drugs before disasters.
- Medicare Part D Plans must lift some limits for prescription drug benefits and allow out-of-network access when drugs are unavailable from network pharmacies.
- Uninsured survivors can get prescription drugs and supplies via the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program. To find pharmacies in this program, call (855) 793-7470.
Disaster-Related Mental Health Resources
If you or your loved ones are experiencing mental health distress related to the wildfires, call the LA County Department of Mental Health’s 24/7 help line at 1-800-854-7771. For more information, visit dmh.lacounty.gov.
Free access to showers for firefighters and displaced residents. A gym membership is not required. For locations and hours of operation, visit planetfitness.com/gyms.
General Support and Assistance Resources
Disaster CalFresh
Individuals and families who do not currently receive CalFresh and lived or worked in the areas affected by the January 2025 fires in Los Angeles County may be eligible for Disaster CalFresh one-time assistance if they suffered a loss. Read the attached flyer to learn about the timeline to apply and to access a phone number where you can get assistance. The information is available in multiple languages by visiting: https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/calfresh/disaster-calfresh. The application window is from February 10-19.
American Red Cross The American Red Cross Los Angeles Region provides 24/7 support for individuals and families displaced by disasters, including wildfires, earthquakes, and home fires.
- For Immediate Assistance: Call (800) 675-5799.
- Wildfire Economic Recovery Resources (to be released): Business-interruption grants and assistance.
- Business Assistance Team: Available now for immediate support.
- Guide to Planning for Business Operations After Natural Disasters: Access here
- USA.gov: Steps to replace government-issued ID cards.
- Red Cross Guide: "Picking Up the Pieces" offers disaster recovery tips. View the guide here.
Additional Resources
City/County/State Resources: Emergency Services and Information
- Explore essential resources provided by the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) to support students, families, and educators during emergencies and critical situations. Visit LACOE's LA FIRES Resource Page for guidance, tools, and updates aimed at ensuring the safety, well-being, and continued learning of the Los Angeles education community.
- Non-Emergency City Services: Visit the LA City Website for local resources.
- Report and Track Power Outages: Check your utility provider's website for updates.
- Find Evacuation Orders: View current evacuation orders.
- CalFire Updates: Stay informed on wildfire activity at CalFire.
- LA County Alerts: Sign up for real-time emergency alerts at Alert LA County.
- Fire Tracking Tools:
- Protect Genasys: Evacuation orders and fire tracking.
- CAL Fire Current Incidents: View here.
Shelters for Evacuees
- Westwood Recreation Center: 1350 Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025 (Pets in crates welcome).
- El Camino Real Charter High School: 5440 Valley Circle Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91367.
- Richie Valens Recreation Center: 10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd, Pacoima, CA 91331.
- Northridge Recreation Center: 18300 Lemarsh St, Northridge, CA 91325.
- Pierce College Equestrian Center: 6201 Winnetka Ave, Woodland Hills, CA 91367 (Large animals).
- Hansen Dam Equestrian Center: 11127 Orcas Ave, Sylmar, CA 91342 (Large animals).
- Find your representative: House.gov.
Power Outages
- Southern California Edison (SCE):
- Report an outage: SCE Outage Center or call 800-611-1911.
- Check current outages: SCE Outage Status.
- Los Angeles Department of Water & Power (LADWP):
- Report an outage: LADWP Outages or call 800-342-5397.
- Check current outages: Power Outage Map.
- Power Outage Preparation and Tips:
Visit Ready LA County - Power Outages for tips on preparing for and responding to power outages.
Insurance & Disaster Resources
Navigating Fire Insurance Claims Webinar
Webinar Recording in English: Navigating Fire Insurance Claims Webinar - Presented by Greenspoon Marder in collaboration with LAUSD
Navegando los Reclamos de Seguro contra Incendios - Webinario Spanish Translation Audio File - Spanish- Navigating Fire Insurance Claims Webinar- Presented by Greenspoon Marder in Collaboration with LAUSD
The federal government is providing support to families impacted. DisasterAssistance.gov can help you apply for FEMA disaster assistance and guide you to other resources to help you recover. Visit https://www.disasterassistance.gov/ or call 800-621-3362
Guidance is available for navigating insurance claims and securing tax relief after disasters.
Insurance & Property Tax Relief
- California Department of Insurance: Assistance with wildfire-related insurance claims. Call 800-927-4357 or visit insurance.ca.gov.
Public Counsel: Public Counsel created this FAQ to provide answers to common questions about obtaining FEMA assistance after disasters, including the LA County 2025 fires. It covers the FEMA application process—including concerns about duplication of benefits from other funding sources—and additional sources of financial assistance. Click this link to access the information.
DISCLAIMER: Please be advised these options are provided for your information only. The Los Angeles Unified School District does not support or endorse any of the businesses. Some of the options may charge fees, require creating accounts, and/or have special health and safety requirements. You are encouraged to visit the business’s website to obtain details.