FEMA Assistance
After making a claim with their insurance provider, the first step residents can take to jumpstart their recovery is to apply for FEMA assistance. There are three ways to apply:
- Online at DisasterAssistance.gov. If you have access to the internet and your electronic devices have power, applying online is the easiest, fastest and most convenient way to apply.
- On the FEMA App for mobile devices.
- Calling the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362. Calls are accepted every day from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service. To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: FEMA Accessible: Registering for Individual Assistance – YouTube.
FEMA Assistance is Available for Individuals Affected by the Wildfires in California | FEMA.gov
More Resources
The Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
CAL FIRE Serves and Safeguards the People and Protects the Property and Resources of California.
Fannie Mae’s Disaster Response Network
A comprehensive case management service for disaster-affected homeowners with mortgage loans backed by the company. This program offers personalized support to address safety, basic needs, property repairs, employment, and financial recovery—key factors impacting a borrower’s ability to meet mortgage obligations.
State of California, Employment Development Department
The California Employment Development Department (EDD) offers a range of services to individuals and businesses impacted by disasters in California.
Los Angeles County Assessor
Taxpayers whose properties have either been destroyed or sustained a minimum of $10,000 in damage may file a Misfortune and Calamity (M&C) claim for property tax relief. Assessor’s Disaster Relief Hotline: (213) 974-8658
California Department of Insurance
Works with your insurance agent, broker, claims adjuster, and insurance company. For questions about your insurance or disputes with your insurer, call 1-800-927-4357.
United Policyholders
A non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to be a trustworthy and useful information resource and an effective voice for consumers of all types of insurance in all 50 states. UP has three-plus decades of expertise in wildfire recovery and insurance claims.
HOUSING/SHELTER
- 211 LA is partnering with Airbnb to offer free temporary shelter for people displaced from their homes by fire. Start by filling out this form.
- YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles is opening its locations that aren’t affected by the fires for temporary shelter, showers, basic amenities, and mental health support. They are also providing childcare services (5 years and up) for first responders and families affected by the fires.
EVACUATION CENTERS
- Arcadia Community Center – 375 Campus Drive, Arcadia, CA 91007.
- Ritchie Valens Recreation Center – 10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Pacoima, CA 91331.
- Pan Pacific Recreational Center – 7600 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036.
- Westwood Recreation Center – 1350 Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025 (accepts small animals).
- El Camino Real Charter High School – 5440 Valley Circle Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91367.
- Pasadena Civic Center – 300 East Green Street, Pasadena, CA 91101 (Pasadena Convention Center is currently no longer accepting donations of food, water, emergency supplies, or donations of any kind because they have had an overwhelmingly generous response).
- Pomona Fairplex – 1101 W McKinley Ave, Pomona, CA 91768.
- Pierce College: 6201 Winnetka Ave., Woodland Hills (accepts large animals).
- FOOD & SUPPLIES
- World Central Kitchen has a list of meal distribution sites: https://wck.org/news/meal-locations-ca.
- LA Daily News lists restaurants offering food to evacuees and first responders: https://www.dailynews.com/2025/01/08/these-los-angeles-restaurants-offer-food-to-fire-evacuees-and-first-responders/.
- Friday Jan. 10, 8 am – 11 am — Los Angeles Unified School District will distribute meals to students, and families may receive two meals per student: https://www.lausd.org/schoolupdates/food.
ANIMAL SHELTERS
https://animalcare.lacounty.gov/emergency-animal-shelter-information-los-angeles-county-fires/.
- Agoura Animal Care Center – 29525 Agoura Rd, Agoura Hills, CA 91301.
- Baldwin Park Animal Care Center – 4275 Elton St, Baldwin Park, CA 91706.
- Carson Animal Care Center – 216 W Victoria St, Gardena, CA 90248.
- Downey Animal Care Center – 11258 Garfield Ave, Downey, CA 90242.
- Lancaster Animal Care Center – 5210 W Ave I, Lancaster, CA 93536.
- Palmdale Animal Care Center – 38550 Sierra Hwy, Palmdale, CA 93550.
- Pasadena Humane Society is offering emergency shelter for animals, 361 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena. But they’re filling up fast and are also looking for families to foster dogs and cats from families displaced by fires. Email foster@pasadenahumane.org
- spcaLA is also taking in animals affected by the fires, 5026 W. Jefferson Blvd., Los Angeles.
- Dogtopia of East Pasadena is offering three free overnight stays for pups from families displaced by fire and a 50% discount afterwards, (626) 699-8577.
- Antelope Valley Fair – 2551 W Avenue H, Lancaster, CA 93536.
- Industry Hills Expo – 16200 Temple Ave, City of Industry, CA 91744 (capacity for 200 horses; not staffed by DACC).
- Los Angeles Equestrian Center – 480 Riverside Dr., Burbank (accepts large animals).
- Pomona Fairplex – 1101 W McKinley Ave, Pomona, CA 91768 (Receiving horses only).
- Savage Ranch in Temecula is offering shelter to people with horses, several rooms, plus space for RVs and trailers. DM or email for info.
- Hatch Ranch in Tehachapi is also offering space for people with horses or other animals.