Resources for Wildfire Survivors

The lists are organized by topic. This page is updated weekly as new information comes in as shared by Rev. Heidi Worthen Gamble, Mission Catalyst’s Update Letters. (Last update 02.11.2025)

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
The deadline for FEMA applications and SBA loans is March 8th. Apply HERE.

IRS: California wildfire victims qualify for tax relief; various deadlines postponed to Oct. 15

Webinar: Taxing Matters for Disaster-Impacted Households (Feb. 13)

Zoom Workshop: Navigating Your Contents Claim (Feb. 26)

Pastor’s Discretionary Fund (for Pacific Presbytery Pastors Only), email heidi@pacificpresbytery.org

GUIDE TO HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE IN CALIFORNIA
For homeowners: It’s very important for you to know that in the event of a covered total loss resulting from a declared state of emergency, your insurance company must offer payment of no less than 30% of your policy limit for your dwelling, as long as your home was furnished at the time of loss. [CA Ins. Code 10103.7]  This special rule is designed to help get as much cash as possible into your hands as quickly as possible. Check out more insurance guidelines for California HERE.

UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)

MOST IMPORTANT RESOURCES
Make sure to visit a Disaster Resource Center (DRC) near you.

Replacing Your Identification (ID) Documents: Social Security Card Replacement and Passport ReplacementNote: DRCs can print your SS Card and Birth Certificate!

Property Clean Up: You MUST opt-in to receive free debris removal services by March 31st, or you will have to pay for it yourself. Apply HERE.
Everything you need to know about LA County’s free fire debris removal program (VERY IMPORTANT: you need to opt-in by filling out this form BY MARCH 31ST. If you don’t opt in then the cost is on the homeowner who pays out of pocket. You MUST opt in to GET THE FREE service !!!
Phase 2 of the Disaster Recovery Process has begun in LA County: Phase 2 of fire debris removal is being coordinated and managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers. A Right of Entry form is required if you want the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to do work free of charge. Those opting out should also submit the form to avoid delaying work in their communities. The US Army Corps of Engineers has established a Debris Call Center to help answer questions regarding Private Property Debris Removal.  Hours of operation are from 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM; call 213-308-8305 for assistance.https://recovery.lacounty.gov/debris-removal/phase-2/

Returning home after a fire guide from the County of LA Public Health

POP’s infographic on after-fire cleaning

MENTAL HEALTH
Disaster Mental Health Resources

Survivor to Survivor Forum (Feb. 18)

Resources from the Thrive Center

DISASTER ASSISTANCE TOOLS
NEW! If you’re a survivor, get on the lacounty.gov list to stay updated on all things fire-related

NEW! Where to find good information about wildfire relief: sign up with newsletter@connect.scpr.org

LA County Relief One Stop Portal (One website for all resources available to survivors)

The government services are coordinating their information into one website now, called the Coordinated Joint Information Center” as part of LA Recovers. Check it out HERE and you can sign up for daily updates HERE.

Disaster Assistance for the Immigrant Community

Office of Immigration Affairs

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church has developed some tremendous local resources on its website. (Many thanks to Rev. Dr. Grace Park for putting it together!)

CalFresh for families and individuals who do not currently receive CalFresh are eligible (Apply today, application closes Feb. 18-19)

DONATE
Donate here by seeing what areas and resources are needed

Donate to PDA here

VOLUNTEER
TO VOLUNTEER SIGN UP HERE