The City and County of Los Angeles, in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), has opened a Wildfire Disaster Recovery Center.
Residents who have lost their homes or suffered damage as a result of the major wildfires in the L.A. area can apply to replace their IDs and apply for loans from the Disaster Assistance Fund.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced that the Disaster Recovery Center will open on January 15 at the UCLA Research Park on the UCLA campus. The center will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.
The center will provide services for residents affected by the major wildfires, including the Palisades, Eaton and Hurst fires.
If you lost your birth certificate, death certificate, driver’s license, or Social Security documents in the wildfires, you can reapply at the center.
Residents whose homes or businesses were burned or destroyed can also apply for disaster relief loans. The centers also offer mental health counseling and referrals to treatment for trauma from the wildfires.
FEMA is also accepting applications for emergency assistance from residents of the disaster areas at fema.gov/assistance/individual/program.
Food and water are available, as well as basic necessities like formula, breastfeeding supplies, medicine, and emergency supplies, FEMA said.
Residents who are without a place to stay due to a burned-out home can also apply for housing assistance. The money can be used for hotel bills, renting a room with a family member or friend until permanent housing is found.
You can also apply for assistance with basic home repairs, property losses, and expenses related to wildfire damage.
FEMA also offers homeowners insurance claim assistance for recovery. Homeowners insurance policyholders should first file a claim with their insurer, and then visit FEMA’s website at DisasterAssistance.gov, the FEMA App, or call 1-800-621-3362 for assistance.
-UCLA Research Park: 10800 W Pico Blvd
BY HYOUNGJAE KIM [kim.ian@koreadaily.com]
