Wildfire Resources

Dear Ladera Heights Community,

As many of you already know, our neighboring regions have been facing the devastating impact of wildfires over the past several days. The flames have ravaged communities, displaced families, and taken a heartbreaking toll on lives, homes, and the natural beauty we hold so dear in Southern California.

During times like these, we are reminded of the strength and resilience that define our communities. While Ladera Heights has been spared from direct harm, our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been affected by these fires. To those who have lost loved ones, homes, or livelihoods, we send our deepest condolences and unwavering support.

In moments of crisis, our collective actions can make a profound difference. Here are a few resources available to share with those in need:

Compiled Resources Available For Impacted Angelenos

LOS ANGELES – The City of Los Angeles today released the following resources and new information for Angelenos working to recover from the impacts of the wildfires. Angelenos are urged to continue to stay vigilant and follow guidance including updates on air quality and steps to mitigate its impacts. 

HOUSING AND SHELTER SUPPORT: FEMA announced additional resources that affected Angelenos can access now. Residents can go to disasterassistance.gov to apply for FEMA assistance. Additional information and guidance is available at emergency.lacity.gov/recovery. The California Department of Insurance is available to assist affected Angelenos as they begin working with insurance agents or brokers. They are encouraged to call 1-800-927-4357 or visit the Insurance Wildfire Resources to ask questions about insurance coverage and/or disputes with insurance agencies. AirBnB is providing free, emergency housing for 25,000 individuals affected by the Los Angeles fires through 211LA. Over 6,500 Angelenos have been offered this resource by AirBnB. Get started here. Doordash is providing $150,000 in DoorDash Community Credits to first responders and organizations on the ground and established a Restaurant Assistance fund. More here. To offer immediate support to the L.A. community, Instacart is waiving delivery fees on groceries and other essential goods for orders over $10 in Los Angeles. More here. Uber is providing rides up to $40 for residents to get to temporary shelters -  riders must apply the promo code “WILDFIRE25”HALA has compiled a list of various hotels that are offering discounts for evacuees and those impacted by the fire. LA Fire Hotel Availability Jan. 2025 - Google SheetsEast West Bank is offering a Skip a Pay program to any loan customer in Southern California who requests help due to the fires. The program will be rolled out next week. With no questions asked and no application needed, loan customers will be eligible to skip their next monthly payment and pay it instead one year from now. This will help fire victims not worry about a monthly bank payment. 

IMPACTED BUSINESSES AND EMPLOYERS: Californians who are unemployed due to the L.A. fires should apply for benefits right away, here. Governor Newsom has proclaimed a State of Emergency, which includes waiver of the usual 1-week unpaid waiting period for fire victims. This means those who are eligible will receive their first benefit payment sooner. Employers in L.A. County may request up to a 60-day extension to file their state payroll reports or deposit payroll taxes. There are resources available to support workers and employers transitioning roles and responsibilities. More information here and here. 

Get Help at BusinessSource Centers The City’s 10 BusinessSource Centers (BSCs) can provide free one-on-one consultation, business and employment support, and assistance with applying for forthcoming microenterprise grants and microloans. To find a complete list of BusinessSource Centers, use this Interactive Map.Los Angeles Regional Small Business Legal Aid Program provides free legal services to qualified small businesses on a number of legal issues such as review of commercial leases, assistance in communicating with landlords, reviewing insurance policies, navigating insurance claims, among other services. Contact Bet Tzedek to get these FREE legal assistance services. For more information, visit lalegalhelp.org or call 1-866-375-9511.

Rapid Response and Layoff Aversion Services Rapid Response (RR) activities are designed to respond to layoffs by coordinating services to provide immediate assistance to employers and affected workers. RR activities include, but are not limited to, the provision of information and access to unemployment compensation benefits, continued health care, employment and training services (including those provided by the WorkSource and BusinessSource systems), emergency services, and other significant services. Layoff Aversion Support - The Economic Development Corporation of Los Angeles (LAEDC) offers no-cost consulting services to help businesses overcome challenges and find alternatives to layoffs. Job Loss Assistance - Schedule an orientation to learn of the resources available to individuals who lost or will be losing their job due to no fault of their own. Dennis Parks - Dennis.Parks@lacity.org (English)Itzel Sanchez-Morales - Itzel.sanchez@lacity.org (Spanish)Additional business resources offered by the Economic and Workforce Development Department: The Business Response Unit is a one-stop shop for business assistance - businesses in the City of Los Angeles can submit any question and receive specialized help. Phone: 213-744-7150Email: labusinessresponse@lacity.org Business Credit and Debt Counseling is available to help business owners counter negative financial impacts, recover, and strengthen their financial health. Small Business Loans with customized fair and flexible terms can be used for a wide variety of business needs, including equipment purchases, working capital, and acquisitions.

Resources Available Through the Federal Small Business Administration The Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering Disaster Loans for Los Angeles County victims of the wind and wildfire events. Home Disaster Loans, Business Disaster Loans, and Economic Injury Disaster Loans are all available programs through the SBA.

YOUTH ASSISTANCE: The City of Los Angeles has 14 YouthSource Centers (YSC) located throughout the region that provide young Angelenos ages 14-24 the support and resources they need to succeed in life through access to education, paid work experience, and occupational skills training. To find a complete list of YouthSource Centers, use this Interactive Map.FamilySource Centers (FSC) are a one-stop shop in your neighborhood for social, educational, work, and family support services. With 19 locations established in the City of Los Angeles, we can help you find the resources to increase your family income, establish financial security, and build academic success. Please click this Interactive Map of FamilySource Centers.

ADDITIONAL SERVICES:

To Report Potential Brush fire hazards;

Ladera Unincorporated: Click here>The Works - LA County Public Works

or

The Works App. on your phone.

In the City portion of Ladera: Click Here>MyLA311 | City of Los Angeles

311 is available 24/7 to report tree emergencies, street blockages and other issues. 

We’ll continue to monitor the situation closely and share updates or resources as they become available. In the meantime, let us keep the victims, their families, and the brave first responders in our hearts and prayers. Together, we can be a source of hope and healing in these difficult times.

With compassion and solidarity,

LHCA Board of Directors