The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is opening two disaster recovery centers in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Jan. 14 following the Eaton and Palisades fires.
The centers are being created to assist those who lost their home or personal property or have emergency needs caused by the wildfire disasters. Previously, the agency had established a presence at Los Angeles County libraries to assist those affected by the fires with obtaining assistance by helping them fill out forms and be aware of the resources available to them.
Fire victims have reported stress and confusion as they navigate this process, with some being denied assistance entirely, mistakenly, they say.
“At the center, people can get help applying for federal assistance, speak to representatives from state and federal agencies, receive updates on their FEMA application for assistance and learn about the appeals process,” the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and FEMA said in a news release.
The centers will be located at UCLA Research Park West at 10850 West Pico Boulevard and at Pasadena City College Community Education Center at 3035 East Foothill Boulevard. They will open at 1 p.m. on Tuesday and be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily thereafter.
The financial assistance provided by FEMA can be used for home repairs and lost personal property, as well as other things not covered by insurance like childcare, transportation, medical needs, funeral or dental expenses related to the wildfires.
While the centers are being established for support, FEMA assistance can also be applied for online without going to an in person center, at DisasterAssistance.gov.
“The State of California is committed to supporting residents impacted by the Los Angeles Hurricane-Force Firestorm as they navigate the recovery process,” the news release read in part.