LA County Disaster Recovery Centers Remain Open to Support Residents

FEMA Assistance Deadline Approaches March 10

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

Disaster Recovery Centers are open and continue to offer support to Los Angeles County residents who have been impacted by the recent wildfires.

Disaster Recovery Centers are currently open to the public from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Saturday. There is a West Los Angeles location at UCLA Research Park West (10850 West Pico Boulevard) and a location in Altadena (540 W. Woodbury Road).

There are multiple county departments, as well as state agencies and federal partners, on site to provide support and resources.

“LA County survivors who have damage to their home, personal property or disaster-caused emergency needs due to the wildfires can get in-person assistance at a Disaster Recovery Center,” according to LA County Recovers. “At DRCs, survivors can get help applying for federal assistance, speak to representatives from state and federal agencies, receive updates on the FEMA application for assistance and learn about the appeals process.”

Representatives from different LA County departments are available on site, including the Assessor’s Office, Emergency Response Team, General Relief, Medical Examiner, CalFresh, CalWorks and MediCal. Additional departments include the Department of Public Social Services; Aging and Disabilities; Child Support Services; Children and Family Services; Consumer and Business Affairs; Department of Economic Opportunity; Public Health; Public Social Services; Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, and more.

State agencies available on-site include the Department of Motor Vehicles, Employment Development Department, California Department of Social Services, California Department of Insurance, California Department of Public Health —Vital Records, California Department of Housing and Community Development, and others.

While parts of the Palisades remain closed to the public, access passes for authorized personnel, including contractors, insurance adjusters, etc., can be obtained at the parking lot of the Disaster Recovery Center between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily.

“We are speeding the state’s recovery from the LA fires in every way we can, including mobilizing state technology experts to help survivors get the help they need from state and federal sources,” Director of the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services Nancy Ward said in a statement.

Residents seeking financial support can request FEMA assistance. The deadline to apply is Monday, March 10—fire victims will lose aid unless they apply by the March 10 deadline.

FEMA is offering individual assistance with its Serious Needs Assistance Grants, a $770 one-time payment for immediate needs “like food, water, hygiene and transportation.”

FEMA is also offering housing assistance.

“The maximum amount a homeowner can receive through the FEMA Individual Assistance grant program for home repair and replacement, and for temporary housing, is up to $43,600,” according to FEMA. “Depending on your situation, substantial rental assistance may also be available.”

Additional assistance may be available “for other needs,” where another $43,600 may be available in the form of a grant from FEMA to cover medical expenses, damage to a vehicle, household items/property, funeral expenses, moving/storage, childcare expenses and more.

Congressmember Brad Sherman is currently urging FEMA to extend its deadline until the end of the year. Updates will be available at palipost.com as they become available.

To apply for FEMA assistance online, visit disasterassistance.gov. More information about the DRCs is available at recovery.lacounty.gov/recovery-centers.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect current DRC hours of operation.