Navigating Recovery After Disasters

Recovering from a disaster is more than just rebuilding—it also means processing loss, uncertainty, and a wide range of emotions. If you’ve lost your home, belongings, or sense of stability, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. The process can be complicated, and looking for support may feel like just one more challenge when so much has changed.

Below, you’ll find financial and emotional support resources available to Californians, with specific details for Los Angeles County residents affected by the recent wildfires.
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Housing and Basic Needs

Disasters can create immediate needs for housing, food, and other essentials. Here are some resources that may be able to help.

1. FEMA Assistance
   FEMA provides temporary housing assistance and grants for home repair or replacement. Visit DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362 to apply.
   
   
2. Local Shelters and Housing Assistance
   Contact 211 to locate nearby shelters, transitional housing, and other immediate housing resources.
   
   
3. Food and Basic Supplies
   
   • Food Banks: Food banks across California provide groceries and essential supplies to disaster-affected households. Contact 211 for information about the nearest distribution centers in your area.
   • CalFresh Disaster Response: CalFresh provides temporary nutritional support to disaster victims through various programs:
     
     1. Timely Reporting Waiver: Extends the time for current CalFresh households to report food loss and request replacement benefits, typically up to 30 days after the disaster.
     2. Automated Mass Replacement Waiver: Provides automatic replacement of a percentage of benefits for households in areas where food loss is widespread due to disasters like wildfires or power outages.‍
     3. Disaster CalFresh (D-CalFresh): Offers a one-month allotment of benefits to households in areas affected by a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration with Individual Assistance. Benefits are issued on an EBT card and can be used at authorized retailers.

For more information on D-CalFresh and related programs, visit the CalFresh Disaster Response webpage.

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Mental Health and Emotional Support

Experiencing a disaster is overwhelming. It’s okay to not have all the answers right away, and it’s okay to seek support. These resources are available to help if you need someone to talk to or are looking for ways to process what you’re going through.

1. Call 211
   Dial 211 for confidential help finding mental health support, crisis counseling, and emotional well-being programs. 211 can also connect you with financial and housing assistance services.
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2. Disaster Distress Helpline
   For 24/7 emotional support from trained crisis counselors specializing in disaster-related stress and trauma, call 1-800-985-5990 or text "TalkWithUs" to 66746.
   
   
3. Online Resources
   
   • CalHOPE: A California-based support program offering free crisis counseling and resources for emotional recovery.
   • SAMHSA Disaster Behavioral Health: A national hub for disaster-related mental health support.

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Specific Resources for Los Angeles County Residents

If you’re in Los Angeles County and looking for support, there are local resources available to help with housing, food, financial relief, and more. If you’re unsure what assistance is available or where to begin, this resource hub can help. It will ask a few questions to identify the fire that impacted your area and guide you toward resources that best fit your situation.

• Emergency Housing Support:
  The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) offers guidance for displaced residents seeking emergency accommodations.
  
  
• Food Assistance:
  Contact 211 for a full list of local food distribution centers and support services in the county. Food banks across Los Angeles County provide essential groceries and supplies to those in need.
  
  
• Tax Relief for Los Angeles County Residents:
  Individuals and businesses affected by the recent wildfires are eligible for state and federal tax relief, including postponed filing and payment deadlines. For more details, visit our affiliated website, MyFreeTaxes.org here (insert MFT blog post on tax relief for LA county residents here).

• Los Angeles County Vital Records:
  Residents directly impacted by the wildfires can request property and vital records (birth, death, marriage) at no cost. Contact the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk at 800-201-8999 (Option 1, then Option 2) or email recorder@rrcc.lacounty.gov.
  
  
• Homeowner Insurance Protections and Resources:
  On January 9, 2025, California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara enacted a mandatory one-year moratorium on insurance non-renewals and cancellations for affected areas in Southern California. Visit the California Department of Insurance (CDI) to check if your ZIP Code is included. Homeowners’ or renters’ insurance may cover evacuation and relocation costs under Additional Living Expenses (ALE) coverage, including food, housing, and transportation. For assistance, contact CDI at 800-927-4357 or visit insurance.ca.gov. Download their Top 10 Tips for Wildfire Claimants for additional guidance (available in Spanish, Mandarin, and Vietnamese).‍
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• Medi-Cal Emergency Assistance:
  If you have Medi-Cal or support Medi-Cal members, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) provides guidance on accessing medical care, filling prescriptions, and securing transportation during emergencies. Visit their Emergency and Disaster Assistance Questions & Answers webpage for more information.

Get Screened for Benefits

In just ten minutes, you can check your potential eligibility for programs like CalFresh (food assistance), CalWORKs (cash aid), Medi-Cal (health coverage), child care assistance, tax credits, and more. While the screener won’t apply for benefits on your behalf, it can help you understand which programs might be available to support you as you recover. Check your eligibility here.

Help Others Stay Prepared

If you’re looking for guidance on disaster readiness, Listos California offers resources to help individuals, families, and communities prepare for emergencies in ways that fit their needs. Their tools can also be shared with friends and loved ones, making it easier for more people to stay informed and prepared.

Even if you’re not ready to think about next steps yet, these resources will be here whenever you need them.

You Are Not Alone

Disaster recovery takes time. There is no right or wrong way to move forward, and it’s okay to take things one step at a time. These resources are here to offer support, whether you need financial relief, emotional help, or just a starting point.

For more information, call 211 or visit DisasterAssistance.gov.