Wildfire Recovery Help in LA: Nonprofits and Legal Aid Services You Should Know About

Navigating the recovery process after the recent Los Angeles wildfires can be overwhelming. Fortunately, several nonprofit organizations and legal aid groups are dedicated to assisting affected residents. Below is a curated list of resources offering disaster case management, legal assistance, and additional support to help you through this challenging time.

Nonprofit Organizations Offering Disaster Case Management

Disaster case managers (DCMs) provide personalized support to help survivors navigate recovery resources, including assistance with FEMA applications, housing, and other essential services. Below are a few well-established organizations that may be able to help!

• Catholic Charities of Los Angeles: Offers disaster case management services to connect survivors with community resources. This includes financial assistance (including rental/mortgage assistance, utility assistance, motel/hotel vouchers, and security deposits), property assistance (including insurance assistance and FEMA applications and appeals), access to their long-term Disaster Case Management Program, and referrals to existing Resource Hubs and Disaster Recovery Centers. Visit their "Disaster Relief" page for more information on services and ways to get in touch, call (833) 775-3267 / (805) 590-8182 (Shaun McCarty), or e-mail DCMP@ccharities.org.

  
  

• CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort): Provides comprehensive disaster recovery services, including case management support to help families rebuild stronger. Cash Support is also available via an in-person intake form; see below for address and hours. Learn more at their Southern California Wildfires page. To apply for Cash Support and to speak with them in-person about case management support, you can find them at the LA County Disaster Recovery Centers, which are open Monday - Saturday from 9 AM-7 PM (check website for most updated hours):

  
  

  • UCLA Research Park West (10850 West Pico Blvd., Los Angeles CA 90064)

  • Altadena (540 W. Woodbury Road, Altadena CA 91001)

    
    

• Los Angeles Regional Community Recovery Organization (LARCRO): Coordinates disaster case management and connects survivors with necessary resources. Visit their LA Fires Resources page or fill out their Recovery Resource & Disaster Case Management Interest Form.

  
  

Legal Aid Organizations Providing Additional Support

Legal assistance can sometimes be crucial for addressing issues such as insurance claims, housing disputes, and accessing public benefits. While you may feel it is out of reach due to budget constraints, you've got options!

• Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA): LAFLA offers free legal clinics and workshops on FEMA disaster assistance, tenant rights, and consumer relief.

  Visit their Fire Recovery Resources page for more information or to get legal help apply online here, visit their table at the LA County Disaster Recovery Centers, or call 1-800-399-4529, Monday - Friday (9 AM - 5 PM).

  
  

• Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County (NLSLA): Provides disaster-related legal services, including assistance with FEMA claims, housing issues, and public benefits.

  Details are available on their Disaster Assistance Project page.

  
  

• Public Counsel: Offers free legal support to individuals, families, and small businesses affected by the fires, including assistance with tenant rights and fraud prevention.

  Access their resources on the Fire Relief and Recovery Services page.

  
  

• Disaster Legal Assistance Collaborative (DLAC): Provides a free legal assistance helpline for disaster survivors. Services include assistance with securing FEMA and government aid as well as insurance claims and more.

  Call the Disaster Legal Assistance Hotline (888) 382-3406 and leave a message; an attorney will return your call. More information is available on their Get Help page.

  
  

Additional Support Resources

• California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund: Supports critical services, including housing, case management, mental health, and medical care for displaced residents. Learn more at their Wildfire Recovery Fund page.

  
  

• Los Angeles Disaster Relief Navigator: An online tool to help residents access resources like government assistance, insurance claims, and housing solutions.

  Start your personalized action plan at wildfires.betterangels.la.

  
  

• State Bar of California’s Legal Help After a Disaster: Offers information on applying for federal aid, finding an attorney, and accessing free or low-cost legal services. Visit their Legal Help After a Disaster page for more details.

  
  

Remember, you don't get what you don't ask for; help is available, and seeking assistance promptly and utilizing these resources can significantly aid in your recovery journey. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to these organizations for the support you need!