Recovery Resources After Disaster
A comprehensive list of key resources available to individuals and communities following a disaster, including Local and State Community Resources, Financial Assistance Programs (including Temporary Housing Solutions), and Mental Health Support.
Local Community Resources
Local Community Resources
A Sense of Home
Disaster Recovery for Survivors of LA Fires is a program under A Sense of Home dedicated to helping individuals and families recover after losing everything to wildfires in Los Angeles County. They provide essential furnishings and home goods to help restore not only the physical home, but the hope and dignity needed to start again.
Habitat for Humanity Greater Los Angeles
Provides a Disaster Recovery Resource List that includes Emergency Resources and Hotlines, Emergency Alerts and Notification information, Fire Recovery Assistance, Local Emergency Network Non-Profits and Interim Housing Resources.
Habitat for Humanity | Live outside Los Angeles area?
- Find your local California Habitat for Humanity affiliate. habitatca.org | find your local affiliate
United Way's 211
Connects people to local health and human services. Provides information and referrals for a wide range of needs, including housing assistance, food programs, utility bills and mental health services.
State Based Emergency Relief Programs
State Based Emergency Relief Programs
These programs from both governmental and nongovernmental groups cover needs such as temporary housing, home repairs, food assistance, mental health counseling and low interest loans.
FEMA - California (Region 9)
California Department of Social Services (DSS)
- cdss.ca.gov | disaster grant assistance
- cdss.ca.gov | find a County office
- cdss.ca.gov | apply for cash aid
- cdss.ca.gov | food and nutrition services
Disaster Case Management Program (DCMP)
From Catholic Charities of California.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (EDD)
Financial Assistance Programs
Financial Assistance Programs
USA.gov
Provides disaster assistance and government benefits for other emergencies.
- USA.gov | disasters & emergencies
- (844) USAGOV1 (844) 872-4681
DisasterAssistance.gov
Provides disaster survivors with information, support, services, and a means to access and apply for disaster assistance. The site also provides resources to help learn how to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.
FEMA Individual Assistance
Grants for temporary housing, home repairs, and other disaster-related needs.
- fema.gov | individual assistance
- (800) 621-FEMA (800) 621-3362
American Red Cross Relief
Financial support for food, clothing, shelter, and immediate necessities.
The Salvation Army
Serves in every zip code in America offering immediate and long-term wildfire, flood, tornado and hurricane relief to communities affected by natural disasters. Also offers rent and utility assistance.
- salvationarmyusa.org | disaster relief
- (800) SAL ARMY (800) 725-2769
Mental Health Support
Mental Health Support
988 Lifeline
Available 24/7/365 and provides confidential support for emotional distress or suicidal thoughts.
- 988lifeline.org
- Call or text 988
SAMHSA Crisis Counseling Helpline
Immediate counseling for emotional distress. The Disaster Distress Helpline provides year-round disaster crises counseling.
How You Can Help
How You Can Help
Donate Blood
Are you able/willing to give blood? American Red Cross and local hospitals will need blood products after a disaster. Check your local hospital or the American Red Cross.
Volunteer Safely
- Wait for official calls for volunteers before going to an impacted zone. Unplanned volunteers can get in the way of rescue crews.
- Join local volunteer organizations or networks before a disaster strikes. Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is an excellent local program.
Donate
- Donate Money. First, be cautious of scams. Consider giving cash funds to recognized groups instead of sending clothes or food. Cash lets your preferred relief groups buy exact supplies needed on the ground.
