LA Wildfires Resources
Federal Disaster Assistance
President Biden has issued a Major Disaster Declaration for the Los Angeles fires. Relief for residents and homeowners through the program include:
- Temporary displacement assistance (e.g., hotel costs for up to two weeks)
- $770 for essential personal items
- Larger direct grants to help cover essential needs such as medical bills, car repairs, and more
How to apply:
Visit: disasterassistance.gov
Call: 800-621-FEMA (3362)
Use: The FEMA mobile app
Labor Community Services
Labor Community Services is an established local relief agency that provides food and financial relief for union members. To apply, go tohttps://lcs-la.org and click on “Assistance Intake Form.”
Know Your Worker Rights During LA Wildfires
(California Federation of Labor Unions)
California law prohibits employers from retaliating or threatening to retaliate against workers for leaving the worksite or refusing to come into work when “the employee has a reasonable belief that the workplace or worksite is unsafe” due to an emergency condition. A reasonable belief that the worksite is unsafe is defined as where “a reasonable person, under the circumstances known to the employee at the time, would conclude there is a real danger of death or serious injury if that person enters or remains on the premises.”
In addition, the law prohibits an employer from preventing workers from accessing their personal cell phone or using any other communications device to seek emergency assistance, assess the safety of the situation, or communicate with loved ones to verify their safety.
To download a guide to workers rights during the LA wildfires visit https://calaborfed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/250113-WILDFIRE_FACT_SHEET_2.pdf?link_id=2&can_id=333d1e860424a3a378d3f583341475f8&source=email-los-angeles-wildfires-resources-and-relief-funds&email_referrer=email_2582204&email_subject=urgent-wildfire-resources-for-union-members.
Shelters Available for Communities Impacted by
Wildfires in Southern California
As California endures wildfires fueled by high winds, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is coordinating with the California Department of Social Services and local governments to ensure impacted communities have access to shelters and vital services: https://news.caloes.ca.gov/shelters-available-for-communities-impacted-by-wildfires-in-southern-california-3/.
For specific shelter operation details, please contact your local authorities.
Airbnb
Airbnb.org is providing free, emergency housing for people who have been displaced by the Los Angeles wildfires. You can get help at Airbnb.org/lawildfires.
YMCA
For impacted community members throughout LA, the Y is providing no-cost services and support in the following ways: free childcare, showers, Wi-Fi and essential services. For more information visit https://ymcala.org/community-response.
Lyft, Uber & Metro
Lyft riders in need can use the code CAFIRERELIEF25, valid for 2 rides up to $25 each ($50 total) for 500 riders from now until 1/15 at 11:59 p.m.
Uber riders can use promo code WILDFIRE25 in the wallet section of your Uber app to redeem 2 free Uber rides up to $40/each for transportation to/from active shelters.
Metro fares are free until further notice.
After the Disaster: Information for Landlords and Tenants
(LA County Consumer and Business Affairs)
Renters Fire Help
Volunteer-compiled advice for renters affected by the fires: https://rentersfirehelp.org.
Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Assistance
The SBA is providing disaster assistance to homeowners, renters, nonprofits, and businesses of all sizes impacted by the wildfires and straight-line winds in California. For more information visit Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Assistance.
Applicants are encouraged to apply online for a disaster loan. Please call us at 800‐659‐2955 or schedule an in-person appointment if you have any questions.
Check if water in your area is safe to drink
How to protect yourself from the smoke caused by L.A. Wildfires
(Source: LA Times)