Los Angeles County Disaster Recovery Centers Open Tuesday for Hurricane-Force Firestorm Survivors

Published:

California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the County of Los Angeles along with other state and local partners, are opening two Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) in Los Angeles County on Tuesday, January 14th at 1:00pm. 

As California has experienced an unprecedented hurricane-force firestorm, Cal OES has led the efforts to respond to and recover from wildfire impacts. Involving nearly every part of state government, the work now turns to recovery where Cal OES, state agency staff, federal and local partners work to help fire survivors get back on the road to recovery following the wildfires that began on January 7, 2025. 

UCLA DISASTER RECOVERY CENTER LOCATION:

UCLA Research Park West

10850 West Pico Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90064

PASADENA DISASTER RECOVERY CENTER LOCATION:

Pasadena City College – Community Education Center

3035 E. Foothill Blvd.

Pasadena, CA 91107

HOURS OF OPERATION:

Center opens at 1:00pm on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 – TBD

Monday – Sunday

Hours: 9:00am to 8:00pm

STATE AGENCIES:

  • Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
  • Employment Development Department (EDD)
  • California Department of Social Services (CDSS)
  • Franchise Tax Board (FTB)
  • California Department of Insurance (CDI)
  • Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
  • California Department of Tax & Fee Administration (CDTFA)
  • California Department of Public Health (CDPH) – Vital Records
  • California Department of Veterans Affairs (Cal Vet)
  • California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD)

The State of California is committed to supporting residents impacted by the Los Angeles Hurricane-Force Firestorm as they navigate the recovery process. Resources for financial assistance, housing, funds for repair and more are available to help individuals and families. Visit CA.gov/LAFires for up-to-date information on disaster recovery programs, important deadlines, and how to apply for assistance

HOW TO APPLY FOR DISASTER ASSISTANCE 

Individuals, families and business owners in San Diego County covered in the Presidential Major Disaster Declaration who sustained losses can apply for disaster assistance:

  • Online at DisasterAssistance.gov  
  • Calling 800-621-3362 
  • By using the FEMA smartphone application 
  • If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service 
  • In person at a Disaster Recovery Center (locations above) 

DISASTER RECOVERY CENTERS 

Disaster recovery centers are a one-stop shop to provide survivors resources. 

At a disaster recovery center, residents and business owners can apply for federal assistance and access other available resources from local, state and non-profit agencies. These can include learning about disaster assistance programs, find housing and rental assistance information, meet with state agency representatives, and get help from non-profits. 

When visiting a disaster recovery center, it’s helpful to bring some important information with you. 

  • Address of the damaged primary residence 
  • Insurance coverage information 
  • Current phone number and mailing address 
  • Bank account information 

MAJOR DISASTER DECLARATION 

On Wednesday, January 8, President Joe Biden quickly approved Governor Newsom’s request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration to support ongoing response efforts. Late last night, the state also received continued federal assistance to combat the Hurst, Eaton, and Palisades Fires. On Tuesday, January 7, Governor Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency.