Public Counsel’s Fire Relief and Recovery Services for LA County

This web page serves as a central hub for Public Counsel’s fire relief and recovery efforts for Los Angeles County. Through free legal services and wildfire-related resources, we are here to help individuals, families, small businesses, and communities impacted or displaced by the fires.

We will continue to update this page as additional resources are developed and new services become available.

Public Counsel’s Emergency Services

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers

Public Counsel is supporting FEMA and the County of Los Angeles Disaster Recovery Centers to assist those affected by the wildfires.

Locations

Visit the FEMA website for hours of operation here.

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers assist Californians who have experienced damage to their primary homes, personal property loss, or disaster-related emergency needs due to the wildfires. Visitors can apply for federal assistance, connect with representatives from state and federal agencies, receive updates on FEMA applications, and learn about the appeals process.

With our partner organization Bet Tzedek, Public Counsel is staffing the Altadena Disaster Recovery Center, offering free legal support to small businesses affected by the fires. We are also gearing up to provide tenant rights support, legal advice on fraud prevention and disaster-related scams, and assistance for workers impacted by the fires. Additionally, our staff will be at FEMA’s UCLA Research Park location to provide information about our services and distribute guides and informational resources.

Public Counsel’s Guides and Informational Resources

Recovery After the Fires: Free Legal Webinar Series for Consumers & Homeowners

Public Counsel and partner organizations are offering a free know-your-rights webinar series for people impacted by the fires. Focused on homeowner and consumer issues, these sessions provide information to help you navigate the recovery process, manage financial challenges, and make informed decisions during this critical time.

📅 Every Wednesday & Thursday, 5:30 PM, Jan 29 – Feb 20
💻 Join on Zoom: bit.ly/KnowYourRights-Fire
📌 Add to Your Calendar: http://evt.to/euoohehmw

🌍 Interpretation in ASL, Spanish, and English CART provided.

Click here to download the flyer in English & Spanish

Added on: January 29, 2025

Fact Sheet: Advice for Homeowners with Mortgages Affected by the 2025 LA County Fires

Public Counsel created this two-page fact sheet to provide guidance for homeowners with mortgages affected by the 2025 LA County fires. It offers advice on managing mortgage payments, property taxes, and insurance claims, while also highlighting disaster relief options, warnings about scams, and links to additional resources.

To apply for assistance with your mortgage, please complete an online intake here, or call (213) 385 – 2977 ext. 700.

Click here to download this fact sheet.

Added on: January 21, 2025


FAQs for Homeowners with Mortgages Affected by the 2025 LA Wildfires

This FAQ is a companion to the above fact sheet and provides answers to common questions about mortgage relief. Learn about forbearance options, loan modifications, and steps to take if you’re struggling with payments due to the wildfires.

Click here to download this FAQ.

Added on: January 29, 2025

Employer Guidance for Nonprofits and Small Businesses During LA County Fires (FAQ)

This FAQ provides essential information for small businesses and nonprofit employers affected by the LA wildfires. Learn about workplace safety requirements, employee rights, wage and hour obligations, and ways to assist impacted employees. Whether ensuring compliance or offering support, this resource equips employers to navigate challenges during the recovery process.

Click here to download this FAQ.

Added on: January 23, 2025

Know Your Rights: Preserving Parental Rights for Families Separated by Wildfires

If your children are living with someone else due to displacement caused by the fires, there are legal options available to ensure they receive the care they need without giving up your parental rights. Public Counsel created this fact sheet to explain how to use a caregiver’s affidavit—a simple document that allows the person caring for your child to enroll them in school and access basic medical care, while keeping your parental rights intact.

Click here to download this fact sheet in English and Spanish.

Added on: January 18, 2025

Fact Sheet: Understanding the Risks of Filing Bankruptcy After the LA County Fires

Public Counsel created this one-page fact sheet to help Los Angeles County residents affected by the LA County fires understand the potential impacts of filing for bankruptcy, especially Chapter 7. The guide highlights important factors to consider, including how bankruptcy can affect your credit and your ability to access affordable loans.

Click here to download this fact sheet in English and Spanish.

Added on: January 17, 2025

Directory: Emergency Resources for Individuals and Families Affected by LA County Fires

We created this one-page directory to connect Los Angeles County residents impacted by the fires to critical resources. It includes links for emergency cash assistance, necessities and supplies, unemployment benefits, and insurance support. This essential recovery resource is available in both English and Spanish.

Click here to download this resource directory.

Added on: January 17, 2025

Guide to FEMA Financial Assistance: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Public Counsel created this FAQ to provide answers to common questions about obtaining FEMA assistance after disasters, including the LA County 2025 fires. It covers the FEMA application process—including concerns about duplication of benefits from other funding sources—and additional sources of financial assistance.

Click here to download this FAQ.

Public Counsel’s Ongoing Services for LA County Fire-Impacted Residents

Legal Assistance for Displaced Students

If your child’s school was damaged or destroyed by the recent fires, and your child’s education is being impacted, Public Counsel’s education advocates may be able to help. Our Child, Youth & Family Advocacy project can help with: special education issues, school discipline defense, and education access—including: school closure due to fire damage, Enrollment in a new school or district, disenrollment, and discrimination.

For Assistance, call (213) 385-2977 ext. 500 or fill out our online intake form at: bit.ly/crped

Legal Assistance for Workers

Public Counsel’s Audrey Irmas Gender Justice Project can provide information for impacted workers on how to access emergency financial assistance, recover unpaid wages, and understand employment rights regarding the impact of the fires

Workers may apply for our services by completing our online application, signing up for a clinic appointment, or calling (213) 385-2977, x410.

Legal Assistance for Small Businesses

In partnership with the City of Los Angeles and Bet Tzedek, Public Counsel offers free legal assistance to small business owners and can provide support to small businesses impacted by recent wildfires. Services include guidance on insurance claims, lease issues, disaster relief programs, and more. Let us help you navigate the recovery process.

To apply for services, visit: LALegalHelp.org

Support for Tenants at Homelessness Prevention Legal Clinic

Public Counsel’s Homelessness Prevention Legal Clinic offers free legal assistance to renters facing housing challenges and can support tenants impacted by the recent wildfires. Our legal advocates provide guidance on tenants’ rights and can address issues such as displacement, unsafe living conditions, and loss of housing caused by the fires. Held on the third Tuesday of each month at the Jackie Robinson Community Center in Pasadena, this walk-in clinic is open to the public.

This is a walk-in clinic, no appointment is necessary.

Pasadena Community Legal Clinic

A free monthly community legal clinic at the Jackie Robinson Community Center in Pasadena that provides legal assistance on a range of issues, and can address fire-related legal matters. Sponsored by Public Counsel & All Saints Church, services include support for tenants’ rights and housing displacement, family law matters, bankruptcy/consumer debt concerns, probate, civil disputes, access to public benefits, expungements, and more. Held on the second Saturday of each month, this walk-in clinic is open to the public.

This is a walk-in clinic, no appointment is necessary.

Public Counsel’s Presentations & Webinars for LA County Fire-Impacted Residents

Recovery After the Fires: Free Legal Webinar Series for Consumers & Homeowners

Public Counsel and partner organizations are offering a free know-your-rights webinar series for people impacted by the fires. Focused on homeowner and consumer issues, these sessions provide information to help you navigate the recovery process, manage financial challenges, and make informed decisions during this critical time.

Recordings of Past Presentations are available in ASL, English, and Spanish at: www.youtube.com/@PublicCounsel and http://www.youtube.com/@2025CLSCDR

PLEASE NOTE: This page will be updated regularly as new resources are developed and additional services become available. Please check back for the latest information.

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