Public Counselโs Fire Relief and Recovery Services for LA County
This web page serves as a central hub for Public Counselโs 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.
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Public Counselโs 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
- Altadena Disaster Recovery Center
540 West Woodbury Road
Altadena, CA 91001 - UCLA Research Park Location
10850 West Pico Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90064
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 FEMAโs UCLA Research Park location to provide information about our services and distribute guides and informational resources.
Public Counselโs 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.
๐ Interpretation in ASL, Spanish, and English CART provided.
More info about the series and recordings of past presentations are available here.
Added on: January 29, 2025
Fact Sheet: Advice for Homeowners with Mortgages A๏ฌected 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 โ 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 youโre 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 caregiverโs affidavitโa 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 processโincluding concerns about duplication of benefits from other funding sourcesโand additional sources of financial assistance.
Click here to download this FAQ.
Added on: January 15, 2025
Public Counselโs Ongoing Services for LA County Fire-Impacted Residents
Legal Assistance for Displaced Students
If your childโs school was damaged or destroyed by the recent fires, and your childโs education is being impacted, Public Counselโs education advocates may be able to help. Our Child, Youth & Family Advocacy project can help with: special education issues, school discipline defense, and education accessโincluding: 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 Counselโs 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 Counselโs 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 tenantsโ 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.
- Date: Third Tuesday of each month
- Time: 10:00 AM โ 2:00 PM
- Location: Jackie Robinson Community Center
1020 North Fair Oaks Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91103
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 tenantsโ 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.
- Date: Second Saturday of each month
- Time: 9:00 AM โ 12:00 PM
- Location: Jackie Robinson Community Center
1020 North Fair Oaks Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91103
This is a walk-in clinic, no appointment is necessary.
Public Counselโs 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.
๐ Interpretation in ASL, Spanish, and English CART provided.
More info about the series and recordings of past presentations are available here.
Healing Together: Trauma-informed Strategies for LAโs Wildfire Recovery
As we navigate the devastating impacts of the Los Angeles County wildfires, many of usโour loved ones, colleagues, and communitiesโare experiencing profound emotional, physical, and professional challenges. In moments like these, recognizing collective trauma is essential to supporting those affected and sustaining ourselves in the critical work of response and recovery.
Join Public Counselโs Director of Social Work, Judy Verduzco, MSW, for a webinar exploring the concept of collective trauma and its impacts on individuals and communities. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of trauma-informed principles, reflect on the importance of self-awareness and self-care, and learn practical strategies to foster both personal and community care. The webinar will conclude with a grounding self-care activity to help participants find moments of calm and balance.
- When: Thursday, February 20, 11:00 A.M.
- Where: Zoom โ Click here to register: bit.ly/healing-together-LA
If you would like to support Public Counselโs LA County fire relief and recovery services, please click here:
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.
