Last Updated 6:15 PM, January 16, 2025
Pro Bono Volunteers
Prepare & Train with the Pro Bono Training Institute: Our training modules provide legal aid training in a variety of disaster management techniques in housing, FEMA tips and tricks, safety, insurance, and consumer legal issues. Click here to access the Pro Bono Training Institute Portal and start training today.
Register to Help: Connect with opportunities to provide critical legal assistance in Los Angeles’ time of need by registering today with The California Pro Bono Portal. Opportunities will be added as they arise.
NLSLA Volunteer Opportunities and Clinics:
- Virtual volunteer training led by NLSLA: January 21 at 11am (zoom registration link)
- LA Wildfires emergency insurance free legal clinic coordinated by California Lawyers for the Arts (https://www.
calawyersforthearts.org/): January 17 from 2-7pm
Pepperdine Limited Scope Clinics:
Saturday, January 18, 10:00 am, at St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church in Malibu: A pro bono, limited-scope legal clinic with clinic faculty and local attorneys to provide advice, counsel, and guidance to neighbors on FEMA applications, insurance claims, and related legal issues.
Sunday, January 19, 1:00, at St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church in Malibu: Another pro bono limited-scope legal clinic.
(These clinics are strictly pro bono, and we will not share client information with other lawyers or permit volunteer lawyers to solicit fee-generating cases.)
For lawyers interested in volunteering at any events or sessions, please fill out this form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScwUGr563MIS0TO67OxZRiIJ-YIqn_zDWYQgCtadY2Yzj8iwA/viewform?usp=sharing
Resources
State Bar of California: Overview of Legal Issues and Help After a Disaster
Advocates for Disaster Justice: Help for Disaster Survivors
Assistance Programs
Inclusive Action has set up the “Open Air Worker Emergency Fund” to support outdoor workers impacted by the fires, including street vendors, gardeners, recyclers and other outdoor workers who have lost incomes and maybe their homes in the fires. The fund aims to assist workers most affected by providing a one-time $500 cash assistance.
Disaster Assistance: Families and individuals affected by the wildfires can apply for assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to receive money for essentials like food, water, medication, and housing needs if they cannot return home. They may also get money for rental assistance, home repairs, and personal property losses
Red Cross Wildfire Assistance: American Red Cross workers are aiding Southern California residents, ensuring they have a safe place to stay and support during this crisis.
Mutual Aid LA Network: – List of Active Shelter, Animal Boarding, Food, and Distribution Sites
LA Restaurants: Offering Free Meals and Relief
Los Angeles Regional Food Bank: Works with its network of more than 600 partner agencies. To find a local food pantry
Food and Nutrition for Older Adults: Offers support for older adults who may be experiencing food insecurity. To locate a meal site
LA County Aging and Disabilities Department: Food pantry sites
Unemployment Assistance: People who are out of work due to the fires may be eligible for unemployment benefits. In events of disasters, there are circumstances where independent contractors are eligible for disaster unemployment assistance and people are able to apply by filing regular claims.
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.
Opening Tuesday, January 14 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM and then daily starting Wednesday, January 15 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Westside Location
UCLA Research Park West 10850 West Pico Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90064
Eastside Location
Pasadena City College Community Education Center: 3035 E. Foothill Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91107
Housing Resources
Immediate Housing Relief (211 LA + Airbnb): Los Angeles County residents displaced by wildfires can apply for temporary housing through an Airbnb and 211 LA partnership.
Insurance Relief: The California Department of Insurance has taken the following actions to protect individuals affected by wildfires, including in Los Angeles County
Evacuation Relief. Insurers must reimburse living expenses for renters or homeowners under evacuation order. Additional information is available here and here. Residents can also call the California Department of Insurance Hotline at 800-927-4357.
Moratorium on Non-Renewals and Cancellations: There is a one-year moratorium on insurance non-renewals and cancellations for affected areas. Residents can check if their ZIP code is under moratorium once the wildfire perimeter is determined.
Insurance Commissioner Workshop: For Los Angeles residents affected by Eaton Fire to ensure they understand their insurance policies and are aware of the resources available during the rebuilding and recovery process.
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Pasadena City College – 1570 East Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91106
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January 25, 2025 from 10:00am to 5:00 pm
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January 26, 2025 from 10:00am to 1:00pm
To reserve a one-on-one appointment with an expert call (800) 927-4357
Resources for Immigrants
Disaster Assistance Guide for Immigrants | CA Department of Social Services CDSS Resource
Disaster Resources for Immigrant Communities | OIA
OIA hotline: (800) 593-8222 for assistance in navigating immigration legal and social services and other safety net programs
OIA website: immigrants.lacounty.gov
Dcba website: dcba.lacounty.gov/disasterready/ | dcba.lacounty.gov/after-the-disaster-information-for-landlords-and-tenants/
Neighborhood Legal Services
NLSALA General Hotline: (800) 433-6251
NLSLA Wildfire Resource Page: https://nlsla.org/services/disaster-assistance/
Financial Assistance
Public Counsel’s FAQ’s on FEMA Financial Assistance
Protect Your Home and Finances: For general info and resources on protecting your home and finances after a wildfire, including avoiding scams and filing complaints, visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
Shelter, Rental, and Home Replacement Assistance: You may be able to receive temporary shelter, rental assistance, or help to repair or replacement your home through FEMA.
Mortgage Relief: Homeowners must keep making mortgage payments after a wildfire. If you’re struggling, contact your mortgage servicer for possible forbearance relief. Additional help may be available for federally backed or insured mortgages.
Get Coverage and Prepare for Future Wildfires: Prepare for future wildfires by reviewing your insurance and exploring options like California’s FAIR Plan. Check with your insurer for wildfire risk mitigation programs.
California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund Grant: For nonprofits seeking relief and recovery funding, you may share a summary of your organization’s work by emailing LAWildfires@calfund.org. CCF staff will review and follow up