Critical Resources for Victims of California Wildfires and Windstorms Click Here for Info

Critical Resources for Victims of California Wildfires and Windstorms

Overview:

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the nation’s oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization, is providing support to residents impacted by the recent wildfires in Southern California. LULAC is dedicated to ensuring that all affected communities, especially Latino families, have access to essential resources for recovery.

LULAC is implementing its Natural Disaster Emergency Action Coordination Plan to assist wildfire victims, with a specific focus on Latino communities. The organization is prioritizing immediate access to emergency housing and support services while making sure Spanish-speaking families have access to vital information on how to access recovery resources.

Disproportionate Impact on Latino Communities:

Latino communities often face a disproportionate impact during disasters such as wildfires due to a combination of systemic vulnerabilities:

  • Higher Rates of Uninsured or Underinsured Households: Many Latino families are more dependent on federal aid because they lack adequate insurance coverage for their property.
  • Geographic Vulnerability: Latino communities are often located in rural or economically disadvantaged areas, making them more vulnerable to wildfires and lacking the necessary infrastructure to handle such disasters.
  • Language Barriers: Limited English proficiency can impede access to critical disaster information. LULAC and FEMA are working to ensure that all communications are available in Spanish to provide clear and accessible instructions.
  • Immigrant Populations: Many Latino households in California consist of mixed-status families. These communities may be hesitant to seek assistance due to fears about immigration enforcement. LULAC is committed to ensuring that disaster relief is available to all residents, regardless of immigration status.

Important DHS/ICE Info:

  • DHS Statement on Safety and Enforcement During the Fires in Los Angeles County, CA
  • “In such circumstances, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) remind the public that sites that provide emergency response and relief are considered protected areas. To the fullest extent possible, ICE and CBP do not conduct immigration enforcement activities at protected areas such as along evacuation routes, sites used for sheltering or the distribution of emergency supplies, food or water, or registration sites for disaster-related assistance or the reunification of families and loved ones. At the request of FEMA or local and state authorities, ICE and CBP may help conduct search and rescue, air traffic de-confliction and public safety missions. ICE and CBP provide emergency assistance to individuals regardless of their immigration status. DHS officials do not and will not pose as individuals providing emergency-related information as part of any enforcement activities. DHS is committed to ensuring that every individual who seeks shelter, aid, or other assistance as a result of a natural disaster or emergency event is able to do so regardless of their immigration status.” Emergency Assistance:

Emergency Assistance:

Housing:

Animal Boarding:

Small Animals:

  • Agoura Animal Care Center - 29525 Agoura Rd., Agoura Hills, CA 91301
  • Baldwin Park Animal Care Center - 4275 Elton Baldwin Park, CA 91706
  • Carson Animal Care Center - 216 W. Victoria St, Gardena, CA 90248
  • Castaic Animal Care Center - 31044 Charlie Canyon, Castaic, CA 91384
  • Downey Animal Care Center - 11258 Garfield Ave, Downey, CA 90242
  • Lancaster Animal Care Center - 5210 W Ave I, Lancaster, CA 93536
  • Palmdale Animal Care Center - 38550 Sierra Hwy, Palmdale, CA 93550
  • Pasadena Humane - 361 S. Raymond Ave, Pasadena CA 91105
  • Los Angeles SpcaLA - 5026 W. Jefferson Blvd., Los Angeles 90016


Large Animals:

  • Castaic Animal Care Center 31044 Charlie Canyon, Castaic, CA 91384 
  • Industry Hills Expo 16200 Temple Ave, City of Industry, CA 91744
  • Los Angeles Equestrian Center – 480 Riverside Drive, Burbank, CA 91506
  • Pico Rivera Sports Arena 11003 Sports Arena Dr, Pico Rivera, CA 90601
  • Pierce College – 6201 Winnetka Ave., Woodland Hills, CA 91367
  • Pomona Fairplex 1101 W McKinley Ave. Pomona

Food Assistance:

Healthcare:

Road Closures & Transportation

Keep informed about road closures and detours:

For immediate assistance or additional support, dial 2-1-1. Please take all evacuation orders seriously, follow local guidance, and stay safe during this challenging time. 211 LA is here to support you every step of the way.

Power Outage Information & Water Alerts

FEMA Assistance Can Help Jumpstart Recovery:

FEMA provides disaster assistance to help individuals and families meet basic needs following wildfires. This includes financial support for food, water, baby formula, medication, housing needs, and home repairs.

If you have insurance, you must first file a claim with your insurance provider before applying for FEMA assistance. However, if your insurance does not cover all damages, you may still be eligible for additional support.

How to Apply for FEMA Assistance

Residents in the affected areas can apply for FEMA assistance in one of the following ways:

  • Online: Visit DisasterAssistance.gov to apply for assistance.
  • Mobile App: Download the FEMA app from FEMA's Mobile Products Page.
  • Phone: Call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 (available daily from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. PST). Help is available in most languages.

For an accessible guide on how to apply, visit FEMA’s YouTube video here.

Insurance Information

If you are a wildfire survivor and have insurance, it’s important to work closely with your insurance agent, claims adjuster, and insurance company to achieve a fair settlement that aligns with your coverage. Here are some steps to take:

  • Work with your insurance agent or broker to review your coverage and ensure you understand the claims process.
  • Dispute Resolution: If you have any questions or disputes regarding your insurance claim, you can contact the Department of Insurance at 1-800-927-4357 or use the Consumer Hotline Chat for assistance.

Key Resources for Claimants:

Avoid Scams:

Be cautious of insurance scams post-disaster. The California Department of Insurance provides resources to help you avoid fraud and ensure you receive the compensation you're entitled to. For more information, visit Avoid Insurance Scams.

Contact Information:

For questions or more information, contact the following FEMA Offices:

  • Congressional Affairs: (202) 646-4500 | FEMA-Congressional-Affairs@fema.dhs.gov
  • Intergovernmental Affairs: (202) 646-3444 | FEMA-IGA@fema.dhs.gov
  • Tribal Affairs: (202) 646-3444 | FEMA-Tribal@fema.dhs.gov
  • Private Sector Engagement: (202) 646-3444 | FEMA-private-sector@fema.dhs.gov

Media Inquiries:

David Cruz, LULAC Media Relations
Phone: (202) 833-6130
Email: davidcruz@lulac.org

For More Information or Support:

Jacob Sandoval, LULAC California State Director
Email: Jacob@calulac.org

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