Navigating Rental Options and Assistance for L.A. Wildfire Victims
The recent wildfires destroyed more than 16,000 structures and displaced thousands of residents. Several community organizations and businesses are stepping up to help wildfire victims find housing.
Over 160 hotels in California, Arizona, and Nevada are offering free or discounted stays to evacuees.
Organizations like the LA Tenants Union advocate for tenant protection during this challenging time. They are pushing for rent freezes and eviction moratoriums to provide a safety net for those who lost their homes.
For those who lost their job because of the fires, there are several financial assistance options:
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers financial assistance for temporary housing and other disaster-related expenses. The deadline for wildfire victims to apply for federal aid has been extended to March 31. People affected by the fires can apply through FEMA's website to receive help.
There are three ways to apply:
California's Employment Development Department (EDD) provides Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) to those who lost their jobs or cannot work because of the fires. This program offers financial relief, resources, and eligibility information. To apply, visit this page on the EDD site.
To navigate the many challenges of the wildfires, victims should:
Recovery will be tough for wildfire victims, but many resources and organizations are here to help them find stable housing and financial relief. The resilience of affected communities, combined with the dedication of advocacy groups and government agencies, offers hope during these trying times.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Delaware best in US for tipping, California ranks worse
(NewsNation) — Servers in Delaware have the best tips, according to new data from payment company Toast, with those in California faring the worst. Overall, tipping has gone up slightly this year for full-service restaurants, rising to an average of 19.4% from 19.3% in 2024. The number is still down from peak pandemic highs of 19.9% but similar to numbers seen in 2018 and 2019. Trump and Noem on planned FEMA changes: 'We're going to give out less money' The news is less positive for those working at quick-service restaurants, where tipping has remained flat at 15.8%. Delaware ranked the best for tips, with an average of 22.1%, while California was at the bottom with an average tip of 17.3%. Americans have expressed frustration and burnout as an increasing number of establishments, from full-service restaurants to coffee shops and counter-service eateries, ask for tips. Casual dining chains have also seen a dip in sales, as Americans squeezed by rising prices opt against mid-range options. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
3 hours ago
- CBS News
Maryland uses new disaster recovery fund to support Allegany County after severe flooding
Maryland to provide nearly $460k to help recovery in Allegany County after heavy rains, floods Maryland to provide nearly $460k to help recovery in Allegany County after heavy rains, floods Maryland to provide nearly $460k to help recovery in Allegany County after heavy rains, floods Maryland allocated $459,375 from its new Disaster Recovery Fund to support Allegany County after severe flooding in May. The flash flooding, brought on by severe storms on May 13, prompted Gov. Wes Moore to declare a State of Emergency, as buildings were damaged and nearly 200 people were rescued from schools. Following the incident, the governor also called on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to conduct a damage assessment. Funding for western Maryland flooding The governor's office said data collected through damage assessments indicated that the recovery needs were beyond the capability of the county. Allegany County officials then requested help from the state's Disaster Recovery Fund. The Maryland Department of Emergency Management worked closely with county officials to provide the funding. The Disaster Recovery Fund, created under a Maryland law, is a form of state-assisted financing that is given to jurisdictions to provide essential help to households, local governments or businesses impacted by disasters, the governor's office said. The funds can be used to supplement needs like housing, repairs or property replacement. "Being the first of its kind in Maryland, the State Disaster Recovery Fund is providing critical support to the residents of Allegany County," said Maryland Department of Emergency Management Secretary Russell Strickland. "Financial assistance availability at crucial times like this is what strengthens our state's resilience and allows our communities to recover." Who is eligible for disaster recovery funding? Allegany and Garrett County residents and business owners can apply for disaster relief loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration Physical Loan program, the governor's office said. An outreach center at 103 1st Street in Westernport is assisting both counties. "In Maryland, we live mission-first, people always. These funds will help Marylanders get back on their feet in the wake of historic flooding," Gov. Moore said. "Our administration has taken a comprehensive approach to our recovery efforts – and we will continue to support our people, uplift our communities, and help Western Maryland bounce back." Find more information about disaster recovery funds HERE.
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Yahoo
Louisiana senators push FEMA to halt Risk Rating 2.0 program
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Sens. Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy ask the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to stop the Risk Rating 2.0 program. According to FEMA, Risk Rating 2.0 was created under the Biden administration as a new approach to flood risk assessment through new data. The system checks factors such as flood frequency, flood types, and proximity to flood sources. Cassidy, Kennedy, and other Republicans are asking that the program end due to the increase in premiums under the National Flood Insurance Program. 'Since the Biden Administration's rollout of Risk Rating 2.0, premiums under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) increased in every state. By FEMA's own estimates, 77 percent of all NFIP policies now pay more than under the old system,' the senators wrote. The letter states that Louisiana saw a 234% increase in premiums in 2023, forcing over 52,000 residents out of the program. Other states impacted include Alabama, Mississippi, Texas, and West Virginia. 'Each month that Risk Rating 2.0 continues unchecked, more families are forced to abandon their insurance coverage, neighborhoods face economic strain, and entire communities risk collapse after the next disaster,' the lawmakers added. In March 2025, Cassidy and Kennedy introduced legislation to extend the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) through Dec. 31, 2026, which would give homeowners long-term stability. Read the full letter below. Senate-Letter-to-FEMA-Risk-Rating-2.0Download Amite River Basin Commission approves regional flood prevention plan LSU students create life-saving car seat alert system VIDEO: Nexstar reporter carjacked at gunpoint in Memphis These 10 restaurant chains have the happiest workers, study finds Trump's 'big, beautiful bill' gets boost from LA immigration protests Police: 3 men charged after drug, gun trafficking investigation in Baton Rouge Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
