Community members and partners,
As the wildfires continue to affect our southern communities, we send our deepest gratitude to the firefighters, first responders, regional center employees, and community members protecting and supporting everyone impacted by the southern and central California wildfires. Our hearts remain with the individuals and families facing disruptions and unimaginable loss.
The safety and well-being of individuals and families remain the top priority. Please be aware of and use the following resources and support available in your area during these challenging times. Please also remember you are not alone in this. If you or a loved one needs assistance, you can contact your service coordinator or regional center. They are ready to provide guidance, connect you with local resources, and help navigate the recovery process.
Resources for Response and Recovery
Support is available to address immediate needs, such as temporary housing, medical care, and emotional health:
- The Governor’s office has compiled a list of critical resources at www.ca.gov/LAfires.
- All Los Angeles County regional centers have response information on their websites.
- CalHHS has an Emergency Guide that centralizes resources for mental health, social services, recovery, and more.
- Fire.ca.gov and Listos.ca.gov provide updates and resources during active and upcoming emergency events.
- The Department’s emergency preparedness team has gathered local resources and guides for immigrants in English and Spanish.
- Guide to Disaster Assistance Services for Immigrant Californians – Spanish
- CalOES Public Service Announcement (January 13, 2025) Southern California Wildfire-Themed Scams
- CalOES Shelter Information Emergency shelter listing.
Federal
- FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) are available daily to the public from 9 AM to 8 PM at the following locations:
- UCLA Research Park
10850 W Pico Blvd. Los Angeles CA 90064
- Community Education Center 3035 E Foothill Blvd #112 Pasadena CA 91107
- UCLA Research Park
- Individual Assistance (IA) Overview for People in Non-Traditional Dwellings
Steps to Take After a Wildfire
The Governor’s Office and CalFire has recommendations for steps you can take in the aftermath of a wildfire, including:
- A checklist for returning home safely
- Who can help
- Tips and tools for rebuilding
- Additional resources for long-term recovery
County/Local
How you can help
We all can support our southern California communities and neighbors by:
- Donating to regional center relief funds for individuals and families:
- San Gabriel/Pamona Regional Center Mail-In Donations
- Westside Regional Center Fire Relief Fund
- Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center Fire Relief Fund
- Harbor Regional Center Help Fund
- North Los Angeles County Regional Center FRNC Fund
- Donate items from the Amazon Wishlist for impacted I/DD families; managed by the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities and The Colin Farrell Foundation.
- Sharing recovery and response resource information
- Avoiding travel to impacted areas
- Volunteering through California Volunteers
- Additional ways to donate, through Philanthropy California
We’ve seen how the resilience of our communities and the strength of our partnerships can make a difference. We will navigate these challenges and rebuild together. If there is a resource you need and you do not see it listed above, please reach out to your regional center for guidance, or email info@dds.ca.gov.
With appreciation and well-wishes,
– Pete