Today, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) released an updated resource guide to help residents and businesses affected by the Eaton Fire access available support. This revised guide builds on the original version she released in January, ensuring those impacted have the latest information on the resources available to them as they recover and rebuild.

Residents affected by the Eaton Fire are reminded that the deadline to apply for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) assistance is Monday, March 31st. Relief may include up to 14 days of displacement assistance for hotel costs, $770 for essential items, and larger grants for medical bills, vehicle replacement, and other critical needs. The SBA also offers low-interest loans for impacted small business owners, homeowners, and renters. The individual assistance deadline was extended to March 31^st at Rep. Chu's and urging. Additionally, residents must decide by March 31st whether to opt into the government-run debris removal program led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

"Federal disaster assistance has been crucial for the communities I represent following the devastation and destruction caused by Eaton Fire. For those who lost everything, this assistance has allowed them to secure temporary housing, cover the costs of essentials, and start the process of clearing their properties so that they can begin to rebuild the homes, businesses, and community institutions we lost. The road ahead is long, and we must ensure that all of our neighbors in Altadena and Pasadena have the resources they need to recover," said Rep. Chu. "That is why I am incredibly grateful that FEMA responded to my request to extend its application deadline to March 31st, ensuring that all survivors have enough time to apply for federal disaster assistance as they rebuild their homes, businesses, and lives. I also want to remind those impacted by the fire that the deadline to participate in the debris removal program led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which comes at no out-of-pocket cost for survivors after insurance, is also on March 31st. This decision is an important step in the recovery process, and I encourage everyone affected to evaluate their options and choose the path that best supports their rebuilding efforts."

Deadlines to remember:

FEMA Individual Assistance: by March 31, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. (Pacific Time)

• Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling FEMA's helpline at 800-621-3362, or by using the FEMA mobile app.
• Apply in-person at the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) at 540 West Woodbury Rd., Altadena, CA 91001. Visit the DRC Locatorto find alternate locations.

SBA Disaster Loan: by March 31, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. (Pacific Time)

• Apply for a Small Business Administration Disaster Loan online at lending.sba.gov or call SBA at 800-659-2955. Individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing may call 800-877-8339.

Debris Removal Program Right of Entry form: by March 31, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. (Pacific Time)

• To Apply, either:
  • Complete the opt-in form online at: app.smartsheet.com
  • Download and complete a form: file.lacounty.gov
  • Pick up a form at a Disaster Recovery Center. Visit the DRC Locatorto find a location.
    
• If anyone has questions about debris removal on their properties, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has established a Debris Call Center to help answer questions. Their hours of operation are from 6am to 6:30pm and their phone number is 213-308-8305.

"This is the very least we can do for those who have lost so much. I urge anyone impacted to apply for the available resources-help is out there, and no one should have to navigate this recovery alone," said Rep. Chu. "My office and I will continue assisting in whatever way we can in response and recovery efforts."