City of Pasadena, CA

01/21/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/21/2025 19:11

Essential Resources for Housing Recovery After Eaton Fire

Pasadena, CA - The City of Pasadena reminds residents impacted by the Eaton Fire and other wildfires in Los Angeles County to seek assistance through FEMA if they face housing challenges. FEMA's Displacement Assistance provides vital support for individuals and families unable to return home due to disaster-related damage. Eligible survivors may qualify for additional rental assistance, helping them secure short-term housing during their recovery. FEMA works closely with households to evaluate temporary housing needs and connect them with the appropriate resources.

Homeowners and renters living near properties designated as red-tagged on the City of Pasadena's Safety Precautions Map are strongly urged to apply. Red-tagged properties indicate unsafe conditions due to structural damage or other hazard risks. Visit the map at: City of Pasadena Safety Precautions.

Steps to Request Rental Assistance

Homeowners and renters seeking Rental Assistance should contact FEMA by:

  • Visiting a Disaster Recovery Center: The nearest location is Pasadena City College Community Education Center, 3035 E. Foothill Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91101.
  • Calling the FEMA Helpline: Dial 1-800-621-3362.
  • Sending a Written Request: Address to FEMA, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055.

Ways to Apply for FEMA Assistance

To initiate any FEMA assistance, survivors must first apply. Applications can be submitted by:

  • Visiting DisasterAssistance.gov.
  • Downloading and using the FEMA App.
  • Calling the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362.
  • Visiting the Pasadena Disaster Recovery Center.

The deadline to apply for assistance is March 10, 2025.

Resources for Tenants and Landlords

  • Landlords: FEMA's Home Repair Assistance program supports landlords who permanently reside in damaged homes. For apartment buildings, assistance covers the owner-occupied unit only. FEMA assistance does not include expenses for common area damages. However, rental properties may qualify for U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loans. To explore SBA options, contact 1-800-659-2955.
  • Renters: Pre-disaster renters may receive:
    • Reimbursement for short-term lodging.
    • Temporary housing rental funds.
    • Financial support for repairing or replacing essential personal property, including vehicles.
    • Uninsured expenses for medical, dental, childcare, funeral, moving, or storage needs.

Critical Needs Assistance

FEMA provides a one-time $700 payment to address immediate disaster-related expenses, including food, water, and clothing. Survivors are encouraged to apply for this aid as part of their recovery plan.

Legal Resources for Disaster Survivors

Legal support is available to survivors through FEMA's Disaster Legal Services program and California's dedicated Disaster Legal Services website: https://disasterlegalservicesca.org/.

Additional Support from Local Resources

The Pasadena Foothills Association of Realtors has also set up an Eaton Wildfire Resource Center at 1070 Green Street, Pasadena, CA 91106. The center is open from Wednesday, January 22, to Sunday, January 26, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Parking is available in the back of the building on the second level.

Eaton Wildfire Resource Center Services:

Dedicated volunteers at the center are available to assist with:

  • Access to Available Units: Learn about housing options that suit your needs.
  • Leasing Assistance: Get help understanding and navigating the leasing process.
  • Insurance Coverage Guidance: Understand your policy and explore your options.
  • Resource Connections: Find support for short-term housing, clean-up efforts, financing solutions, and your next steps forward.

Whether you have questions about securing a temporary home, understanding your insurance benefits, or accessing additional resources, the volunteers at PFAR are available to help you navigate the path to recovery.

Stay connected to the City of Pasadena! Visit us online at CityOfPasadena.net; follow us on Twitter at @PasadenaGov, and Instagram and Facebook at @CityOfPasadena; or call the City Service Center Monday through Friday during business hours at (626) 744-7311.