LA County Emergency Resources for Workers and Businesses
The LA Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) leads economic resiliency and recovery efforts for the County of Los Angeles. In an emergency, DEO and our partners are here to provide information, programs and services, and resources for workers and businesses.
LA County Wildfire Emergency
DEO’s East LA Entrepreneur Center and America’s Job Centers of California will reopen on Monday, January 13th to support impacted workers and small businesses. Veterans AJCC at Bob Hope Patriotic Hall will remain closed. For general small business support, please contact our Office of Small Business (OSB) at 844-432-4900 or email osb@opportunity.lacounty.gov. To access our virtual AJCC services, visit ajcc.lacounty.gov, call or email workforce@opportunity.lacounty.gov.
Please indicate “wildfire assistance” in email subject line for both OSB and AJCC services.
A state of emergency remains in effect for Los Angeles County. This page has been updated for the Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire, Hurst Fire, Sunset Fire and other recent wildfires.
Ready LA County
Staying prepared and informed builds resiliency and is the first line of defense in any emergency.
Visit ready.lacounty.gov to for updates and follow
@readylacounty
Dial 2-1-1 for emergency preparedness information and referrals. For updates visit here
Register for alerts at ready.lacounty.gov/emergency-notifications/.
Visit here for a business resiliency roadmap and resources including PDF forms to help prepare
Download Watch Duty app for real-time updates sent directly to a cell phone
Create a disaster preparedness plan by visiting here or ready.gov
LA County Emergency
Following and understanding official public health and safety guidance during an emergency is critical for health and safety. Visit lacounty.gov/emergency and follow @countyofla for:
Real-time updates on the incident response by
the County and partners and press conference streams and media releases
Ways to offer volunteer hours, small donations, and goods and services through: Emergency Network Los Angeles (ENLA)
Information on: evacuations, road closures, debris removal, water impacts, health alerts and PPE availability, human and animal shelter, family assistance centers, and other immediate relief
Access to the County’s Emergency Map providing updates on significant threats
lA County REcovers:
Critical information and Resources for Economic Recovery
For the latest resources on community recovery, visit recovery.lacounty.gov.
While the first 72-hour response to any emergency is focused on saving lives and ensuring health and safety, DEO supports emergency management while assessing economic impacts, identifying requisite resources, and beginning to lay plans for economic recovery and resiliency for the County’s workers, small businesses, and communities. From business owners looking to rebuild or employees trying to get back on your feet, we are here to help.
For Businesses
Support and resources for businesses with
structural loss or damage, closure, and revenue loss
For Workers
Support and resources for workers facing
imminent layoffs, loss of wages, or unemployment
For information, resources and events to be reviewed for
inclusion on this page, click on button to submit:
Local Assistance and Disaster Resource Centers
Local Assistance & Disaster Resource Centers will open to the public on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 8:00PM. Starting Wednesday, January 15, 2025, the Disaster Resource Centers will be available to the public from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Locations include:
- Westside Location
UCLA Research Park West
10850 West Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
- Eastside Location
Pasadena City College Community Education Center
3035 E. Foothill Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91107
Business Recovery Webinars & Events
California Department of Insurance Support Workshops
For Los Angeles residents affected by the recent wildfires to ensure they understand their insurance policies and are aware of the resources available during the rebuilding and recovery process. More information at: insurance.ca.gov.
California Department of Insurance Support Workshops
For Los Angeles residents affected by the recent wildfires to ensure they understand their insurance policies and are aware of the resources available during the rebuilding and recovery process. More information at: insurance.ca.gov.
For Businesses
DEO offers direct 1:1 counseling and referrals through our Office of Small Business Concierge and referrals to trusted partners for Entrepreneurship Academies, technical assistance and training, and capital programs. DEO also coordinates emergency information and resources from public, private, and community-serving partners.
Loans
State Loans
California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBank) offers loan programs for businesses affected by disasters in California. IBank, a unit within California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), offers loan programs for businesses from 1 to 750 employees (small businesses).
Disaster Relief Loan Guarantee Program (DRLGP): Businesses in disaster areas can secure up to 95% of the loan amount to help small business borrowers who were impacted by disasters or public safety power shutoffs and who need term loans or lines of credit for working capital with limits up to $1 million.
Jump Start Loan Program: IBank offers loans from $500 to $10,000 to low-wealth entrepreneurs in the declared disaster and emergency areas.
California State Treasurer’s Office CA Capital Access Program (CalCAP): CalCAP is a loan loss reserve program that may provide up to 10% courage on losses as a result of certain loan defaults. To find a participating lender, visit here.
Federal Loans
U.S Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans are now available for Los Angeles County victims of the wind and wildfire events, which started Jan 7, 2025. SBA offers a variety of loan programs to assist small businesses, ranging from micro-loans of up to $50,000 to bank loans of up to $5 million guaranteed by the SBA. Types of disaster loans include:
- Home Disaster Loans: Loans to homeowners or renters to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and personal property, including automobiles.
- Business Physical Disaster Loans: Loans to businesses to repair or replace disaster-damaged property owned by the business, including real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery and equipment. Businesses of any size are eligible. Private, non-profit organizations such as charities, churches, private universities, etc., are also eligible.
- Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL): Working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. These loans are intended to assist through the disaster recovery period.
Other Loan Programs
Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs): Provides financial solutions for residents and small business owners, including small business loans, equity investments, personal financial services, and education and financial literacy.
Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC): Offers Working Capital loans from $100,000 to $500,000 for commercial and small businesses, as well as other loan products.
Jewish Free Loan Association (JFLA): Provides zero-interest and zero-free loans up to $15K for emergency housing, businesses support for wildfire evacuees and more.
Grants
Active Funding Available
The Support Small Business – Insurance Deductible Relief Fund: Team Friday supports impacted small businesses with cash based mutual aid to help cover the cost of deductibles for insurance claims. Submit your application for potential award.
Open Air Worker Emergency Fund: During the ongoing wildfire emergency in Los Angeles County, Inclusive Action has launched a new emergency fund to help outdoor workers – street vendors, landscapers, and recyclers – impacted by the fires. Through this fund, impacted outdoor workers can apply for one-time cash assistance support of $500. Recipients will receive cash payments on a first-come, first-served basis, and as funding allows.
California Restaurant Foundation’s Restaurants Care program: A temporary fund to provide emergency relief grants to food and beverage workers impacted by the Los Angeles area fires. Grants will range between $350-$1,500. Grants will be awarded based on need and available funding. The online application in English and Spanish is open January 14.
Financial Counseling
Local Counselors
SBA: Offers free or low-cost counseling for small businesses through its national network of Resource Partners. These partner organizations may be able to help review your business plan, identify opportunities to access capital, or provide information on applicable tax benefits, among other counseling services. Locate a Resource Partner near you to address your needs including Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), SCORE Business Mentors, Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC), and Women’s Business Centers.
Financial Empowerment Services
The Center for Financial Empowerment: The LA County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) provides coaching, tax assistance, consumer protection, and other financial services through a network of partners.
Legal Services
Legal Assistance
LA Regional Small Business Legal Aid Program: Offers no cost legal assistance for commercial lease agreements, landlord communications, and navigating insurance claims in partnership with Bet Tzedek and Public Counsel.
Dispute Resolution Services
LA County Department of Business and Consumer Affairs: Offers no-cost mediation service to community and court-impacted individuals seeking to resolve disputes outside of court including neighbor, landlord-tenant, consumer, and business disputes.
Insurance
Property
Relief for Properties Impacted by Disaster: Property damaged or destroyed by a calamity, such as fire or flooding, may qualify for relief by submitting an Application for Reassessment: Property Damaged or Destroyed by Misfortune or Calamity (M&C) Form ADS-820 with the LA County’s Assessor’s Office within 12 months from the date the property was damaged or destroyed. The loss must exceed $10,000 of current market value.
Mandatory One-Year Moratorium on Non-renewals for Insurance: On January 10th, the California Department of Insurance issued a mandatory one-year moratorium on insurance companies canceling or non-renewing residential insurance policies in certain areas within or adjacent to a fire perimeter after a declared state of emergency is issued by the Governor.
Tax
Federal, State, Local
Tax Relief: Federal, state, and local financial assistance including tax relief is available for small businesses and nonprofits impacted by the fire. Disaster affected employers can request a two month extension to file state payroll reports. Those impacted by a federally declared disaster may qualify for extra time to file and pay federal taxes currently due.
Tax Relief for Businesses: The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) has automatically extended the tax filing deadline for three months for taxpayers within Los Angeles County. This comes on the heels of the state announcing that taxpayers in Los Angeles County will be granted a postponement to October 15, 2025, to file California tax returns on 2024 income and make any tax payments that would have been due January 7, 2025, through October 15, 2025.
CDTFA will also continue to offer relief and extensions to those impacted beyond Los Angeles County based upon request. In addition to extra time to file, the state can provide relief from interest and penalties and create flexible payment plans for businesses. The automatic extensions for sales and use tax returns and payments to April 30, 2025, are eligible to those taxpayers who owed less than $1 million in sales and use tax on their 2024 third quarter returns.
Annual licensing fees under the Cigarette and Tobacco Products Licensing Act and returns due under the International Fuel Tax Agreement are not extended.
Permitting
CA Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
On January 13, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order to suspend permitting and review requirements under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the California Coastal Act to allow victims of the recent fires to restore their homes and businesses faster. The executive order will:
- Suspend CEQA review and California Coastal Act permitting for reconstruction of properties substantially damaged or destroyed in recent Southern California wildfires.
- Direct state agencies to identify additional permitting requirements, including provisions of the Building Code, that can safely be suspended or streamlined to accelerate rebuilding and make it more affordable.
- Extend protections against price gouging on building materials, storage services, construction, and other essential goods and services to January 7, 2026, in Los Angeles County.
Commit to working with the Legislature to identify statutory changes that can help expedite rebuilding while enhancing wildfire resilience and safety.
Layoff Aversion and Worker Retention
Business Assistance
Business Technical Assistance Program: Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation offers no-cost consulting services to help businesses overcome challenges and find alternatives to layoffs.
Workforce Assistance
Local Job Centers
America’s Job Centers of California (AJCC): Offers help with recruitment, training, financial incentives, and in some cases onboarding qualified staff, to meet worker needs. Subsidies now available include:
- Train New Hires pays for training a qualified pool of employees with up to 90% of initial wages able to be subsidized. This program is called “On-the-Job Training.”
- Train Existing Workers through the incumbent worker training program, the AJCCs can subsidize costs needed to train and up-skill existing, full-time employees.
- Develop New Training Programs this provides training in new production technology, service procedures or green technology that requires upskilling and retraining of employees.
- Hiring Youth Workers (Youth@Work) if you hire qualifying youth ages 14-24 for temporary work, this program can subsidize 100% of their wages. Each youth is expected to work 100 hours at no cost.
- Tax Credits for Hiring Disadvantaged Workers tax credits range from $1,200 to $9,600 for employers participating in the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) who hire and employ members of traditionally disadvantaged groups.
Email workforce@opportunity.lacounty.gov with “Wildfire Impacted” in subject line to connect to DEO. To find a center closest to you, visit here.
FEMA Emergency Relief
Disaster Declaration
Disaster Declared: On January 9th, President Biden approved a Major Disaster Declaration to supplement recovery efforts. Los Angeles County residents who have disaster-related needs due to the fires may be eligible for financial assistance. Damage assessments are continuing, and more counties and additional forms of assistance may be designated after the assessments are completed.
Individuals and families in the designated areas may be eligible to receive money for essential items like food, water, baby formula, breast feeding supplies, medication and other emergency supplies. Eligible survivors may also receive money to help with housing needs if they cannot return to their home because of the fires. The money can be used to stay in a hotel, with family and friends or other options while they find a more permanent housing solution. In addition, eligible survivors may receive money for rental assistance, basic home repairs for their primary home, personal property losses and other eligible expenses related to the wildfires.
Need Help Navigating Resources
Business Technical Assistance Providers
LA County’s Office of Small Business: Offers 1:1 counseling, new business start-up and growth workshops, permit and license navigation, certification and public sector contracting, and referrals to legal, financial, and other assistance. Services can be accessed virtually or in person at the East LA Entrepreneur Center.
LA County’s Sidewalk Vending Program: Offers information, 1:1 assistance, and capital including fee subsidies to sidewalk vendors in the unincorporated LA County.
LA County’s Economic Mobility Initiative: Provides a coordinate and customized approach across 15+ local partners to ensure entrepreneurs, small businesses, and nonprofits have access to all programs, services, and resources to start-up and grow including 1:1 technical assistance, access to capital, recruiting and hiring employees, navigating government contracting, no cost legal assistance, and applying for permits.
Business Technical Assistance with Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation: Offers access to free, confidential consulting for businesses of any size, including support to prevent layoffs.
Small Business Development Centers (SBDC): The LA SBDC Network provides small business entrepreneurs with no-cost, confidential, business advising services and low-cost training opportunities, across Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties.
BusinessSource Centers (City of LA Only): Offers free resources for startups and small businesses, including growth, employment and youth development support offered by the LA City Economic and Workforce Development Department.
For Workers
LA County offers a range of services to support workers affected by job disruptions due to emergencies. Whether facing layoffs, seeking new training opportunities, or navigating essential benefits, resources are designed to provide immediate and practical assistance for workers.
Unemployment
Unemployment Insurance
Unemployment Insurance: Workers who lost work or income due to the wildfire may be eligible for Unemployment Insurance (UI). The waiting period has been waived for disaster victims. Start the application by visiting here. For assistance, call the unemployment customer service hotline at:
- English and Spanish: 1-800-300-5616
- Armenian: 1-855-528-1518
- Cantonese: 1-800-547-3506
- Korean: 1-844-660-0877
- Mandarin: 1-866-303-0706
- Tagalog: 1-866-395-1513
- Vietnamese: 1-800-547-2058
- All Other Languages: 1-800-300-5616. Interpreter services are available free of charge.
- California Relay Service (711): Provide the UI number (1-800-300-5616) to the operator.
- TTY: 1-800-815-9387
Many of the County job centers or America’s Job Centers of California have State Employment Development Department staff onsite who can provide direct assistance with filing your Unemployment Insurance application.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance: Financial assistance may be available for self-employed impacted workers. With the disaster declaration issued by President Biden, self-employed workers may qualify for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). For assistance, call 1-800-815-9387.
Grants
Active Funding Available
Entertainment Community Fund – Emergency Assistance Funds: Emergency financial assistance available to eligible performing arts and entertainment professionals in times of unexpected critical need and to assist toward basic living expenses such as health care, housing and utilities to prevent eviction or shut offs.
Open Air Worker Emergency Fund: During the ongoing wildfire emergency in Los Angeles County, Inclusive Action has launched a new emergency fund to help outdoor workers – street vendors, landscapers, and recyclers – impacted by the fires. Through this fund, impacted outdoor workers can apply for one-time cash assistance support of $500. Recipients will receive cash payments on a first-come, first-served basis, and as funding allows.
California Restaurant Foundation’s Restaurants Care program: A temporary fund to provide emergency relief grants to food and beverage workers impacted by the Los Angeles area fires. Grants will range between $350-$1,500. Grants will be awarded based on need and available funding. The online application in English and Spanish is open January 14.
Inclusive Action Relief Fund: Inclusive Action has launched a relief fund for workers in the “open air” economy such as street vendors, landscape workers, recyclers, and other neighbors who rely on working outside. The relief fund will provide $500 in direct cash assistance to outdoor workers who live or work in the fire areas. Apply by Friday, January 17 at 5 p.m.
Job Search Assistance
Employment Assistance
America’s Job Centers of California: America’s Job Centers of California (AJCCs) are available to assist displaced and impacted workers. The centers offer labor market information, job readiness workshops and 1:1 support, no-cost skills training, supportive services like Unemployment Insurance and healthcare coverage, and connection to hiring employers. To access virtual services, visit here or email: workforce@opportunity.lacounty.gov with “Wildfire Impacted” in the email subject line.
Tools for Job Seekers: The LA County Library offers online classes, on-demand career-related videos, a Work Ready book collection, and links to popular job boards, and much more.
Healthcare Coverage
Health Insurance
Low-Cost or No Cost Health Insurance: Apply for Covered California for low-cost health insurance or check eligibility for Medi-Cal through the LA County Department of Public Social Services.
FEMA Emergency Relief
Disaster Declaration
Disaster Declared: On January 9th, President Biden approved a Major Disaster Declaration to supplement recovery efforts. Los Angeles County residents who have disaster-related needs due to the fires may be eligible for financial assistance. Damage assessments are continuing, and more counties and additional forms of assistance may be designated after the assessments are completed.
Individuals and families in the designated areas may be eligible to receive money for essential items like food, water, baby formula, breast feeding supplies, medication and other emergency supplies. Eligible survivors may also receive money to help with housing needs if they cannot return to their home because of the fires. The money can be used to stay in a hotel, with family and friends or other options while they find a more permanent housing solution. In addition, eligible survivors may receive money for rental assistance, basic home repairs for their primary home, personal property losses and other eligible expenses related to the wildfires.
Other Helpful Resource Links
Government and Local Partners
State of California Outsmart Disaster: Access resources and support for Los Angeles Area Wildfire Recovery provided by the State of California Outsmart Disaster.
LA City Economic and Workforce Development Department: Learn more about local wildfire resources and support provided for City of LA residents and businesses.
Together for LA: In response to the recent fire and wind storms in Los Angeles, the Together for LA partnership is providing wildfire Information, resources and assistance to support residents and businesses.
Housing
Hilton Hotel Vouchers: In response to the recent wildfires, Hilton Hotels, American Express and 211 are offering free hotel vouchers to to all those impacted. If you’ve been affected and need a safe place to stay, help is here. Visit 211.org or call 211 to apply.
Food
DoorDash Fee Waivers: Starting immediately, DoorDash is waiving all fees on orders placed in Los Angeles County and donating $1 to World Central Kitchen for every order placed in the area, up to $1 million. All fees on orders in LA County – from local restaurants, to groceries and essentials like baby food, pet supplies, and toiletries – have been waived.
Frequently Asked Questions
I need help accessing cash assistance and food?
The LA County Department of Public Social Services can support expedited sign up for CalFresh and other benefits in an emergency. Department of Public Social Services
Where can I report price gouging, fraud, or scams related to disaster recovery?
Report price gouging, fraud or scams here or call (800) 593-8222 with the LA County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs. Watch this Price Gouging PSA and access their disaster preparedness and recovery resources: L.A. County Disaster Preparedness and Recovery Resources – Consumer & Business
During emergencies, price hikes over 10% for essentials like groceries, gasoline, medical supplies, repair services, and housing cannot go up by more than 10% in the affected areas. Protections against price increases last for 30 days while protections for contractor-related services last 180 days from the declared emergency.
Are mental health services available for those impacted by the wildfires?
LA County offers free or low-cost mental health services through our Department of Mental Health and partners. Mental health services can be accessed through the 24/7 helpline at (800)-854-7771 for immediate support or visit: Department of Mental Health – hope. recovery. wellbeing.
If my house was impacted, what should I do?
Visit FEMA’s website for housing needs. Individuals and families in the designated areas may be eligible to receive money for essential items like food, water, baby formula, breast feeding supplies, medication and other emergency supplies. Eligible survivors may also receive money to help with housing needs if they cannot return to their home because of the fires.
How do I find contact information at other County departments for emergency relief and recovery?
Visit Wildfire Recovery Resources – LA County Recovers for an up to date list on County programs and services or call 211.
What should I do if I am in an area affected by wildfires?
Safety is top priority. Individuals and families should follow local evacuation orders and safety protocols issued by local authorities. For the latest information, visit lacounty.gov/emergency and follow @countyofla.
How can I access real-time updates, alerts, and essential resources about the wildfires and other emergencies in LA County?
Visit lacounty.gov/emergency. For the latest information on the wildfires on social media, follow:
@countyofla
@readylacounty
@lacountyfd.
How is the County and DEO coordinating resources for recovery?
LA County and DEO are mobilizing resources, partners, and programs to ensure rapid response and recovery for local businesses, workers, and communities impacted by the wildfires. DEO is working closely with State and local agencies to ensure affected businesses and workers can access all available resources.
Are DEO services available virtually?
DEO services are available virtually. For general small business support, the Office of Small Business can be contacted at 844-432-4900 or by email at osb@opportunity.lacounty.gov with “Wildfire Impacted” in the email subject line. For workforce support, the America’s Job Centers of California can be accessed virtually at ajcc.lacounty.gov or by email at workforce@opportunity.lacounty.gov with “Wildfire Impacted” in the email subject line.
Where can I volunteer or make small monetary or goods and services donations?
Contact the Emergency Volunteer Network by visiting: Emergency Network Los Angeles (ENLA).
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