Wildfire Survivors Granted Up to One Year Mortgage Relief Under New CA Law
Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill 238, granting wildfire survivors up to one year of mortgage forbearance with no late fees, penalties, or documentation required. Homeowners can pause mortgage payments for up to 12 months by simply confirming that the wildfire caused financial hardship. To apply, contact your mortgage servicer, submit a short written request under AB 238, and the servicer must respond within 10 business days. Approved forbearances renew every 90 days for up to one year, during which no late fees, foreclosures, or credit penalties can occur. For assistance, the California Department of Financial Protection & Innovation (DFPI) will release official guidance and a borrower helpline. Learn more here.

LA County Delivers $31M in Wildfire Relief Grants
The LA County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA), in partnership with The Center by Lendistry, has distributed $31.7 million in emergency relief to 3,425 wildfire-affected households, reaching over 9,600 residents. Grants ranging from $6,000–$18,000 helped families with children, seniors, people with disabilities, and displaced residents cover urgent expenses and stabilize after the 2025 wildfires. See the DCBA Dashboard for more information.

Update on Altadena Farmers’ Market Free Produce Voucher Program
Distribution is every other Wednesday
At Fair Oaks Burger, 2560 Fair Oaks Ave, Altadena
To join, residents should create or log into an account at altadenafarmersmarket.com/register, return to the voucher registration page, and submit the form (including the pre-fire ZIP code). If eligible, they will be marked as registered. For each distribution, participants must claim a new digital voucher by selecting the voucher, adding one to the cart, and completing checkout; if vouchers show “sold out,” they can try again when the next batch is released. Once a voucher is claimed, the pickup address is sent via email and text. View this video to guide registration.

Better Angels Fire Recovery Grants
Grants available for wildfire survivors to help with rental housing. Learn more and apply at Better Angels Fire Recovery Grant.

Financial Disaster Recovery Help with Loans, Foreclosures, & More
Operation Hope can assist with FEMA applications and appeals, SBA loan applications and reconsiderations, foreclosure prevention, and more.
Step 1. Call 888-388-4673 to register with a certified financial disaster specialist.
Step 2. If possible, gather all important documentation (mortgage, auto loan, medical insurance, etc.).
Step 3. Schedule a coaching call with your coach for support.

The Fire Recovery and Resilience Workforce Program
The Fire Recovery and Resilience Workforce Program provides immediate hiring and training support for impacted and dislocated workers from the January 2025 windstorms and wildfires in partnership with LA County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and the region’s America’s Job Centers of California.
Check out eligibility and fill out the form.

Habitat for Humanity Grant
The Accelerator Fund is for homeowners affected by either the Pacific Palisades or Eaton Canyon wildfires. This opportunity is open to low to moderate-income households demonstrating a specific financial barrier to the next steps. It provides grants of up to $10,000 to help homeowners overcome obstacles and move forward with their repair or rebuild process. Learn what this grant can cover here. Apply here.

Vendors Wanted: Altadena Small Business Market
Apply by Sept. 30 to join the Nov. 29 market at Mariposa Junction. Open to Altadena small businesses, artists, makers, and youth groups. Apply here.

EFSN: $1.5M from SBA to Recover Your Standing Home
Watch the recording of EFSN’s recent speaker event: Still Time to Claim Up to $1.5M from SBA. Learn how to apply for up to $1.5M at 2.563% to recover your soil and home—including the cost of testing—after the Eaton and Palisades Fires, even if you’ve already applied for a smaller amount. Questions? Have you already been denied? Email Eaton and Palisades SBA specialist: Corey.Williams@sba.gov. View the EFSN video here.

1. Up to $500,000 to rebuild your primary residence (note: rental properties are considered business loans).

2. Up to $500,000 to refinance your existing mortgage if all three conditions are met: 1) It's your primary residence; 2) You intend to repair the damage; and 3) You have 40% or more uncompensated loss.

3. Up to $500,000 for mitigation measures not covered by insurance (capped at 20% of verified loss as determined by SBA). This could cover code upgrades or mitigation for fire, earthquake, wind, flood, etc. For example: if rebuilding costs $1 million and SBA verifies that as your loss, you could qualify for up to $200,000 in mitigation funding.

   Learn more and share in the SBA discussion on the EFSN Discord.

Altadena Job Center Now Open
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
464 W. Woodbury Rd., Suite 210
The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) has opened the Altadena Job Center at the Altadena One-Stop Permit Center. It offers no-cost career counseling, resume and interview support, job training, temporary paid work experience, and job placement services for residents. The center also connects wildfire-impacted workers with the Fire Recovery and Resilience Workforce Program, provides Youth@Work opportunities for ages 14–24, and offers support for local businesses through hiring assistance, subsidies, and one-on-one business counseling. Both walk-ins and appointments are welcome. Learn more at ajcc.lacounty.gov.

Altadena Farmers’ Market Free Produce Voucher Program
Food distribution occurs at Fair Oaks Burger every other Wednesday. Click here to see how to register.

SBA relief still available to businesses and private nonprofits

Fire impacted businesses and nonprofits have until Oct. 8, 2025 to apply for low-interest SBA disaster loans. Apply at sba.gov/disaster.

nevitable Foundation Emergency Relief Fund
Cash grants available for disabled creatives—including writers, directors, and producers—affected by the LA. wildfires, covering housing loss, evacuation costs, health impacts, and lost work. More information here

Steadfast LA Small Business Initiative
Grants of up to $50,000 are available to help LA County small businesses recover, administered by LiftFund with support from Steadfast LA and Banc of California. More information here

Altadena Chamber Grant Applications – Round 2
Deadline: Sept. 26, 2025
The ACOC Business Recovery Fund offers $500–$1,500 in emergency grants for wildfire-impacted businesses and nonprofits in Altadena. Funding is limited.
Apply here: link

Lil’ Lotus Kits
Families affected by the 2025 wildfires can receive $50 in relief kits, including a $25 food card and a $25 gas card. More information here

Altadena Farmers' Community Market – Free Produce for Fire Survivors
Now operating as a nonprofit distribution effort, the Market provides free farm-fresh goods to fire-impacted residents via a voucher system. Register online for a voucher, then pick up produce Saturdays, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. at Fair Oaks Burger. You can do that here.

Verdugo Jobs Center LA Wildfires Services
The Verdugo Jobs Center (VJC) has received limited funds to provide workforce assistance, such as job search or skills upgrading to individuals who have lost their job due to the Los Angeles Wildfires. Contact VJC to see if you qualify at VerdugoWorks.com or call (818) 937-8000. Link to flyer.

Verdugo Jobs Center Vocational Training
Take charge of your career with short-term vocational training! Verdugo Jobs Center (VJC) offers training grants that may cover costs for those who qualify. Information sessions are held every Thursday at 11 AM online or by phone. To attend, email VJCReferrals@GlendaleCA.gov or call (818) 937-8000. Link to flyer.

Support for Former JPL Employees
Verdugo Jobs Center has additional State funds to support JPL workers recently laid off or facing layoffs. Employment and specialized training services are available—contact Tina Hartyon at (818) 937-8080 or THartyon@GlendaleCA.gov. Link to flyer

Prison to Employment (P2E) Program
The Verdugo Jobs Center helps individuals with justice-system involvement get back to work through free job training, resume support, interview coaching, and employer connections. Learn more at VerdugoWorks.com or contact Tina Hartyon at (818) 937-8080 or THartyon@GlendaleCA.gov. Link to flyer.

Mortgage Relief
The CalAssist Mortgage Fund offers up to 3 months of mortgage payments (max $20,000) for families displaced by California disasters like wildfires or floods. Grants are paid directly to your mortgage servicer, never need to be repaid, and are free to apply for. Funds are limited—apply now.

https://www.calassistmortgagefund.org/

NHS Help with Mortgage Relief
Neighborhood Housing Services is offering on-site help at the Altadena Main Library (600 E. Mariposa) on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10am–6pm, for Eaton Fire residents applying to the state mortgage grant program. Walk-ins welcome. Eligibility includes having an uninhabitable primary residence from 1/1/23–1/8/25, meeting income limits, and holding a mortgage on a qualifying property. NHS also offers financial counseling, property assessments, assistance, and local resource connections.

Foreclosure Prevention Unit
The Department of Consumer and Business Affairs’ Foreclosure Prevention unit provides free services for homeowners and landlords with 15 or fewer units in Los Angeles County. They provide one-on-one counseling by phone or in person by appointment. Call 800-593-8222 or email homehelp@dcba.lacounty.gov

PASADENA RENTAL ASSISTANCE
On March 24, the Pasadena City Council passed protections for tenants unable to pay rent due to financial hardship directly related to the Eaton Fire. If you are eligible, you may not be evicted for not paying rent that was due between January 15 and July 31, 2025. You will have an additional repayment time period of 12 months after that period to repay any accrued rental debt.

You are eligible if you:

• Lived in a Pasadena rental unit before January 7

• Had a 2024 household income at or below 150% of the Area Median Income.

• Ranges from $103,125 for 1 person household to $194,400 for 8 person household (see form below for a full table)

• Lost at least 10% of average monthly income directly because of the Eaton Fire

• Examples: location destroyed or unusable, layoff, reduced hours, reduced pay, loss of clients who were themselves affected by the fire

• Have tried to replace the lost income

• Examples: applying for an Eaton Fire relief program, applying for unemployment, or looking for a new/additional job

To take advantage of this protection, you must deliver a self-certification form directly to your landlord. 

• This must be submitted within 7 days of the rent due date. 

You can use THIS FORM.

DPSS Emergency Assistance to Prevent Eviction
Anyone eligible for CalWORKs who is behind on rent may visit their local DPSS office to request Emergency Assistance to Prevent Eviction (EAPE). Download the EAPE fact sheet to learn more. Access the application here. Submit an application to your CalWORKs Eligibility Worker at one of the office locations listed here

Rental Assistance Available for General Relief
The DPSS General Relief (GR) Housing Subsidy Program can help eligible participants avoid homelessness. To qualify, customers must be homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, receiving GR benefits, participating in START or pursuing SSI, and in agreement to contribute $100 from their GR grant to monthly rent expenses. Start an in-person application at any GR District Office listed here or call 1-866-613-3777 for more information.

Part & Full Time Temp Job Opportunities for Fire-Impacted Individuals
IBTU is partnering with HACLA and the Workforce Development system to offer employment opportunities at our Relief & Recovery Hub. For more information visit bit.ly/joinibtu

Employment Training
The Fire Recovery and Resilience Workforce Program, in partnership with LA County DEO and America’s Job Centers of California, provides hiring and training support for workers impacted by the January 2025 windstorms and wildfires. The program offers subsidized temporary jobs, long-term career pathways, and training services, while also supporting affected businesses and training providers. Eligibility and interest forms are available online. Check eligibility and fill out an interest form here.

Free Childcare
As of July 1, 2025, CalWORKs cash aid customers may be eligible for up to 24 months of childcare. For more information, contact your Eligibility Worker, GAIN Services Worker, Homeless Case Manager, or the Child Care Hotline at (877) 244 – 5399. Review childcare eligibility requirements online at Child Care.

Discounted Metro Rides
Metrolink’s Mobility-4-All Program is offering Metrolink tickets for free transfers on participating transit agency services in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura Counties. Tickets are only available for purchase from Metrolink ticket machines. Learn more here

Meals on Wheels
Altadena Meals on Wheels (AMOW) has resumed service after a temporary pause due to January’s wildfire. Since 1973, AMOW has delivered hot meals to homebound Altadena residents, helping seniors stay nourished and independent. There are no strict eligibility requirements—any Altadena resident in need may apply by calling 626-794-0313.
AMOW is also seeking volunteer drivers to deliver meals on weekday routes. Volunteers are asked to commit to at least two days per month. AMOW receives no federal funding and relies entirely on donations. To support their work or make a tax-deductible contribution, visit www.altadenamealsonwheels.org.

CalFresh
CalFresh plays a critical role in supporting the health and well-being of thousands of low-income individuals and families by increasing their food-buying power to put more healthy food on their tables. Apply for CalFresh today at GetCalFresh.org or BenefitsCal.com.

CalWORKS Cash Aid for Families
CalWORKs provides temporary financial aid and job-focused services to families with minor children whose income and property fall below state limits. Adults can receive cash aid for up to five years (including time in other states), but children may continue to receive assistance beyond that. Families who gain employment and no longer qualify for cash aid may still receive CalFresh, Medi-Cal, and support services such as child care and transportation. For information on how to apply go here.

Utility Discounts and Waivers
CalFresh customers can take advantage of phone services, internet services, and other essential services that offer discounts and waivers to save money on utility expenses. Be sure to contact your utility service providers for further details. Those in need of food assistance are welcome to apply for CalFresh today at BenefitsCal.com

Grant to Fund Unmet Needs of Residents
Reach Out WorldWide (ROWW) has been awarded funding through the American Red Cross 2025 California Wildfire Long-Term Recovery Program to support Eaton Fire recovery efforts in Los Angeles County. The grant will fund community outreach, household needs assessments, and distribution of essentials such as furniture, appliances, and clothing, with a focus on underserved, displaced, and rent-burdened residents. For information on how to apply go here

The Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI)
CAPI provides cash assistance to certain aged and disabled legal immigrants who are ineligible for Supplemental Security Income/State Supplemental Payment (SSI/SSP) due to their immigration status. Once eligible for CalFresh assistance, benefits are issued via an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) debit card to purchase food items at participating grocery stores, order groceries online for pick up or delivery at participating grocery stores like Amazon and Meals on Wheels, and shop at participating Farmers' Markets. Learn more and apply online at BenefitsCal.com

Refugee Resources
The L.A. County Office of Immigrant Affairs, a partner of DPSS, is committed to connecting refugees to food, healthcare, employment, and legal resources to help with resettlement. Learn more about available services at the Office of Immigrant Affairs, Refugee Cash Assistance, or Refugee Employment Program.

GER3 Funding Home Hardening for Standing Homes
GER3 is offering fully funded wildfire-preparedness services to clusters of 5–10 standing homes in Altadena to harden properties and build community resilience—at no cost to homeowners. Registrations are open until 8/29. To learn more or access the form go here. For any questions email  alexis.helgeson@ger3.org.

Small Business Grants from Steadfast LA
Steadfast LA announced a Small Business Initiative launched with a $1 million donation from Banc of California’s Wildfire Relief & Recovery Fund. The initiative will support retailers, restaurants, and other independent businesses in Altadena, Malibu, and the Pacific Palisades impacted by the devastating Eaton and Palisades Fires with direct grants of up to $50,000. To learn more about eligibility requirements and to apply, click here

Altadena Chamber of Commerce Business Recovery Fund
The ACOC Business Recovery Fund is offering emergency grants from $500 - $1,500 to help businesses recover from the wildfire impacts. The next application deadline is September 15 and December 15. Click here for more information.

SBA Loans for Physical Damage
APPLY NOW

If you live in a declared disaster area and have experienced damage to your home or personal property, you may be eligible for financial assistance from SBA — even if you do not own a business. As a homeowner, renter, or personal property owner, you may apply to SBA for a loan to help you recover from a disaster.

Home and Personal Property Loans
Application Deadline: Friday, May 30th
Deadline has past but applications may be accepted if an explanation for delay is given.

• 2.563% interest rate

• Length of loan up to 30 years

• No interest accrued for the first 12 months. 

• No payment towards the principal due for 2 years after the first disbursement.

• No prepayment penalty fees

Business Loans
Application Deadline: Wednesday, Oct 15th

• 4% interest rateLength of loan up to 30 years

• No interest accrued for the first 12 months. 

• No payment towards the principal due for 2 years after the first disbursement.

• No prepayment penalty fees

Apply HERE for a Small Business Administration Disaster Loan for Physical Damage.

or Call SBA at 800-659-2955 – M-F 8am – 8pm ET