FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

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.

Youth@Work
Do you know an Altadena teen or young adult who is looking for a job? As a result of a motion I authored, we're designating 500 Youth@Work jobs for Eaton Fire impacted youth. Participants, ages 14 to 24, will gain 160 hours of paid work experience and training, get a tailored plan to map out their career path, gain financial literacy and job readiness resources, and access mentorship and leadership support.
Employers Needed 
Would you like to host a young person at your workplace? The Youth@Workprogram offers an incredible opportunity to give back and invest in the next generation. Plus, the County covers the cost of their salary! 
Apply as a worker.
Register as a worksite.
May 26 9:00 AM - August 29 4:00 PM

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