Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by the wildfires in Southern California. We are thankful for the frontline responders working to save lives, our small businesses, and communities. We are monitoring the situation and have gathered some resources that you can use to help your small business clients in the affected areas. We will inform you of more resources as they are available.
Emergency Shelters
- Los Angeles: Westwood Recreation Center (1350 S Sepulveda)
- Pacoima: Ritchie Valens Recreation Center (10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd.)
- Pasadena: Pasadena Convention Center (300 E Green)
- Woodland Hills: El Camino Real Charter High School (5440 Valley Circle Blvd.)
- Animal shelters:
- Agoura Animal Care Shelter (for small pets)
- Pierce College Equestrian Center (for large animals)
- The Los Angeles County Emergency Incident Response website provides a mapping tool and lists real-time evacuation, shelter, and other information/resources related to the Palisades, Eaton, Franklin, and Hurst wildfires.
- Airbnb.org offers emergency stays to eligible residents affected by the Greater Los Angeles wildfires.
Federal, State, and City Resources
- President Biden approved Governor Newsom’s request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration to support ongoing response efforts related to the wildfires currently burning in the Los Angeles area. This declaration includes Individual Assistance programs for affected citizens and businesses, which includes temporary accommodation and financial assistance for destroyed property.
- The Small Business Administration offers low-interest disaster loans to help businesses, homeowners, and nonprofits recover from declared disasters.
- Outsmart Disaster is a resource platform created by the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) to equips California businesses and nonprofits with the training and resources they need to prepare for and recover from all types of business interruptions.
- BusinessSource Centers (BSCs) across the City of Los Angeles can provide free one-on-one consultation, business and employment support, and assistance with applying for forthcoming microenterprise grants and microloans.
- The City of Los Angeles Economic and Workforce Development Department offers credit and debt counseling to help business owners counter negative financial impacts, recover, and strengthen their financial health.
- Southern California Edison customers can report power outages online or by calling 800-611-1911.
- Department of Water & Power customers can report power outages online or call 800-342-5397.
Nonprofit Resources
- California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund provides grants to organizations positioned in the communities they serve.
- The Pasadena Community Foundation’s Eaton Canyon Fire Relief and Recovery Fund supports immediate and pressing needs as the fires continues to spread.
- Bet Tzedek and Public Counsel are offering free legal assistance in English and Spanish to small businesses affected by the fires.
- The Economic Development Corporation of Los Angeles (LAEDC) offers no-cost consulting services to help businesses overcome challenges and find alternatives to layoffs.
- The Los Angeles Latino Chamber of Commerce will connect affected business owners to financial assistance programs, recovery workshops, and expert guidance to help restore operations and plan for the future.
- CALED’s Economic Development Recovery and Resiliency Playbook provides tools, tactics, and resources for communities responding to or preparing for an economic disruption.
- Main Street America’s Disaster and Resilience Toolkit shares tools to plan for, prepare for, and recover from natural disasters in your community.
- West Business Development Center’s on-demand disaster planning webinar shares what to do when disaster strikes.
Other Resources
- Planet Fitness is offering evacuees and first responders free access to their facilities (showers, locker rooms, WiFi) until January 15.
- Bath ‘N Buns Mobile Pet Grooming is offering complimentary bath service for cats and dogs affected by the fires.
- The Huffington Post compiled a list of organizations accepting donations to help those affected by the fires.