L.A. opens resource centers for people who lost work in the fires
- Share via
- The devastating impacts of January’s firestorm have gone far beyond the Palisades and Altadena: Angelenos who live in far-flung corners of the city are struggling after losing jobs in both regions.
- These resource centers will be open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with locations in West L.A., Boyle Heights, South Los Angeles and Sylmar.
- Individuals will be able to access services regardless of their immigration status.
On Tuesday morning, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass touted the opening of four new resource centers to assist Angelenos who have lost income because of the catastrophic wildfires.
The centers, which were opened in partnership with L.A. County, offer a one-stop location where people affected by the fires can access relief funds, get help with job placement and training, look for temporary employment and apply for small business loans. They can also access emergency shelter and rental assistance and get help filing taxes at the centers, among other services.
Housekeepers, gardeners, pool cleaners and other workers have been left grappling with a loss of income and grief for longtime employers they considered family.
“The other benefit of this center is that the individuals can work with staff, one on one,” Bass said. “Sometimes what discourages people from getting their benefits is the application process. It’s confusing, complicated, but here you can actually work with individual staff who will take you step by step through the process.”
This article is provided free of charge to keep our community safe and supported in the aftermath of the devastating fires in Southern California.
Individuals will be able to access services regardless of their immigration status.
“The fires were devastating for so many people, many who’ve lost their homes and family members. But there were also secondary effects — gardeners, house cleaners, healthcare workers, restaurant workers, all who have lost their jobs, live-in childcare workers who have lost both their homes and their jobs, all at once,” said Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martínez, whose district includes Hollywood, Westlake and Echo Park.
Soto-Martínez said his office was receiving calls every day from constituents who, despite living well outside the bounds of either the Eaton or Palisades fires, still had their lives upended by the flames.
State and local resources for people who lost their employment or had their hours cut because of the fires.
“They’re now backed up on rent. They’ve lost income, and they need the city support,” Soto-Martínez said.
The centers will be open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at these locations:
West Los Angeles: 5446 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City, 90230
Northeast San Fernando Valley: 13356 Eldridge Ave., Sylmar, 91342
West Adams/Leimert Park: 4305 Degnan Blvd., Los Angeles, 90008
Boyle Heights: 2130 1st St., Los Angeles, 90033
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
