Altadena Disaster Recovery Center Closes, Transitions to New Location

The two Federal Emergency Management Agency Disaster Recovery Centers for the Los Angeles Wildfires are permanently closing Saturday, May 31, at 4 p.m. and federal resources will be transitioning to new locations.

On that short list is the Altadena Disaster Recovery Center at 540 West Woodbury Rd., which has been a community focal point since it opened.

The FEMA and the Small Business Administration (SBA) will be transitioning from these locations to county and city-run facilities, officials said.

Federal resources will be available at their new locations beginning Monday, June 2.

Locally, services will continue at the Altadena Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr., Mondays through Fridays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Disaster Recovery Center will be closed weekends.

“If you applied for FEMA assistance, it’s important to stay in touch with FEMA to track and update your application should you receive an insurance settlement or denial and as your situation changes to work through any approval processes,” FEMA’s announcement said.

“FEMA representatives can explain available assistance programs and help you with resources for your recovery needs.”

Rental Assistance is available for eligible individuals and families who were displaced by the wildfires. If you were displaced and need assistance covering housing costs, you should contact FEMA to determine your eligibility for this program.

SBA’s Customer Service Representatives will be available at the Center to answer questions, help applicants complete their disaster loan application, accept documents, and provide updates on an application’s status.

FEMA issued this list of additional resources:

• California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES)
  Resources offered by State agencies are available online and at some existing field offices. Survivors can find a complete list of recovery related services on the CA.gov/LAfires Recovery Services Finder page, including how to contact each agency and their office locations.
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
  For help answering questions regarding debris removal, please call: 213-308-8305. The call center is available daily from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. For more information, you can also visit the USACE Los Angeles County Wildfire Debris Removal Mission.
• One-Stop Permitting Centers
  For unincorporated LA County communities, One-Stop Permit Centers are also available in Calabasas and Altadena for residents impacted by the Palisades and Eaton fires. LA County permitting agencies, including Fire Department, Regional Planning, Public Health, Public Works Geotechnical and Materials Engineering Division and Public Works Building and Safety, are available to guide owners and their representatives through the rebuild process and answer any questions they may have. Walk-ins are welcome and consultation appointments can be scheduled. More information including days and hours of operation, can be found here: recovery.lacounty.gov/rebuilding/one-stop-permit-centers.