They registered for FEMA assistance, but got a letter of non-approval. After a minute call to the agency's helpline and a long day at a FEMA recovery center, they learned they needed more insurance documents.
But their insurance agent's office also burned down. Now they have the documents, but can't figure out how to upload them to FEMA. Front of mind for them is where they, their four dogs and cat will live for the several years it will take to rebuild, and how they will pay both the existing mortgage for their destroyed home and rent on a temporary place each month. And they worry about what happens when FEMA and the media move on to the next crisis.
Tens of thousands of people impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires have similar worries. To help, nonprofits across the region are readying what they say will be a record number of disaster case managers and advocates to support survivors through their recovery, connecting them with resources and fighting on their behalf. Given the scale of destruction, the nonprofits expect a dire need for these services. Disaster case managers DCMs are trained and vetted helpers who support households through a longterm recovery plan, but many nonprofits also offer other types of advocates and caseworkers who can connect survivors to resources and help them navigate applications.
The need for support is clear. As of Jan. Balsley said it's crucial these families appeal decisions. Her hospital hired case managers to support people impacted by the Santiam Canyon Fire in northwest Oregon. Without someone to trust, people struggling after disasters might not seek out help at all, deterred by misinformation or past traumas suffered by their communities, experts say.
In Los Angeles, the first step is finding all the people impacted — not just homeowners, but renters, small business owners, and people who lost work — and telling them these services are available. Many have never heard of disaster case management, including the Mitchells. To get case management help, households can call their local helpline, or fill out intake forms online with LARCRO, Catholic Charities of Los Angeles, and other local organizations. Some nonprofits are connecting with survivors at FEMA disaster recovery centers and resource fairs.
