2025 Wildfire Disaster Relief HQ
We’re working around-the-clock to provide support and connect our SEIU 721 members with disaster relief if they need it.
In addition, we are gathering information to make an assessment of the impacts on our members.
News Updates
‘Rescue, Recover and Care’ Was the Mantra for Elizabeth Diaz, Animal Control Officer I with LA County, During the Eaton Fire Response - From October through December of 2024, Elizabeth Diaz’ job as an Animal Control Officer I required her to go door-to-door throughout the Altadena community doing animal licensing enforcement and education. But just mere weeks later, in January of 2025, she unexpectedly found herself back in Altadena traversing those same streets … Read More
LA County is hosting Emergency Employee Assistance Centers for fire victims now through February 12 - Firefighters and first responders are close to reaching 100% fire containment in Pacific Palisades and Altadena. Increasingly, the focus is on recovery and assistance for people affected by fires in these two locations as well as in Sylmar, where the Hurst fire took place. Our union wants to make sure everyone is … Read More
Tree trimming work by William Lovell of LA County DPW Road Dept. is a critical part of windstorm and fire response - Emergency response is usually rare for William Lovell, who works for the LA County Department of Public Works in the Road Department as a Tree Trimmer Working Supervisor – a position he has held for five and a half years during his nine years with the county. But the tree … Read More
New Altadena Disaster Recovery Center Opens on Feb 3rd - A new Disaster Recovery Center will be opening in Altadena on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, from 9 AM to 8 PM and will be available to residents seven days a week. The new center will be located at 540 West Woodbury Road, Altadena, CA 91001. Both the Pasadena and Altadena locations will be open … Read More
Shamika Ossey provides critical assistance during LA County fire response as Emergency Preparedness Public Health Nurse - As massive fires raged throughout Los Angeles County and beyond, Shamika Ossey soon found herself in the thick of the relief effort. Having worked as an Emergency Preparedness Public Health Nurse with LA County since 2012, Ossey was no stranger to crisis response – so it made perfect sense when … Read More
On the Frontlines of a Generational Wildfire and Windstorm - The National Weather Service issued a Particularly Dangerous Situation alert days before deadly winds ripped through Los Angeles County’s foothill communities on January 7th. For our LA County Public Works members like Jimmy Dollison, this meant preparing for a dispatch to the hardest hit San Gabriel Valley communities on January … Read More LA County Employee Wildfire Emergency Support - How to access your County of Los Angeles Deferred Compensation and Thrift Plan (Horizons) and/or 401(k) Savings PlansThe County of Los Angeles Horizons and Savings Plans are tools intended to help you reach you retirement savings goals, however, there may be times when you need to take an in-service withdrawal … Read More Wildfire Leave Time for LA County SEIU 721 Members Impacted by Wildfires - After weeks hard-fought advocacy in the wake of the devastating Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst wildfires, LA County has announced that SEIU 721 members impacted by the disasters may access a new bank of 80 hours of Wildfire Leave Time as they recover. This time bank is retroactive to January 7th. This important … Read More
Our SEIU 721 Relief Efforts In Action - It’s been 10 days since the wildfires destroyed entire neighborhoods in Altadena, Sylmar and Pacific Palisades. Our hearts continue to be with our union siblings and neighbors who’ve suffered insurmountable losses. We’re starting to get a clearer picture of the impact of the Eaton Fire, Palisades Fire, and the Hurst Fire … Read More
Disaster Relief January 2025 Intake Form - If you have suffered a loss, please know that you are not alone. We have your back. Disaster Relief Centers Open on January 14th - To provide immediate support, Local Assistance & Disaster Resource Centers will open to the public on Tuesday, January 14, from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Starting Wednesday, January 15, these centers will operate daily from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. These Resource Centers bring federal, state, and local officials together … Read More
UnitedHealthcare Resources: Southern California Wildfire Response - UnitedHealthcare is taking action to ensure customers and members are supported during the wildfire crisis. The information below applies to affected individuals enrolled in fully insured health plans with effective dates as noted and includes help for the broader community. Response period: Jan. 7 through Jan. 21 Impacted counties: Los Angeles, Ventura … Read MoreResources
SEIU LOCAL 721
SEIU Local 721 Disaster Relief January 2025 Intake Form
CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR INFORMATION
SEIU California
SEIU California Disaster Relief Fund
Eligible members and their families can claim reimbursement for housing assistance and other needs assistance (e.g. costs of disaster related expenses). No single member shall receive more than $3,000 in assistance. Members sharing living quarters or otherwise sharing financial responsibility for each other shall be limited to a maximum of $5,000 per household.
CLICK HERE TO REVIEW GUIDELINES AND DOWNLOAD APPLICATION
Los Angeles County
County of Los Angeles Employees
2025 CA Wildfire Recovery Resources for LAC Employees
CLICK HERE FOR EMPLOYEE RESOURCES
How to access your County of Los Angeles Deferred Compensation and Thrift Plan (Horizons) and/or 401(k) Savings Plans.
Los Angeles County Federation of Labor
Labor Community Services (LCS) is ready to support and assist those in need during these historic fires in Southern California. Labor Community Service Member Assistance Request Form is to be completed by the union member requesting assistance.
County of Los Angeles Wildfire Crisis Headquarters
The County’s page activated for the Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire, Hurst Fire, Sunset Fire and other wildfires. The page has maps, evacuation order information and other real-time resources.
CLICK HERE FOR COUNTY OF LA PAGE
211 LA – Emergency Housing Assistance for Wildfire Survivors
211 LA is partnering with Airbnb.org, American Express, and Hilton to coordinate the distribution of emergency housing for people displaced by wildfires.
CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT APPLICATION
County of Los Angeles Assessor’s Office
If your home or business was damaged by a natural disaster, you may be eligible for property tax relief.
RELIEF FOR PROPERTIES IMPACTED BY A DISASTER
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
President Biden approved a Major Disaster Declaration to supplement recovery efforts. Los Angeles County residents who have disaster-related needs due to the fires may be eligible for financial assistance.
Ventura County
County of Ventura
Below is Ventura County’s one-stop page for information on power outages and other resources.
CLICK HERE FOR VENTURA COUNTY’S OFFICIAL EMERGENCY INCIDENT RESOURCES
Statewide
Insurance Commissioner’s Office
In an effort to assist survivors of these devastating fires, the Insurance Commissioner’s office is working closely with other federal, state and local agencies to assist in recovery issues related to insurance.
CLICK HERE FOR RESOURCES TO HELP WITH RECENT WILDFIRES
American Red Cross
If the wildfires have forced you to evacuate your home, or disrupted your access to essential services, the Red Cross may be able to help.