Federal support for wildfire survivors nears $700 million

As of February 7, federal assistance to eligible homeowners, renters and businesses, in the form of FEMA grants and low-interest SBA Disaster Loans, has reached $683,276,321.

On January 8, the Los Angeles County wildfires were declared a major disaster by the President and a surge of additional federal resources commenced.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and its federal partners responded with thousands of personnel and millions of dollars focused on saving lives and containing the fires. 

Delivery of federal resources

By February 2, the fires were 100 percent contained. Weeks before, FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) had already begun assisting Californians in their recovery, including both short and long term response.

As of February 7, federal assistance to eligible homeowners, renters and businesses, in the form of FEMA grants and low-interest SBA Disaster Loans, has reached $683,276,321.

That number includes:

• $64,069,621 in FEMA housing and other assistance
• $619,206,700 in home and business loan offers from the SBA, the largest source of federal disaster recovery funds for homeowners, renters, businesses and certain nonprofits.

So far, 27,211 households have been approved for FEMA funds including:

• $9,990,895 in housing assistance for short-term rental assistance and home-repair costs
• $54,078,726 for other essential disaster-related needs, such as expenses related to medical, dental and lost personal possessions.
• 40,574 home inspections have been completed to assess property damage.
• Two Disaster Recovery Centers remain open at UCLA Research Park and Altadena Recovery Center. In total, the centers have logged 12,641 survivor visits. At the centers, residents may speak in person to representatives from federal and state programs, the American Red Cross and various nongovernmental nonprofits and community groups.

FEMA provide federal support to wildfires: Summary

Since the Los Angeles wildfires began in January, FEMA has provided support that nears $700 million.

This is done through FEMA grants and low-interest SBA Disaster Loans, offering short and long term plans for recovery to those impacted by the fires.