The devastating firestorms in Los Angeles have left countless Californians facing unimaginable challenges. In response, Governor Gavin Newsom, in collaboration with the Biden-Harris Administration, has announced a $20 million federal funding package aimed at supporting workers who have suffered job losses due to these catastrophic events. This significant investment underscores the state and federal government’s commitment to helping impacted communities recover and rebuild.
Immediate Relief for Impacted Workers
The $20 million funding will be managed through California’s Employment Development Department (EDD) and allocated to provide immediate relief and support to displaced workers. The funds are split into two $10 million grants, each serving a critical purpose:
1: Temporary Job Creation:
$10 million will be directed towards creating temporary jobs in fire-affected areas.
These roles will focus on humanitarian aid and cleanup efforts, including debris removal, shelter operations, and community health support.
This initiative not only addresses urgent recovery needs but also provides vital income opportunities for those most affected.
2: Workforce Development and Long-Term Recovery:
Another $10 million will be awarded to the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity to support displaced workers through transitional jobs, on-the-job training, and workforce services.
These efforts aim to help workers transition into long-term, meaningful careers, while also providing essential supportive services like housing assistance, childcare, transportation, and skill development.
$10 million will be directed towards creating temporary jobs in fire-affected areas.
These roles will focus on humanitarian aid and cleanup efforts, including debris removal, shelter operations, and community health support.
This initiative not only addresses urgent recovery needs but also provides vital income opportunities for those most affected.
Another $10 million will be awarded to the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity to support displaced workers through transitional jobs, on-the-job training, and workforce services.
These efforts aim to help workers transition into long-term, meaningful careers, while also providing essential supportive services like housing assistance, childcare, transportation, and skill development.
Federal and State Collaboration
The Biden-Harris Administration’s swift response to the firestorm crisis has been pivotal in ensuring timely support for Los Angeles residents. Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su expressed solidarity with California, emphasizing the importance of federal-state partnerships in addressing widespread devastation:
“Californians need to know that their federal government, working in lock step with the state government, stands with them. This Dislocated Worker Grant will help to support California and its incredible, vibrant, diverse people as they begin what will be a long recovery.”
Governor Newsom echoed these sentiments, highlighting the critical role of federal support in revitalizing local economies and restoring livelihoods.
“Thousands of Californians have been devastated by the historic firestorms in Los Angeles. We thank the Biden-Harris Administration for their swift action to invest in the livelihood and vitality of our local economy by providing funding to the most impacted workers.”
Related News:
California Wildfire Tax Relief: Extended Deadlines & Deductions for Los Angeles Residents
Supporting the Community
The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity, led by Director Kelly LoBianco, is committed to leveraging these funds to provide immediate relief and foster long-term resilience:
“This transformative investment will bring much-needed relief to Los Angeles County’s workforce, businesses, and communities impacted by the devastating wildfires. DEO, alongside our America’s Job Centers of California and partners, will leverage this funding to immediately deploy temporary workers for clean-up and recovery and scale rapid reemployment efforts.”
How to Access Support
If you or someone you know has been impacted by the Los Angeles firestorms, resources are available to help:
Visit CA.gov/LAfires for comprehensive information on state, local, and federal assistance.
Apply for disaster assistance:
Online: DisasterAssistance.gov
By phone: 800-621-3362
Via the FEMA smartphone application
Assistance is available in over 40 languages.
For individuals using relay services, such as video relay service (VRS) or captioned telephone service, FEMA can accommodate these needs. Simply provide the relay service number when contacting FEMA.
Visit CA.gov/LAfires for comprehensive information on state, local, and federal assistance.
Apply for disaster assistance:
Online: DisasterAssistance.gov
By phone: 800-621-3362
Via the FEMA smartphone application
Assistance is available in over 40 languages.
