Scores of people tuned in for the L.A. Wildfire Resource Webinar sponsored by Faith and Community Empowerment (FACE) on Feb. 6. The virtual event was designed to help affected individuals recover by connecting wildfire survivors with agencies, nonprofits and other organizations.
California State Treasurer Fiona Ma headlined the webinar speakers offering valuable information. Also participating were representatives from Small Business Administration, FEMA, Governor’s Office of Emergency Service (Cal OES), L.A. County Assessor’s Office, L.A. County Department of Economic Opportunity as well as several banks and social service organizations.
“We’re really grateful to have so many of you in the room, but also all our many partners who are from various offices, financial institutions who are really rolling up their sleeves to respond to the wildfires of L.A.,” said Hyepin Im, FACE president and CEO, in her opening remarks.
“We have been really helping many families for the last 23 years, going on 24, connecting people to opportunities of home ownership as well as job and internship opportunities as well as just building capacity of nonprofits and churches,” she noted.
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“And so today as we are starting our wildfire resource webinar on insurance, mortgage and economic relief, we just want to pray with you and also support you on this journey and so and give you a little bit of hope.”
To provide that hope, the agenda offered insurance and mortgage relief guidance, recovery strategies for renters, and breakout sessions with industry experts. Renters, homeowners, small businesses, and nonprofits directly impacted by the wildfires were able to benefit from the wealth of information.
As property owners begin the recovery process, Treasurer Ma urged attendees to take advantage of the California Wildfire Recovery Resource Guide, which is on the treasurer’s website at www.treasurer.ca.gov. She also invited the audience to send questions to her dedicated email address askFiona@treasurer.ca.gov.
“If you lost your job due to the fires, you may qualify for unemployment insurance and that is through the EDD (Employment Development Department). Also, if you had a mortgage, contact your bank. More than 300 financial institutions are offering homeowners impacted by the wildfires a 90-day forbearance,” Ma said.
Other speakers included Daniel Martinez and Fabian Fernandez of Cal OES, who explained the federal, state, and local assistance available to individuals and households impacted by major disasters. Julie Klaus, director of the SBA L.A. District Office, outlined the types of loans offered to businesses of all sizes and nonprofits.
In addition, Antonio Villasenor, outreach specialist with the state Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, discussed mortgage relief, assistance for student loan borrowers, and protection from frauds and scams. Also, Leila Lee, assistant director of the Department of Economic Opportunity Business and Economic Development, shared insight on business planning, access to loans, and qualifying for grants up to $25,000.
A wide range of partners collaborated with FACE to present the webinar. The financial organizations included First Citizens Bank, BMO, City National Bank, Hamni Bank, Banner Bank, Wells Fargo, MidFirst Bank, and Mechanics Bank. Other partner agencies were the Red Cross, Jewish Federation Los Angeles, Bet Tzedak, and United Policy Holders.
To learn more, visit facela.org/lafire.
