California Commission on Aging

Registering for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistance is the first essential step to accessing federal resources. There are three different ways to register: 1. Online at DisasterAssistance.gov. Applying online is the easiest, fastest, and most convenient way to apply. 2. On the FEMA App for mobile devices 3. Call the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362: Available daily from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. (PST). 4. Help is available in over 40 languages. 5. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service, or other 6. To watch a video featuring American Sign Language (ASL) and captions about how to apply, visit FEMA Accessible: Registering for Individual Assistance - YouTube. 7. Assistance for small businesses is available through the federal Small Business Administration (SBA). If you lost your job due to the LA fires, apply for benefits through the State of California. https://lnkd.in/edviqCW

The Los Angeles Aging and Disabilities Department has launched a “Wildfire & Windstorm Resources webpage” offering essential resources for local residents. It includes information from LA County Emergency Services, how to get food pantry assistance, water notices from Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), transportation services, and much more.  https://lnkd.in/gmgPvvRx

Parents of elementary-aged children! Promoting positive, accurate views of aging benefits everyone—and doing so is most impactful when introduced early in life. Learn ways to celebrate the 100th day of school milestone with age-inclusive, bias-free approaches on January 27 at 10 am PT. Unfortunately, this is during the school day so most teachers won’t be able to attend but perhaps registrants will receive a recording. https://lnkd.in/gZ56mbec

#CCoA celebrated 50 years in 2024 with three bills signed into law, numerous educational and outreach events hosted statewide, state, federal, and systemic advocacy, and our “GET LOUD! Celebrate aging for all Californians” gala. Of particular note was the launch of the Cheryl Brown Gerontology Scholarship program, which received initial funding of $60,000. Review the year with us here: https://lnkd.in/gZzPfWuf

Disaster Assistance information from Listos CA: Governor Newsom has secured Federal support to help families recovering from the wildfires. FEMA individual assistance may include temporary housing, reimbursement for damage to your home, car or for emergency expenses. There are three ways to apply: •            Online at disasterassistance.gov •            Through the FEMA Mobile App •            Call the FEMA help line at 1-800-621-3362 Additional Assistance resources can be found at: https://lnkd.in/e8Gw_gkY ⚠️ WARNING: Be on the lookout for scams, no one will ask you for money in exchange for assistance.

Please contact Melanie Ripley, mripley@leadingageca.org, if you need assistance or have independent, assisted (including memory care) or SNF bed space available for mutual aid. LeadingAge is also looking for food, furniture and other emergency supplies, as well as donations to their Disaster Relief Fund to help support evacuated communities: https://lnkd.in/gdrZsx63

The California Department of Social Services’ Community Care Licensing Division, which licenses residential care facilities for the elderly and continuing care retirement communities, among other care settings, is maintaining and continually updating an evacuation list on its website here: https://lnkd.in/gVTtDBeX

The southern California fires have devastated the broad community, and nursing and assisted living facility residents are no exception. This article includes a list of all such facilities evacuated as of Jan 9, 4 pm. https://lnkd.in/g9dWSBJ4

Wonderful to share some great news from California! This housing project by The Kelsey is a model for healthy living communities throughout our state. https://lnkd.in/gH_vhCDt

Our hearts are with all Californians impacted by the wildfires in southern California this week.