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Disaster Help

Disaster Distress Helpline

The Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) is the first national hotline dedicated to providing year-round disaster crisis counseling. This toll-free, multilingual, crisis support service is available 24/7 to all residents in the U.S. and its territories who are experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.

Key services include:

  • Crisis counseling for those affected by any disaster
  • Guidance on recognizing distress and its impact on individuals and families
  • Referrals to local crisis centers for follow-up care and support
  • Tips for healthy coping
  • To reach the helpline, call or text (800) 985-5990.
  • For Spanish speakers: Call or text (800) 985-5990 and press "2."
  • For Deaf and Hard of Hearing ASL callers: Text or call the Disaster Distress Helpline at (800) 985-5990 using your preferred Relay provider.

United Way of Greater Los Angeles

Access 211LA — a national hotline that connects people to critical assistance like rent relief, emergency shelter, healthcare, and more. For immediate assistance, connect live with a Community Resource Advisor through the Online Chat, or dial 2-1-1 (dial (800) 339-6993 if you are having network issues). The team is available to assist 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is free and confidential to call.

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please dial 9-1-1.

Red Cross Los Angeles Region

If you or someone you know recently experienced a natural or man-made disaster and needs assistance, please call the Red Cross at (800) 675-5799. This hotline is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All disaster assistance is free, provided through the generosity of the American public.

Listos California

Anchored at the Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) since 2019, Listos California has succeeded in reaching millions of Californians who otherwise wouldn't have access to lifesaving emergency preparedness information. Providing tools to help vulnerable Californians not only survive, but also thrive post-disaster, is what makes Listos California so vital.

YMCA

The Y is pleased to offer free child care for children of first responders, essential workers and families who have been displaced, evacuated or who have otherwise experienced loss. Limited spaces available.

  • Your local YMCA is opening its doors for children of first responders, essential workers and children of families who were displaced, evacuated or lost property, or who cannot attend school because their school has closed for the day.
  • This program is being offered at no-cost.
  • Children must be at least 4 years and 9 months old to attend the program and must be in grades TK-8th.
  • Space is limited.

To find your nearest Y, visit ymcala.org/locations. Please check the Community Response page for ongoing updates.

Insurance Support Workshops—Pasadena & Santa Monica

Talk to staff from California Department of Insurance at the following Insurance Support Workshop(s) and Disaster Recovery Center(s) (DRCs):

Commissioner Ricardo Lara Insurance Support Workshop—Santa Monica

Santa Monica College
Performing Arts Center East Wing
1310 11th Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401

Dates and Hours of Operation:
Saturday 1/18/2025: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday 1/19/2025: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Commissioner Ricardo Lara Insurance Support Workshop—Pasadena

Pasadena City College
1570 East Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91106

Dates and Hours of Operation:
Saturday 1/25/2025: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday 1/26/2025: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Residential Property Claims Guide

Access this guide for valuable information on navigating the process of a residential property claim. It offers helpful tips on what to do after a loss and outlines what may be covered under your homeowners policy.

Additional Resources and Information