Visiting the Disaster Recovery Center Helpful

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This is where fire victims entered to get help.

A Disaster Recovery Center was opened  at UCLA Research Park (formerly Westside Pavilion 10850 W. Pico) last week and operates from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Saturday.

This editor, whose home on Radcliffe has been reduced to ashes and rubble, went to the center. I ran into at least 10 other people from Pacific Palisades who had also lost everything.

Between tears, hugs it was good to see faces, I normally would see in the Village and even on the soccer field. People wondered about other Palisadians and if I knew about someone’s whereabouts I shared that information.

Many people were like me, we’ve been evacuated before, so we threw the bare minimum in the car, fully expecting to go back the next day.  Instead many middle-aged people and seniors are now “couch surfing.”

This site was extremely helpful and to my readers, who have never been in a federal disaster, let me explain what you might find.

It was extremely orderly. We lined up be the escalator and about 12 people were allowed up at a time. There were intake people at the first table, and one had to file an application.

Next we were allowed in a large room, that said, “NO MEDIA.” I guess the stories of loss are not to be shared? Or maybe it is so people aren’t distracted with reporters.

My husband went over to the FEMA site, and even though he had filed the application online, the people were extremely helpful and answered questions. I would urge residents who may have filed and then been denied, to go in person to make sure the application is correct. Additionally if you have questions about accessing funding, this will be the fastest way to learn about the process.

While my husband was chatting with FEMA, I filled out a passport renewal application. They took the photo on site and told me the fee for a replacement would be waived because of the “disaster.”

Next stop was a social security card. It was also taken care of onsite. I was told one could also try to find death certificates – and replace driver’s license

I sent my husband to the county to see the process to retrieve our children’s birth certificates, which they are working on.

At the County Assessor’s table, I filled out a form to ensure that the tax assessment would be put on hold. I was told there that we would have the same tax base on a replacement property, provided it was the same square footage.

I stopped by DWP and halted the billing and was told that the bill would be only to January 7.

There was a line at the small business administration table as people got assistance with those applications.

I skipped the mental health table and the politician’s tables, only because I had some shopping to do, such as a carrot peeler, can opener and pots and pans.

Supposedly there was also housing and rental assistance and disaster legal services – the room was packed with people who wanted to help.

I highly recommend stopping by, they have some of the answers – it’s like one-stop disaster shopping.

It may be easier to do this now, with lots of persons wanting to provide assistance – and with fees waived, rather than waiting and then having to go to individual offices or trying to get someone on the phone to help.

The inside of the disaster area was lined with tables and tables of different agencies that provided assistance.

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9 Responses to Visiting the Disaster Recovery Center Helpful

  1. Nancy Klopper says:

    Thanks for such a comprehensive report. Will be sure to
    go. Any idea how long this will be open?? I went away for
    a few weeks to avoid the toxic air. Thanks for any info
    you may provide.

  2. Vicki says:

    Do you know if dogs are allowed at the assistance center? I am staying with friends and bringing my dog with me most places until I get into my relocated home base where I will have a better place to leave her as needed.

  3. Jon from Bienveneda says:

    Sue, do you know how long the disaster center will remain open? We fled to relatives in the Bay Area but may return for a few days soon. Thank you.

  4. Sheridan Bentson says:

    I just went to the Disaster Recovery Center and I will definitely vouch that it’s worth the trip and the time. Absolutely everything is there (like the tax assessor) and the people are knowledgeable and amazingly helpful.

  5. Sue says:

    I don’t know-I’ll see if there is a timeline.

    Sue

  6. Sue says:

    Vicki,

    I saw dogs there the day I was there–they understand that some of us have no place to take them.

    Sue

  7. Sue says:

    Nancy,

    I’ll try to see if they have an end date.

    Sue

  8. Lisa says:

    Any update on how long this center will be open?

  9. Sue says:

    Lisa,

    I’ll see if I can find out today–I’m headed to the Palisades – and I’ll ask at the media center.

    Sue

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