This is where fire victims entered to get help. Pico last week and operates from 9 a. 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. 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. 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. Next stop was a social security card. It was also taken care of onsite. I was told there that we would have the same tax base on a replacement property, provided it was the same square footage. There was a line at the small business administration table as people got assistance with those applications.
Supposedly there was also housing and rental assistance and disaster legal services ā the room was packed with people who wanted to help. It may be easier to do this now, with lots of persons wanting to provide assistance ā 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. 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. 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.
