Assistance Following Disaster: Available Resources

People with disability access and functional needs (AFN) are disproportionately impacted by disasters. As a community, we must work to ensure that vulnerable populations, such as people with disabilities and older adults, have equitable access to emergency preparedness, response, and recovery services.

• The California Foundation for Independent Living Centers is proud to lead the statewide Disability Disaster Strategies Coalition. The coalition provides a space for individuals with and without disabilities who provide disaster and emergency programs, services, and supports to disabled people and those with Access and Functional Needs before, during and after a disaster. The goal of the coalition is to bring together advocates and service providers that are working to ensure individuals impacted by a disaster or emergency are provided inclusive programs, services and resources to maintain their health, safety, independence and resiliency. For the Disability Disaster Access & Resources Directory, click here. 
• Disability intersects every demographic group—there are people with disabilities of all ages, races, genders or national origin. And disabilities can impact a person in a variety of ways—both visible and invisible. For people with disabilities and their families, it is important to consider individual circumstances and needs to effectively prepare for emergencies and disasters. If you or a loved one has a disability, check out ready.gov for useful tips to be better prepared.

Homelessness is not your typical disaster or emergency incident that ENLA traditionally responds to. However, it will take a community to overcome the homelessness crisis. Use the links below to find information, resources, and organizations working to support unhoused individuals and prevent future homelessness.

• LA County https://homeless.lacounty.gov
• Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority https://www.lahsa.org
• 211 LA https://211la.org/resources/subcategory/housing
• National Alliance to End Homelessness - https://endhomelessness.org
• For information about housing in LA County, visit https://laist.com/news/housing-homelessness/to-live-and-rent-in-la

Although the Covid-19 emergency declaration has been lifted, many individuals are still living with the consequences of the pandemic.

• For local information on Covid-19, visit https://lacounty.gov/covid-emergency-ending/
• You can find more information about pandemics at https://www.ready.gov/pandemic

Please call the Disaster Distress Helpline: 1 (800) 985-5990 or text "TalkWithUs" to 66746 for emotional support and resources.  Some people may have a hard time coping with difficult emotions, whether adults or children. Learn the warning signs for disaster-related distress. You don't have to go through a disaster alone!

In case of a life-threatening emergency, please dial 9-1-1