According to County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, the first batch of Los Angeles County’s disaster relief awards for workers, NGOs, and small companies affected by this year’s tragic wildfires will be given out this week.
The Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and its third-party partner Aid Kit will administer the LA County Small Business and Worker Relief Funds, which will distribute an initial $2.7 million to 324 employees and 82 enterprises who applied by March 2. The grants are intended to support companies in remaining viable as well as employees who have lost their employment or income as a result of fire-related closures.
In a press release, Horvath said, “The destruction caused by these fires has left too many struggling to rebuild and recover. Small businesses and workers are the backbone of our local economy.” “LA County is dedicated to providing continued support, but this initial phase of funding will help businesses stay afloat and workers regain stability.”
Additional candidates who applied by the March 12 deadline will get a second round of financing, totaling $15.9 million. The next round, which is anticipated to be released the week of March 31, will automatically evaluate any applications who were not chosen in the first round.
Grants are being given to employees who lost their employment as a result of workplace closures, as well as companies and charitable organizations whose physical premises were damaged in the fires. On March 13, AidKit started informing beneficiaries. Funds were disbursed via prepaid debit cards or direct deposit at certain Worker Assistance Centers and Disaster Recovery Centers.
With $32.2 million from county resources and $21.7 million from donations from charitable groups and the administration of Governor Gavin Newsom, LA County has allotted $53.9 million for wildfire assistance. In the next weeks, relief monies for affected families will start to be distributed.
Before the March 31 deadline, residents and businesses in need of help may apply for Disaster Unemployment help, SBA disaster loans, and FEMA relief. The LA County Recovers project offers additional recovery tools, such as debris removal programs and reconstruction permits.
