Resources for Incidents of Violence
SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)
The Disaster Distress Line provides immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. Available to all residents in the United States and its territories. Covers topics such as stress, anxiety, and other depression-like symptoms related to a disaster.
Call (800) 985-5990 (English and Spanish) or text TalkWithUs (Hablanos for Spanish) to 66746 to connect with a counselor. Available 24/7.
SAMHSA also has a publication “Coping With Grief After Community Violence” available to download online at https://store.samhsa.gov/product/Coping-With-Grief-After-Community-Violence/SMA14-4888
- Ventura County: The Ventura County Crisis Team (866) 998-2243
- Support Group available: Deep Life Solutions in Camarillo (805) 815-2271
- Spiritual Care/Guidance: Saddleback Los Angeles – Call (818) 485-2632 to leave a message for the minister of the day. Email LA@Saddleback.com or visit https://saddleback.com for more information.
The following mental health providers accept California Victim’s Compensation for treatment. To download or print, click here.
| Camarillo | ||
Dr. Charles Allen, Ph.D | 1601 Carmen Dr. Suite 211 Camarillo, CA 93010 | (805)657-2425 | PTSD, Trauma, Anxiety, Sleep Disorders, Stress |
Debbie Rubright, LMFT | 2460 N. Ponderosa Dr. Unit A-110 Camarillo, CA 93013 | (805)384-9399 | Trauma, PTSD, Addiction, ADHD, Anger, Anxiety, Depression, Guilt, Loss, Schizophrenia, Self- Harm, Parenting, Couples Therapy, All Ages |
Julie Cast, MFT | 360 Mobil Ave. Suite 108C. Camarillo, CA 93010 | (805)368-2323 (805)214-8952 | Trauma, Sexual Abuse, Play Therapy, Art |
Leslie Miranda, MA, LMFT | 1601 Carmen Dr. Suite 102 Camarillo, CA 93010 | (805)625-3786 | Trauma Focus, Mindfulness, EMDR, CBT, Adults and Adolescents |
Lisa M. Barra, PH. D. | (805)217-6106 | Adolescents, Adults, Individual, Family Therapy, Trauma Focus, EMDR, Sexual Abuse, Cognitive Behavioral, Grief and Loss, Depression, Anxiety, Coping Skills | |
May Ann Lovegram, MFT | 1000 Paseo Dr. Suite 223, Camarillo, CA 93010 | (805)402-8244 | Adults, Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Coping Skills, Couples Counseling |
Oxnard | |||
Isabel Bernard-Ward, Ph.D. Spanish Speaking | 1825 N. Oxnard Blvd. # 9. Oxnard, CA 93030 | (805)983-6787 | Trauma, PTSD, Sexual Abuse, Parenting, All Ages, |
Lupita Kirklin, MS, MFTI Spanish Speaking | 235 West 7th Street, Oxnard, CA 93010 | (805)701-9894 | Trauma, DV, Divorce, Coping with tragedy for |
Simi Valley | |||
Deborah Tucker, MA, MFT | (805)583-3976 | Trauma, EMDR, Hyprotherapphy, Sexual Abuse, Anxiety, Relationship issues https://www.simi- therapy.com/deborah/index.html | |
Diane Miza, MA | 1633 Erringer Road. Suite 207 Simi Valley, CA 93065 | (805)405-0718 | Trauma, Abuse, Anxiety |
Kristy Schadt, MFT | 1633 Erringer Rd, Suite 207A. Simi Valley, CA 93063 | (805)578-2425 | Trauma, EMDR, Therapy Dog, Anxiety, Depression, Somatic Experience, Play Therapy |
Rosa Singer LCSW Spanish Speaking | 288 Cordero Ave. Simi Valley, CA 93065 | (805)587-8471 | Trauma, DV, PTSD, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, All ages, Depression, Behavioral Issues, Grief |
Scott T. Barrella, MS | 1633 Errigner Rd. Ste. 201C Simi Valley, CA 93065 | (805)390-6384 | Trauma |
Thousand Oaks | |||
Cynthia Ovalle Plotkin, Ph. D Spanish Speaking | 101 Hodencamp Rd. # 114. Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 | (805)467-6828 | Trauma, PTSD, Depression, DV, Sexual Abuse, Mood Disorders |
Isabel Bernard-Ward, Ph.D. Spanish Speaking | 3625 E. T. Oaks Blvd. # 158. Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 | (805)983-6787 | Grief , Depression, Insomnia |
Roberta Kopacz, MA | 933 East Thousand Oaks Blvd. Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 | (805)338-0791 | Trauma |
Shushanik Khachatryan, LFMT | 2100 Lynn Rd. Suite 120 Thousand Oaks, CA 91320 www.shushantherapy.com | (818)-926-3030 | Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, Grief, Relationship Issues, Couples/Family Counseling, Addiction Recovery, Adults |
Ventura | |||
Debra Blackwell-Schrag, LMFT | 260 Maple Ct. Suite 102 Ventura, CA 93003 | (805) 252-1434 | Trauma, Anxiety, Couples Therapy, Mindfulness Cognitive Therapy, Depression, All Ages |
Destiny Champion, MA, LMFT | 2021 Sperry Ave. # 22. Ventura, CA 93003 | (805)-669-8846 | Trauma, PTSD, Depression, DV, Sexual Abuse, |
Francisco Montes, Ph.D. Spanish Speaking | 4531 Market St. # E. Ventura, CA 93003 | (805)701-2016 | Psychotherapy, Sexual Abuse, Assault, Trauma |
Jennifer Elson, LCSW | Ventura, CA | (805)380-3895 | Transgender, Self Esteem, Parenting, Family conflict, Depression, Emotional Disturbance, Women’s Issues, CBT, Psychodynamic. Ages 6 to Adult |
Jeri W. Johnson LMFT | 738 E. Main St. Ventura, CA 93001 http://mainstreetcounselinggroup.com/ | (805)798-0405 | Adult & later Teen, no children. Trauma, Cognitive Therapy, Anxiety, Depression |
Laura Hughes, MFT Spanish Speaking | 3585 Maple Court. Ventura, CA 93003 | (805)642-3661 | Sexual Abuse/Assault |
Rosetta Williams, MFT | 260 Maple Ct. Suite 250 Ventura, CA 93003 | (805)797-3691 | DV, Family, Eating Disorders, Sexual Assault, Depression, Anxiety, Gifted Students, ADD, All Ages |
Westlake Village | |||
Karina Santillo, MA, LMFT Spanish Speaking | (805)490-9897 | Female Adult & Female Teens ONLY, Trauma, PTSD, Domestic Violence, Sexual Abuse, Addiction, Anxiety, Depression, Grief, Parenting, DV Support Group for Women, Cognitive Therapy | |
Lupita Kirklin, MS, MFTI Spanish Speaking | 2660 Townsgate Rd. Westlake Village, CA 91361 | (805)701-9894 | Trauma, DV, Divorce, Coping with tragedy for minors, Women, Elders, Adolescent Girls, Ages 4 and up |
Michael Kaufman MFT, Psy. D. | (818)730-2960 | Cognitive Behavior, Family Systems, Depression, Anxiety, DV, Anger Management, Grief, Stress Management, Internet Addiction | |
Elizabeth Hortua MSW, LCSW | (310)694-7724 | Trauma, PTSD, Teens, Adults, Addiction, Anxiety, | |
Lisa Jo Cohen, Ph.D. | 870 Hampshire Rd. Suite B1 Westlake Village, CA 91361 | (805)370-1455 | Parenting, PCIT (parent child interactive therapy), complex trauma, assault, sexual ab, PTSD, special ed, emotional ds, learning ds, autism, adolescents, teen moms, loss, separation, grief, anxiety, depression |
Raina Krell, PhD, LPCC | (310)490-9188 | Trauma, PTSD, Teens, Adults, Addiction, Anxiety, Depression, Grief, Couples, Parenting |
CSUCI:
- Students are encouraged to reach out to Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) for additional support. CAPS can be reached anytime at (805) 437-2088. If you reach the voicemail, select option 2 to access 24/7 phone counseling.
- Faculty and staff who would like additional support may utilize the Employee Assistance Program by visiting www.liveandworkwell.com or calling (800) 234-5465.
Cal Lutheran University:
- Cal Lutheran Students can reach out to Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) for support. Please call (805) 493-3727. For 24/7 confidential assistance, please call (877) 715-2440.
- Faculty and staff may utilize the Employee Assistance Program for support.
Pepperdine University:
- Students may contact the Counseling Center at (310) 506-4210 or by email at student.counseling.center@pepperdine.edu
The Counseling Center provides free, confidential emotional/psychological support to all Pepperdine students. - Faculty and staff may access counseling services through their Employee Assistance Program. Details are available on the HR website or by contacting HR at (310) 506-4397.
- Pastoral support is available to the Pepperdine community through the Office of the Chaplain. Contact chaplain Sara Barton at sara.barton@pepperdine.edu or associate chaplain Eric Wilson at eric.wilson@pepperdine.edu or at (310) 506-4275
Community Colleges:
- The Moorpark Student Health Centers are open for support services, call (805) 378-1413
- Fleet and Family Support Center – For service members and families affected and needing assistance from the incident in Thousand Oaks, Crisis Counselors will be available at Bldg 1169, the Fleet and Family Service Center, on Port Hueneme Naval Base during normal working hours. People can call the front desk at (805) 982-5037 and make an appointment.
- The Local Vet Center provides counseling services for Veterans affected, please call (805) 585-1860 and make an appointment. *This only applies if veterans going through crisis meet certain criteria and is more likely to get a referral somewhere else.
- Call The Veterans Crisis Line (800) 273-8255, select option 1, chat online at www.veteranscrisisline.net or send a Text message to 838255 for assistance
- Give an Hour is offering free mental health care to those who serve, veterans, and their families, that were affected by the incident. To find a provider, visit www.giveanhour.org
- Ventura County Community Foundation, in coordination with the City of Thousand Oaks, Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, Amgen Foundation, California Community Foundation, Edison International, Bank of America Charitable Foundation, and others, has set up a specific fund to help support the victims, families, law enforcement community, and organizations providing first and second line support. To donate, visit https://vccf.org/donate/make-a-donation/
- 211 Ventura County is a program of Interface Children & Family Services, and is accepting donation to help Borderline Bar & Grill Incident survivors and their support systems as well as community members impacted by the current fires. Specifically, your gift will be used to provide crisis counseling, case management, and vital linkages to resources.To donate, send a gift to Interface by visiting https://www.icfs.org/211vc/ or text keyword 211VC to 898-211.
- California Strong: Professional baseball players Christian Yelich, Ryan Braun and Mike Moustakas, along with Los Angeles Rams’ quarterback Jared Goff, have joined with the Southeast Ventura County YMCA to create California Strong, which is raising money and awareness to support those affected by the Borderline shooting in Thousand Oaks, the Camp Fire in Northern California and the Woolsey and Hill Fires in Southern California. Donations are 100 percent tax deductible, with 100 percent of the proceeds of this campaign going directly to those in need. So far, more than $300,000 has been donated. For more information and to donate, go to https://www.ca-strong.com, email info@ca-strong.com, or call Southeast Ventura County YMCA at 805-497-3081.
- Coping With Grief After Community Violence Tips for Survivors from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
- Parent Guidelines for Helping Youth after Mass Violence from The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (Spanish version is available here)
- Helping Your Child Cope with Media Coverage of Disasters: A Fact Sheet for Parents from the Terrorism and Disaster Center (TDC), University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.
Disaster Case Management
The Ventura County Long Term Disaster Recovery Group is a collaboration of more than 50 organizations working to address the needs of residents impacted by the 2017 and 2018 wildfires. Our focus is on helping survivors in Ventura County fulfill their recovery goals and achieve sustainability. We understand that the challenges of recovery are not limited to the initial months following a disaster. We provide assistance related to:
- re-location, moving or short term storage expenses not covered by insurance
- rebuilding guidance – ask an expert contractor one-on-one advising
- home repair/rebuild costs not covered by insurance
- insurance and legal questions
- emotional recovery and wellness support
2-1-1 is managing the registration of fire impacted individuals and households for the Ventura County Long Term Disaster Recovery Group – a collaboration of more than 50 organizations working to address unmet needs through volunteer assistance, in‐kind donations as well as, in some cases, financial aid. Please complete the intake form to start the process and a 2-1-1 Outreach team member will contact you to discuss your needs and get you connected to resources and assistance for which you qualify.
First 5 Care Cope Connect
A resource is now available to help the growing number of families in California tackling heightened community stress. The Care, Cope, Connect resource, created by Sesame Street in Communities in collaboration with the First 5 Association of California, helps parents cope with stress and provide safety and security for their children. Visit http://first5association.org/care-cope-connect/ for information and to download the coloring book (available in English, Spanish, Arabic, and Korean) for children.
Public Safety Power Shutoff
Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) is an event that electricity provider proactively turn off power in high fire risk areas to reduce the threat of wildfires. PSPS events are one of the ways better ensure the safety of the public. For information, please visit https://www.sce.com/safety/wildfire/psps.
For Ventura County Hill and Woolsey Fire Recovery information, please visit:
http://venturacountyrecovers.org/
Safety Information for Those Returning Home After a Wildfire
Safety Information for those returning home after a wildfire is available at http://www.readyforwildfire.org/After-a-Wildfire/
California Wildfire Helping Handbook
The Fall 2018 California Wildfires Helping Handbook provides practical information for individuals, families, and small businesses on subjects including housing, government benefits, insurance, FEMA assistance, replacement of lost documents, and fraud prevention.
FEMA Assistance
If FEMA Turned You Down, You Have a Right to Appeal
If you got a letter, email or text from the Federal Emergency Management Agency declining your application for assistance and you disagree with FEMA’s determination, you have the right to appeal. Often, determinations of ineligibility arise from a lack of sufficient documentation. Your application might need an insurance settlement letter, proof of residence, proof of ownership of the damaged property and proof that the damaged property was your
primary residence at the time of the disaster.
Supporting documents may include, but are not limited to, the following:
▪ Landlord’s statements
▪ Merchandise or provider receipts
▪ Service or repair receipts/statements. Each must include an estimate
breakdown, contact information, measurements, etc.
▪ School/employer statement (for loss of essential tools)
• Insurance: If your coverage is not enough to make essential home repairs, pay for a place to stay or replace personal items, FEMA may reconsider your
application. But you must provide documents from your insurance company that detail any settlement. Remember that FEMA cannot duplicate homeowner or renter insurance benefits.
• Occupancy: If you’re a homeowner or renter, FEMA may reconsider you for grants if you provide documents that prove the damaged structure was your
primary residence. FEMA needs to see your utility bills, driver’s license or a copy of your lease or rental agreement. You cannot receive federal disaster assistance for secondary or vacation homes.
• Ownership: Documents you can submit to prove ownership may include mortgage or insurance documents, tax receipts or a deed. If you feel FEMA’s decision or the amount or type of assistance is incorrect, you may submit an appeal letter and any documents needed to support your claim. All appeals must be filed in writing. You should explain why you think the decision is incorrect. When submitting your letter, please include:
▪ Applicant’s full name
▪ Date and place of birth
▪ Address of the damaged dwelling
▪ Your FEMA registration number on all pages
▪ The FEMA disaster declaration number – DR-4393-NC on all pages
▪The signature of the applicant
▪ The date
Your letter must be either notarized – if you choose this option, please include a copy of a state-issued identification card – or include the following statement: “I hereby declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.” You must sign the letter. If someone other than you is writing the letter, there must be a signed statement from you affirming that the person may act on your behalf. You should keep a copy of the appeal for your records.
To file an appeal, letters must be postmarked, received by fax, or personally submitted at a disaster recovery center within 60 days of the date you received the FEMA determination letter.
By mail:
FEMA – Individuals & Households Program
National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055
By fax:
800-827-8112
Attention: FEMA – Individuals & Households Program
If you prefer to go through the appeal process electronically, open a Disaster Assistance Center (DAC) account at www.disasterassistance.gov. Once your account is open, you can update your current contact information, upload your appeal documents, and review letters from FEMA. When you upload the required documents to your DAC account, an appeal packet is automatically created which can then be submitted for review.
If you have questions, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Services may call 800-621-3362. Those who use TTY may call 800-462-7585. Operators are available from 7 am to 10 pm local time seven days a week.
The California Wildfires were declared Major Disasters by FEMA on November 12, 2018. If you were impacted by the wildfires, you can register for FEMA assistance by visiting https://www.disasterassistance.gov/ or call (800) 621-3362. The number for speech and hearing impaired individuals is (800) 462-7585.
When you apply for the FEMA Aid, please have the following information ready:
- Social Security number
- Address of the damaged home or apartment
- Description of the damage
- Information about insurance coverage
- Telephone number
- Mailing address
- Bank account & routing numbers for direct deposit of funds
Please see image below for general instructions and items needed:
A FEMA home inspection is a part of the process for verifying damage and loss and helps determine the assistance options available for survivors. Click here for the FEMA’s Fact Sheet on Housing Inspections with information/requirements.
Wildfire survivors who applied for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and received a letter or text message saying they are ineligible for disaster assistance, should know this first communication may not be the last word.
Very often ineligibility can be resolved quickly. In fact, the most common reasons for this determination are:
- The application may be incomplete. More information or documentation is needed;
- The applicant did not sign the required documents;
- The applicant did not prove occupancy or ownership;
- The damage is to a secondary home or a rental property – not a primary residence;
- Someone else in the household has applied for and received assistance;
- A letter of determination, or other information, may be needed from an insurance company, or
- The applicant may have adequate insurance coverage. If a survivor has insurance, FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments. However, under-insured applicants may receive further assistance for unmet needs after insurance claims have been settled.
Often, the problem of missing information can be fixed online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585). Multi-lingual operators are available. The toll-free numbers are open daily 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (PST). Survivors may check the status of their applications or update their contact information at these same numbers.
Applicants ineligible for FEMA grants may still be eligible for other programs, such as Disaster Unemployment Assistance. Applicants may be referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), where low-interest disaster loans are available to businesses of all sizes, private nonprofits, homeowners and renters. SBA disaster loans can help fund repair or replacement costs not covered by insurance or other sources.
Applicants may apply online at SBA.gov/disaster or, for more information, contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955.
Housing Related Resources
- California Department of Insurance (DOI) Wildfire Information
You can contact the Department of Insurance for general information and guidance about insurance claims by calling (800) 927-HELP (4357); TDD: (800) 482-4833 or visit http://www.insurance.ca.gov. - United Policyholders offers insurance claim assistance for people affected by Woolsey Fire. Please visit https://www.uphelp.org/blog/woolsey-fire-insurance-claim-help.
Thanks to a donation by the Realtors Relief Foundation, the California Association of Realtors is awarding housing assistance grants to homeowners and renters affected by the Camp, Woolsey, and Hill fires.
Through a $1 million gift from the Realtors Relief Foundation, C.A.R. is offering disaster relief grants up to $2,000 per household to provide assistance with mortgage relief or temporary housing, such as payment on a mortgage on your primary residence that burned in one of the fires, lease or rent payments on replacement housing, or even payments to a temporary shelter if you were evacuated from your primary residence due to the fires.
Assistance is also available for Realtors, employees of Realtors, and association staff directly affected by the fires. Grants are distributed through C.A.R.’s Housing Affordability Fund and Disaster Relief Fund.
Any U.S. or legal permanent resident who has lost or was evacuated from their primary residence due to the recent wildfires may apply. Other grant details are:
- Relief assistance is limited to a maximum of $2,000 per applicant household. Deadline for application submission is June 30, 2019, contingent on the availability of funds.
- Assistance is for housing relief only. Other expenses, including mortgages on property other than primary residence, vehicle purchase, rental, repair and or mileage are ineligible for reimbursement under this program.
Documentation requirements are:
- Proof of residency: This can be a copy of a driver’s license or other government-issued identification showing the affected address. Other documentation that meets this requirement may be accepted, as well.
- Proof of lease/ownership: This can be a copy of your mortgage statement or mortgage payment coupon, if you owned your home (these can often be downloaded from your lender’s website, if you don’t have a paper copy); or a copy of your lease, rent statement or invoice, if you rented your property.
- Proof of damage/loss: At least one of the following is required to show proof of damage to your primary residence: photo(s) of damages; insurance estimate; copies of written insurance claims, claim status reports or settlement proceeds; or copies of repair estimates from contractors.
Only one application per household is allowed. Grants are available only for the applicant’s primary residence. Recipients of other financial assistance from FEMA, charitable groups, etc. are eligible to apply.
Once you have submitted your grant application and all required documentation, your application will be reviewed to ensure the eligibility criteria has been met. If you have not received a response to your application within 10 business days, contact haf@car.org.
For more details about the grant and how to apply, visit https://www.car.org/difference/realtorscare.
Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Mortgage Insurance for Disaster Victims Section 203(h) program allows the FHA to insure mortgages made by qualified lenders to victims of a major disaster who have lost their homes and are in the process of rebuilding or buying another home. For details, visit https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/sfh/ins/203h-dft
Under Fannie Mae’s guidelines for single-family mortgages:
- Homeowners impacted by the California wildfires are eligible to stop making mortgage payments for up to 12 months, during which time they:
– will not incur late fees during this temporary payment break
– will not have delinquencies reported to the credit bureaus - Servicers are authorized to suspend or reduce a homeowner’s mortgage payments immediately for up to 90 days without any contact with the homeowner if the servicer believes the homeowner has been affected by a disaster. Payment forbearance of up to 12 months is available in many circumstances.
- Servicers must suspend foreclosure and other legal proceedings if the servicer believes the homeowner has been impacted by a disaster.
Homeowners can reach out to Fannie Mae directly by calling 800-2FANNIE (800-232-6643). For more information, please visit www.knowyouroptions.com/relief.
The Ventura County Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office is aware that many residents of Ventura County have been affected by the fires that began November 8th, 2018.
If you have recently sustained a property loss, you may qualify for property tax relief. Please visit the Ventura County Assessor’s website (or click here) for information on filing a Calamity Claim.
All taxpayers that are able to pay their taxes are advised to do so. The due date is still December 10th, postmark accepted. At this time there is no general extension of the December 10th due date.
If you missed the Secured property tax 1st installment due date of December 10th because you were a first responder or your property was damaged, or because you were evacuated from the fire zones, please fill out the Cancellation of Penalty form below, for review by the Tax Collector. Documented verification is required to substantiate your claim.
SoCal Self Storage in Camarillo is offering 2 months free storage for people affected by the recent Wildfires. Please call (805) 482-5700 for details.
SelectaBed and the Tempflow Mattress company in Agoura Hills are offering up to $1000 worth of bedding to each family that has lost their homes. The companies are also offering a free pillow to first responders.
Located at:
28505 Canwood Street, Suite C
Agoura Hills, CA 91301
For more information, call (805) 379-4300
Chabad of the Conejo: A distribution center will serve those impacted by the Woolsey and Hill fires. The center, at 30345 Canwood St. in Agoura Hills, is collecting items to be distributed. Organizers are hoping to collect gift cards, children’s gear like strollers and high chairs, clothing that is new or in good condition, phone chargers, toiletries, and hotel or motel vouchers. Those wishing to donate or pick up supplies can come to the center daily between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. For more information, contact Rabbi Moshe Bryski at rabbi@chabadconejo.com or call the office at 818-991-0991.
Did you know that there are expert Home Builders in Ventura County who are ready to give you free advice in the process of rebuilding your house?
The Ventura County Long Term Disaster Recovery Group has hired several local, retired building contractors, who have built dozens of custom homes in this area, to give you guidance and advice from start to finish. These people are called Rebuild Navigators. And they don’t want your business. In fact, they can’t financially benefit from helping you. But you will get free help with all your decisions, like the design, plans, permits, inspections, cost estimates, hiring a builder, contracts, scheduling, and much more. You can request a meeting with the Rebuild Navigator by completing the Disaster Case Management intake form.
Documents Replacement
- California Driver’s License (800) 777-0133
Visit a California DMV office to complete an application. Replacement license forms must be delivered in person. - Green cards (800) 375-5283
Website: uscis.gov - Medicare cards (800) 772-1213; TTY: (800) 325-0778
Website: ssa.gov/medicare - Military records (866) 272-6272
Website: https://www.archives.gov - Passport (877) 487-2778; TTY: (888) 874-7793
Website: https://www.travel.state.gov - Social Security card (800) 772-1213; TTY: (800) 325-0778
Website: https://www.ssa.gov - Savings Bonds (844) 284-2676
Website: https://www.treasurydirect.gov - Tax returns (800) 908-9946
Website: Tips to Help Tax Payers - Birth Certificates, Marriage Certificates, Death Certificates, and Divorce Decrees
Currently, the fee for these documents has been waived for survivors of the November 2018 wildfires in Butte, Ventura, and Los Angeles counties. You will need to submit a sworn statement that you were impacted by these fires, along with your application. For more information on ordering replacement vital records, visit https://recorder.countyofventura.org/county-recorder/ordering-a-copy-of-vital-records/ - Registration and Certificate of Title (Cars, Boats, and Vessels)
Registration: Call (800) 777-0133 (TTY (800) 368-4327) during regular business hours or visit your local DMV field office and identify yourself as a disaster victim.Replacement certificate of title: Must complete an Application for Duplicate or Paperless Title REG 227. Application is available at your local DMV office or online here. Attach the damaged title if mutilated, and, unless waived due to the disaster, pay the duplicate title fee of $20.00 ($15.00 for boats and other vessels).
Submit the application either in person at your local DMV office or mail it to:
DOCUMENT & RECORD REPLACEMENT
60 Current as of November 20, 2018
Department of Motor Vehicles
Registration Operations
P.O. Box 942869
Sacramento, CA 94269-0001
Disaster Loans
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provides low-interest, long term disaster loans to businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organization, homeowners, and renters to repair or replace uninsured/underinsured disaster damaged property. Visit the Disaster Recovery Center, call (800) 659-2955, or visit disasterloan.sba.gov/ela for assistance. Applicants MUST register with FEMA first before contacting SBA for assistance.
Types of Disaster Loans available:
- Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) – Working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private, nonprofit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster.
- Home Disaster Loans – Loans to homeowners or renters to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and personal property, including automobiles.
Application Filing Deadlines:
Economic Injury: August 12, 2019
WHY YOU SHOULD RETURN THE SBA DISASTER LOAN APPLICATION
Not returning the loan application from the U. S. Small Business Administration may be saying no to potential federal assistance.
Some may be counting on a future insurance settlement to cover all the costs of rebuilding. Maybe they don’t want a disaster loan or fear they can’t afford one. Or maybe they don’t know how to get help with the paperwork the SBA sent them.
But there are good reasons to submit a completed SBA loan application by the deadline.
SBA offers the disaster loans to disaster-affected homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations in the counties with a federal disaster designation for Individual Assistance.
Some of the top reasons for submitting an SBA application by the deadline include:
- A future insurance settlement may fall short. You may find out that you were underinsured for the amount of work it takes to repair or replace a damaged home. An SBA low-interest loan can cover the uninsured costs. By submitting the loan application on time, you may have loan money available when it is needed. SBA can approve a loan for the repair or replacement of your home up to $200,000. Once your insurance settles, you may apply those funds to your disaster loan. However, the opportunity for an SBA disaster loan may be lost if you wait until after the application deadline.
- SBA can work with a homeowner to shape a loan that fits your personal budget. If you already have a mortgage on the damaged property, SBA specialists can work with you to come up with a low-interest loan package you can afford. In some cases, SBA can refinance all or part of an existing mortgage when the applicant may not qualify for a loan from commercial lenders, has suffered substantial uninsured or underinsured damage and intends to repair the property.
- SBA can help renters replace their essential items. Renters, as well as homeowners, may borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace clothing, furniture, cars or appliances damaged or destroyed in the disaster.
- By submitting your SBA loan application, you keep the full range of disaster assistance available as an option. If SBA does not approve a loan – or approves a small loan that doesn’t cover all of your needs – you may be referred to other programs that can provide grants to replace essential household items, replace or repair a damaged vehicle, or cover storage expenses, among other serious disaster-related needs. But if you do not submit the loan application you received from SBA, the assistance process may stop.
For more information, homeowners and renters may call the SBA at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 TTY) or visit http://www.sba.gov/content/apply-disaster-loan
Homeowners and renters may visit SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/ to apply online for disaster loans.
Remember to register with FEMA first; call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 800-462-7585 for the deaf or hard of hearing. Online registration is available at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
For more information, view or print the SBA Disaster Loan Fact Sheet.
Private Nonprofit Organizations
Low-interest federal disaster loans are now available to certain private nonprofit organizations in California following President Trump’s federal disaster declaration for Public Assistance as a result of wildfires that occurred Nov. 8-25, 2018, announced Administrator Linda McMahon of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Private nonprofits that provide essential services of a governmental nature are eligible for assistance.
These low-interest federal disaster loans are available in Butte, Los Angeles, and Ventura counties.
“Private nonprofit organizations should contact California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services Recovery Section by calling (916) 845-8200 or emailing disasterrecovery@caloes.ca.gov to obtain information about applicant briefings,” said Director Tanya N. Garfield of SBA’s Disaster Field Operations Center-West. “At the briefings, private nonprofit representatives will need to provide information about their organization,” continued Garfield.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency will use that information to determine if the private nonprofit provides an “essential governmental service” and is a “critical facility” as defined by law. If so, FEMA may provide the private nonprofit with a Public Assistance grant for their eligible costs. If not, FEMA may refer the private nonprofit to SBA for disaster loan assistance.
SBA may lend private nonprofits up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. SBA can also lend additional funds to help with the cost of improvements to protect, prevent or minimize the same type of disaster damage from occurring in the future.
For certain private nonprofit organizations of any size, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help with meeting working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic Injury Disaster Loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that cannot be paid because of the disaster’s impact. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the nonprofit suffered any property damage.
The interest rate is 2.75 percent with terms up to 30 years.
Application Filing Deadlines
Property Damage: February 11, 2019
Economic Injury: September 11, 2019
Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing may call (800) 877-8339. Completed applications should be mailed to:
U.S. Small Business Administration
Processing and Disbursement Center
14925 Kingsport Road
Fort Worth, TX 76155
Interest-Free Loans for Victims of the Recent Fires
Jewish Free Loan Association is offering help to those impacted by the local fires with a no fee and interest-free loan of up to $15,000 for:
- Temporary housing
- Rent and Security Deposits
- Moving Expenses
- Living expenses
- Clothing
- Car Purchases
- Furniture
- Small Business
- Other fire-related losses
Two guarantors are required. Guarantors must:
- Have steady income
- Have a credit score of 680 or above
- Be 25 years of age or older
- Be permanent residents of California
- Have no current activity with the Jewish Free Loan Association as borrower or co-signor
- Not be on active military duty
- Be willing and able to repay the loan if the co-signer is unable to repay successfully
Visit www.JFLA.org and click on “apply now”
Small Business Loans
Loans are considered on a case-by-case basis and can be up to $75,000.00. Each applicant presents individual circumstances to be considered by the Loan Committee.
Please note: we do not offer Small Business loans to nonprofit organizations.
- Applicants must be permanent residents of Los Angeles, Ventura counties;
- Borrowers must demonstrate need and have the ability to repay the loan;
- Two guarantors with good credit and steady income are required on each loan up to $30,000 and three guarantors with good credit and steady income are required for loans greater than $30,000;
- Borrower must submit required documentation by mail to the main Jewish Free Loan Association office prior to receiving an appointment.
For more information visit, https://www.jfla.org/loan-programs/small-business-loans/.
Tax Assistance
FRANCHISE TAX BOARD (FTB) DISASTER RELIEF RESOURCES
The California Franchise Tax Board has information to help disaster survivors understand the tax relief to which they may be entitled.
Disaster Loss: How to Claim a State Tax Deduction
Understanding Tax Relief for Disasters
More Disaster Relief materials are available at the VenturaCountyRecovers website, under the Additional Resources page.
Available resources include:
- Copy of the IRS PowerPoint presentation
- FTB Publication 1034: provides information on disaster loss and how to claim a state tax deduction
- FTB 1240: directory of Franchise Tax Board contact information
- IRS publication 547: provides information that covers the Woolsey, Hill, Thomas Fire and 1/9 Debris flows.
- IRS publication 976: provides information only for Thomas Fire and 1/9 Debris Flows.
Benefits Assistance
CALWORKS RECIPIENTS
If your family currently receives assistance from CalWORKs and you were impacted by the fires, you may be eligible for additional assistance, including a one-time, non-recurring special needs assistance payment of up to $600.
To qualify for this special payment, you must have an emergency need due to sudden and unusual circumstances beyond your control and $100 or less in liquid resources. If you qualify for a special needs assistance payment, the money can be used to repair or replace clothing or household items, provide assistance for damage to your home, including moving or storage payments due to such damage, or pay for interim shelter if your home is destroyed or made uninhabitable or inaccessible.
You should contact your caseworker for additional information. If you are homeless, you may apply for temporary and permanent housing assistance. Applicant families who have received homeless assistance in the last 12 months and who have been impacted by the fires may be entitled to an exception to the once every 12 months limit. You may be eligible for an immediate needs payment of up to $200 if you have $100 or less in liquid resources (for example, cash).
Please note that CalWORKs regulations exclude counting of federal disaster and emergency assistance for eligibility determination purposes; so, FEMA relief, American Red Cross relief, and D-CalFresh will not impact your eligibility for CalWORKs.
If you do not wish to receive CalWORKs on an ongoing basis, consider applying for CalWORKs diversion payments, which are short-term, non-recurring benefits designed to deal with a specific crisis situation or item of need and may be appropriate for some displaced families. For additional information regarding CalWORKS benefits, contact the human services agency: (888) 472-4463 or visit https://www.ventura.org/human-services-agency/calworks/
Health & Mental Health Related Resources
West Valley Counseling Center & Ventura Counseling and Wellness Center provide affordable therapy for individuals, families, couples, children, and groups in a private practice setting. Currently, they also offer a number of different group therapy options through their art therapy program. They aim to meet the needs of those who cannot afford or do not have access to these services due to economic circumstances. These centers are currently acquiring funding to further reduce costs to individuals affected by the recent fires who are in need of mental health assessment and counseling services.
Please call the center nearest you to schedule and/or go through a quick intake assessment and get connected to a therapist.
West Valley Counseling Center | Ventura Counseling and Wellness Center |
The Disaster Distress Line provides immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. Available to all residents in the United States and its territories. Covers topics such as stress, anxiety, and other depression-like symptoms related to a disaster.
Call 800-985-5990 (English and Spanish) or text TalkWithUs (Hablanos for Spanish) to 66746 to connect with a counselor. Available 24/7.
Uninsured survivors of the Woolsey Fire are eligible for free prescription refills, vaccines, and medical supplies.
· Funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, an Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP), has been launched by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
· A contractor administers this program on behalf of HHS and will immediately begin taking claims for prescription drugs, vaccines, specific medical supplies and limited durable medical equipment like wheelchairs and oxygen concentrators.
· The program pays for a 30-day supply of prescription medications for people without health insurance who are affected by disasters. Most pharmacies in Ventura county participate in EPAP. You must provide proof of a new or existing prescription.
· If you need replacement durable medical equipment, medical supplies, or vaccinations that do not usually require a prescription, ask your healthcare provider to contact the pharmacy. All prescriptions processed through EPAP are free of charge.
· To find a participating pharmacy online, visit https://go.usa.gov/xPUGC and call the pharmacy listed for your ZIP code to confirm it is open.
· If you have questions about EPAP, call 855-793-7470 or visit https://www.phe.gov/Preparedness/planning/epap/Pages/
Counseling for Families and Individuals Impacted by the Fires
CLU offers individual, couples, family, child, and group therapy counseling services on a sliding scale basis and will take special consideration for those impacted by the wildfires. Counseling services are provided in English and Spanish at two locations:
CLU Oxnard Clinic
2200 Outlet Center Drive
Suite #470
Oxnard, CA 93030
CLU Westlake Village Clinic
31416 Agoura Road
Suite #115
Westlake Village, CA 91361
For more information and to schedule a phone intake assessment, contact CLU at 805-493-3059
Group Therapy For Clergy
Group is for clergy members who have been impacted by the Woolsey Fire and/or Borderline Shooting.
Group will be held on Thursdays from 3:30pm-5:00pm. It will be starting soon this summer. Phone number: 805-493-3390
Group Therapy for individuals recovering from the Thomas Fire and Mudslides
Group for individuals who have been impacted by the Thomas Fire and the resulting mudslides.
Group is free of charge. It is held on Wednesdays from 6pm-7:30pm at CLU Oxnard Center, 2200 Outlet Center Drive #470, Oxnard CA 93030. For further information or to register, contact 805-496-3059
Group Therapy for Woolsey Fire & Borderline Victims
Group is free of charge. Held at CLU Community Counseling Services, 31416 Agoura Road #115, Westlake Village, CA 91361. Phone number: 805-493-3575
Trauma Counseling
Jewish Family Service offers 8 sessions (or more on a case by case basis) of free trauma counseling to anyone affected by the fire. Counseling sessions can be held for an individual, a couple, or family. Sessions are held at their Ventura office located at 740 E Main Street, Ventura, CA 93003.
Call 805-641-6565 for more information and to make an appointment.
Hospice of the Conejo is partnering with the LA Region Long Term Disaster Recovery Group to bring a weekly support group to community members affected by the Woolsey and Thomas Fires.
Residential fires can lead to significant emotional distress. Losing your home in a fire involves not only the loss of your residence, but also many other things of value such as photo albums, important documents, and treasured objects.
Weekly Support Group is free of charge. It is held on Thursdays at 6:30pm at: Hospice of the Conejo Grief Support Center. 80 East Hillcrest Drive #202. Thousand Oaks, CA 91360. Please call the office to confirm your attendance. (805) 495-2145.
With support from the Ventura County Community Foundation and the California Community Foundation, Give an Hour offers the following NO COST services in Ventura and Los Angeles. These services aim to address the mental health an emotional well-being needs of those affected by devastating fires in Ventura and Los Angeles Counties over the past two years.
- Emotional Wellness Training, Peer Support: STRONGER TOGETHER offers Emotional Life Skills℠ training to build community peer support groups. This six-week Emotional Life Skills℠ program delivers the skills and tools that allows community members to better care for themselves and those they love, enables all to build and access local mental health resources in their communities, and builds a community peer support network. To learn more about the six-week Emotional Life Skills℠ program components, click here.
- Fire Recovery Support Groups: Fire recovery support groups facilitated by mental health professionals to those affected by fires in Ventura and Los Angeles Counties.
- Trauma 101 Training: This training is designed for community members and groups who want to learn more about trauma, how it affects individuals, and our community in the aftermath of a traumatic event.
- Trauma Informed Care Training: This training is designed for those serving individuals and communities in the aftermath of traumatic events. This training includes evidence informed information on how to offer a trauma informed response to those you serve.
- Vicarious Trauma Training and Support for Caregivers: To educate and support caregivers who may be exposed to or are experiencing vicarious trauma (compassion fatigue) VC STRONGER TOGETHER offers evidence based Vicarious Trauma training to those in the caregiving community (training audiences include, but not limited to: hospital staff, case
managers, community mental health workers, social workers, community based organization staff). Trainings will include a self-assessment, the development of a care plan, and a practical application. - Community Outreach and Education: To educate community members and groups, VC STRONGER TOGETHER offers community outreach and education sessions that focus on community recovery services available and the importance of keeping emotionally well in the aftermath of traumatic events (outreach and education audiences include, but are not limited to: Rotary Clubs, PTA’s, community-based organizations and councils).
If you, your community, or organization is interested in these no cost services, please visit Stronger Together for more information. You may also contact Kirsti Thompson, Director, 805-795-8661, kthompson@giveanhour.org, or Michael Morisette, Outreach Coordinator, at 805-791-4001, mmorisette@giveanhour.org.
Click here for a printable flyer of available services.
Legal Assistance
A legal hotline is now available for survivors of the wildfires in California in Butte, Ventura, and Los Angeles counties. Disaster survivors facing legal issues in Ventura or Los Angeles counties who are unable to afford a lawyer may call the hotline at 877-301-4448. Hours are 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, Monday-Friday.
The type of legal assistance available includes:
- Assistance with securing FEMA and other government benefits available to disaster survivors
- Assistance with life, medical and property insurance claims
- Help with home repair contracts and contractors
- Replacement of wills and other important legal documents destroyed in the disaster
- Assisting in consumer protection matters, remedies, and procedures
- Counseling on mortgage and foreclosure problems
- Counseling on landlord-tenant problems
The State Bar of California is warning the public to watch out for and report potential fraud in response to the recent fires across the state. As a result of California’s ongoing fires, many people may wish to seek legal advice for various reasons, including insurance disputes, seeking Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance, employment issues, landlord tenant disputes, consumer fraud, and more.
Some important things to know when seeking legal aid after a disaster is that California law prohibits lawyers or others acting on behalf of a lawyer from:
- Soliciting clients at an accident scene, at a hospital, or on the way to a hospital
- Soliciting clients who, due to their physical, emotional or mental state, may not be able to have reasonable judgment about the hiring of an attorney
- Seeking clients by mail unless the letter and envelope are clearly labeled as an advertisement
- Promising a particular outcome from the legal representation
In the wake of the fires, there is also the risk of victims being approached in person, by mail, email or other means, by people posing as attorneys. Consumers must carefully check that people offering legal services are legitimate and licensed to provide such services.
Before hiring an attorney, Californians should check the State Bar website for the status of an attorney’s license to practice law and whether they have any record of discipline.
State Bar’s additional resources for consumers:
Fire Legal Assistance Hotline: 805-765-9727
This hotline provides people impacted by the Thomas fires with legal assistance in the following matters:
- Landlord-tenant Issues
- Life, medical and property insurance
- Emergency aid applications through FEMA
- Home repair contracts
- Mortgage foreclosure
- Replacement of important legal documents
NEED MORE LEGAL HELP?
Visit the Legal Aid Clinic
Every 1st & 3rd Tuesdays
from 4pm to 7pm (with the final intake at 6:15pm)
Location:
Ventura County Law Library
800 S. Victoria Avenue
Ventura, CA
Phone:
805-642-8982
Free Legal Clinic
Jewish Family Service offers a free legal clinic to those affected by the Thomas Fire. The legal clinic is typically held on the second Tuesday of every month at 6:30pm.
Legal services are provided on a first come, first serve basis. Those wanting to take advantage of the legal services are recommended to arrive between 6:00pm and 6:15pm to fill out paper work before the attorney arrives.
The Jewish Family Service legal clinic is run by local attorneys working on a volunteer basis. Attorneys meet with clients individually, go over paper work, and give advice and referrals when available. The attorney will not represent individuals in court, or create an attorney client relationship with clients.
Jewish Family Services also provides referrals for other low-cost legal services throughout the county.
The legal clinic is offered at the JFS Ventura Office located at 740 E Main Street, Ventura, CA 93003.
The Pepperdine Law Disaster Recovery Clinic provides limited-scope legal services to individuals affected by the Woolsey Fire.
Its practice includes but is not limited to representation of clients with legal issues related to:
- Permitting and rebuilding
- Landlord-tenant relationships
- Insurance
- FEMA
If you have a legal question related to issues you are working through as a result of the Woolsey Fire, please call (310) 506-7449 or email clinicallaw@pepperdine.edu to speak with an attorney to determine if the clinic will be able to help with your case.
Donations & Volunteer Opportunities
- Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF) has set up a specific fund to assist with the urgent needs of people affected by the Hill Fire and Woolsey Fire. To donate, visit https://vccf.org/donate/hill-fire-and-woolsey-fire-sudden-and-urgent-needs-effort/
- United Way Greater LA and United Way Ventura have set up a joint relief fund to assist people affected by the Hill Fire and Woolsey Fire. To donate, visit https://www.unitedwayla.org/en/give/disaster-relief-fund/
- 211 Ventura County, a program of Interface Children & Family Services, is accepting donations to help Borderline Bar & Grill Incident survivors and their support systems as well as community members impacted by the current fires. Specifically, your gift will be used to provide crisis counseling, case management, and vital linkages to resources. To donate, send a gift to Interface by visiting https://www.icfs.org/211vc/ or text keyword 211VC to 898-211.
- The American Red Cross accepts donations to help people affected by the fires. Visit RedCross.org, or text CAWILDFIRES to 90999 to make a donation.
- 805 UndocuFund: Created after the Thomas Fire, the 805 UndocuFund has reopened to help immigrant families who lost work, jobs or homes due to the Woolsey and Hills fires. The fund, an effort of the Mixteco Indigena Community Organizing Project, Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) and Future Leaders of America, targets undocumented immigrants and others excluded from state or federal disaster assistance. Donate online at https://805undocufund.org or https://vccf.org. The UndocuFund has provided families with $1.4 million to date.
- International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has a Disaster Relief Fund which provides financial assistance to its members living in disaster areas who have also experienced losses of their own. To donate, visit https://foundation.iaff.org/disaster-relief/
- The Firefighters Charitable Foundation accepts donations to support volunteer fire stations and help wildfire victims. To donate, visit https://www.ffcf.org/
- Salvation Army Ventura Corps accepts donations to help people affected by the fires, visit https://ventura.salvationarmy.org/ to make a donation.
- United Way Ventura County has been designated by the Ventura County Office of Emergency Services (OES) as the agency responsible for managing Unaffiliated Spontaneous Volunteers through the Emergency Volunteer Center (EVC).
An Unaffiliated Spontaneous Volunteer is anyone from the community that wants to volunteer to help and is not already an Affiliated Volunteer trained by programs. It is open to all local residents regardless of skills or physical limitations. Children under 18 are eligible when in the company of their parent or guardian. Groups are encouraged.
For information on Disaster Spontaneous Volunteers opportunities, please visit http://www.volunteerventuracounty.org/need/detail/?need_id=311201
Disaster Case Management
The Ventura County Long Term Disaster Recovery Group is a collaboration of more than 50 organizations working to address the needs of residents impacted by the 2017 and 2018 wildfires. Our focus is on helping survivors in Ventura County fulfill their recovery goals and achieve sustainability. We understand that the challenges of recovery are not limited to the initial months following a disaster. We provide assistance related to:
- re-location, moving or short term storage expenses not covered by insurance
- rebuilding guidance – ask an expert contractor one-on-one advising
- home repair/rebuild costs not covered by insurance
- insurance and legal questions
- emotional recovery and wellness support
2-1-1 is managing the registration of fire impacted individuals and households for the Ventura County Long Term Disaster Recovery Group – a collaboration of more than 50 organizations working to address unmet needs through volunteer assistance, in‐kind donations as well as, in some cases, financial aid. Please complete the intake form to start the process and a 2-1-1 Outreach team member will contact you to discuss your needs and get you connected to resources and assistance for which you qualify.
Thomas Fire Resources
Children and Family Resources
Disaster Relief Resources
Did you know that there are expert Home Builders in Ventura County who are ready to give you free advice in the process of rebuilding your house?
The Ventura County Long Term Disaster Recovery Group has hired several local, retired building contractors, who have built dozens of custom homes in this area, to give you guidance and advice from start to finish. These people are called Rebuild Navigators. And they don’t want your business. In fact, they can’t financially benefit from helping you. But you will get free help with all your decisions, like the design, plans, permits, inspections, cost estimates, hiring a builder, contracts, scheduling, and much more. You can request a meeting with the Rebuild Navigator by completing the Disaster Case Management intake form.
- California Department of Insurance (DOI) Wildfire Information
You can contact the Department of Insurance for general information and guidance about insurance claims by calling (800) 927-HELP (4357); TDD: (800) 482-4833 or visit http://www.insurance.ca.gov. - United Policyholders offers insurance claim assistance for people affected by the Thomas Fire. Click here find tips, tools and resources relevant to the Thomas fire. The focus is on helping you navigate your insurance claim toward a full, fair and prompt settlement. We also offer guidance on debris removal, temporary living arrangements, government aid, construction issues, hiring professional help, and deciding how and if you will repair, rebuild or buy a replacement home.
Interest-Free Loans for Victims of the Recent Fires
Jewish Free Loan Association is offering help to those impacted by the local fires with a no fee and interest-free loan of up to $15,000 for:
- Temporary housing
- Rent and Security Deposits
- Moving Expenses
- Living expenses
- Clothing
- Car Purchases
- Furniture
- Small Business
- Other fire-related losses
Two guarantors are required. Guarantors must:
- Have steady income
- Have a credit score of 680 or above
- Be 25 years of age or older
- Be permanent residents of California
- Have no current activity with the Jewish Free Loan Association as borrower or co-signor
- Not be on active military duty
- Be willing and able to repay the loan if the co-signer is unable to repay successfully
Visit www.JFLA.org and click on “apply now”
Small Business Loans
Loans are considered on a case-by-case basis and can be up to $75,000.00. Each applicant presents individual circumstances to be considered by the Loan Committee.
Please note: we do not offer Small Business loans to nonprofit organizations.
- Applicants must be permanent residents of Los Angeles, Ventura counties;
- Borrowers must demonstrate need and have the ability to repay the loan;
- Two guarantors with good credit and steady income are required on each loan up to $30,000 and three guarantors with good credit and steady income are required for loans greater than $30,000;
- Borrower must submit required documentation by mail to the main Jewish Free Loan Association office prior to receiving an appointment.
For more information visit https://www.jfla.org/loan-programs/small-business-loans/.
FRANCHISE TAX BOARD (FTB) DISASTER RELIEF RESOURCES
The California Franchise Tax Board has information to help disaster survivors understand the tax relief to which they may be entitled.
Disaster Loss: How to Claim a State Tax Deduction
Understanding Tax Relief for Disasters
More Disaster Relief materials are available at the VenturaCountyRecovers website, under the Additional Resources page.
Available resources include:
- Copy of the IRS PowerPoint presentation
- FTB Publication 1034: provides information on disaster loss and how to claim a state tax deduction
- FTB 1240: directory of Franchise Tax Board contact information
- IRS publication 547: provides information that covers the Woolsey, Hill, Thomas Fire and 1/9 Debris flows.
- IRS publication 976: provides information only for Thomas Fire and 1/9 Debris Flows.
Ventura County Community Development Corporation – Financial Coaching
VCCDC’s Financial Coaching provides a comprehensive educational process to guide clients through every aspect of home-ownership and beyond. However, given the after-effects of the Thomas Fires and/or Montecito Mudslides, VCCDC has learned that many families budgets/finances have been completely shattered as a result. In light of this, VCCDC provides financial coaching through ongoing support that is tailored to each individual and/or family needs and goals as they rebuild their lives. VCCDC Homeownership Specialists are ready and available to provide financial coaching free of charge at their Homeownership Center located at 2231 Sturgis Rd. Suite A, Oxnard CA 93030.
For more information, please visit us at www.vccdc.org or call VCCDC at 805-273-7800.
Economic Development Collaborative (EDC-VC)
The EDC-VC Small Business Development Center offers no-cost personal business advising services to assist small businesses impacted by the disaster. Services are free of charge and cover financial, accounting, marketing, strategic recovery planning and other post-disaster challenges. Visit http://edc-vc.com/disaster-recovery-services/ for Business Disaster Recovery information.
Women’s Economic Ventures
Phone:
WEV’s Loan Officer Jaime Marks
805-232-3087 or jmarks@wevonline.org
Eligibility:
- Has had reduced sales due to Thomas Fire
- Has had inventory loss due to Thomas Fire
Program Details:
- Simplified application process
- Up to $10,000 maximum loan amount
- 4% interest rate
- Loan term of up to 18 months
- Interest-only payments available for first 3 months of the loan
- Decision within 24 hours of completed application
- Closing fees waived
Go to WEV’s Business Disaster Recovery resource site at
http://relief.wevonline.org/bizdisasterrecovery for more information about Quick Response Loans, and other valuable community resources.
Small Business Development Center
The Small Business Development Center is hosted by the Economic Development Collaborative of Ventura County. Offers free advice and seminars to small business owners in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.
Business Turn Around Assistance
Offers immediate assistance through free, confidential consultations on topics such as counseling, debt reduction, and legal solutions.
Disaster Response Micro Loan
Provides a boost in cash flow to businesses impacted by a reduction in sales or lost inventory due to the Thomas Fire. Offers micro loans from $5,000-$30,000 at 4% interest through the Fire Disaster Loan Fund.
For more information, please call Alondra 805-409-9159 to request an appointment or visit their website at www.edc-vc.com
805UndocuFund
The 805 UndocuFund is a joint effort of immigrant-serving organizations in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties to provide disaster relief to local immigrant families. Many immigrant families were affected including loss of homes and essential belongings with the destruction of farmworker housing and apartments, lost jobs as the houses where they cleaned, gardened, cooked, or cared for children were evacuated or destroyed, and lost wages as the only freeway between Ventura and Santa Barbara was severed by mudslides and outdoor air quality was hazardous for outdoor workers like farmworkers, landscapers and day laborers. The 805 Undocufund, based on a successful model after the Tubbs Fire in Northern California, will be overseen by immigrant rights groups including CAUSE, MICOP, and FLA, with funds managed by the Ventura County Community Foundation.
Eligibility: Undocumented immigrants, including mixed-status families, residents of Ventura or Santa Barbara counties who have lost their homes, vehicles, essential possessions, wages, jobs, increased childcare expenses, or other financial hardship due to disasters natural, are eligible for assistance and who are excluded from federal aid programs like FEMA and Disaster Unemployment Assistance.
To contribute to the 805 Undocufund, you can write a check to the Ventura County Community Foundation with “Undocufund” in the memo or go to vccf.org/donate/make-a-donation and write “Undocufund” as the fund name.
Register online at https://805undocufund.org/aplique-aqui-para-asistencia/ and you will be contacted once the fund is available.
Assistance for Mexican Nationals or those with Dual Citizenship
Mexican Consulate in Oxnard offers financial assistance and documentation replacement for Thomas Fire victims who are Mexican Nationals, or those with Dual Citizenship. This assistance is available regardless of immigration status.
Mexican Consulate Address:
3151 West 5th Street, Oxnard, CA 93030
Phone:
855-463-6395
Lists of resources are available at the Ventura County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office website to help farmers and ranchers who suffered losses in the Thomas Fire. Please visit http://www.ventura.org/ag-commissioner/events-in-ag for information.
Community based list of resources- http://www.thomasfirehelp.com/
Emotional Recovery
Counseling for Families and Individuals Impacted by Thomas Fire
CLU offers individual, couples, family, child, and group therapy counseling services on a sliding scale basis and will take special consideration for those impacted by the Thomas Fire. Counseling services are provided in English and Spanish at two locations:
CLU Oxnard Clinic
2200 Outlet Center Drive
Suite #470
Oxnard, CA 93030CLU Westlake Village Clinic
31416 Agoura Road
Suite #115
Westlake Village, CA 91361
For more information and to schedule a phone intake assessment, contact CLU at 805-493-3059
Trauma Counseling
Jewish Family Service offers 8 sessions (or more on a case by case basis) of free trauma counseling to anyone affected by the Thomas Fire. Counseling sessions can be held for an individual, a couple, or family. Sessions are held at their Ventura office located at 740 E Main Street, Ventura, CA 93003.
Call 805-641-6565 for more information and to make an appointment.
The Disaster Distress Line provides immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. Available to all residents in the United States and its territories. Covers topics such as stress, anxiety, and other depression-like symptoms related to a disaster.
Call 1-800-985-5990 (English and Spanish) or text TalkWithUs (Hablanos for Spanish) to 66746 to connect with a counselor. Available 24/7.
West Valley Counseling Center & Ventura Counseling and Wellness Center provide affordable therapy for individuals, families, couples, children, and groups in a private practice setting. Currently, they also offer a number of different group therapy options through their art therapy program. They aim to meet the needs of those who cannot afford or do not have access to these services due to economic circumstances. These centers are currently acquiring funding to further reduce costs to individuals affected by the recent fires who are in need of mental health assessment and counseling services.
Please call the center nearest you to schedule and/or go through a quick intake assessment and get connected to a therapist.
West Valley Counseling Center | Ventura Counseling and Wellness Center |
With support from the Ventura County Community Foundation and the California Community Foundation, Give an Hour offers the following NO COST services in Ventura and Los Angeles. These services aim to address the mental health an emotional well-being needs of those affected by devastating fires in Ventura and Los Angeles Counties over the past two years.
- Emotional Wellness Training, Peer Support: STRONGER TOGETHER offers Emotional Life Skills℠ training to build community peer support groups. This six-week Emotional Life Skills℠ program delivers the skills and tools that allows community members to better care for themselves and those they love, enables all to build and access local mental health resources in their communities, and builds a community peer support network. To learn more about the six-week Emotional Life Skills℠ program components, click here.
- Fire Recovery Support Groups: Fire recovery support groups facilitated by mental health professionals to those affected by fires in Ventura and Los Angeles Counties.
- Trauma 101 Training: This training is designed for community members and groups who want to learn more about trauma, how it affects individuals, and our community in the aftermath of a traumatic event.
- Trauma Informed Care Training: This training is designed for those serving individuals and communities in the aftermath of traumatic events. This training includes evidence informed information on how to offer a trauma informed response to those you serve.
- Vicarious Trauma Training and Support for Caregivers: To educate and support caregivers who may be exposed to or are experiencing vicarious trauma (compassion fatigue) VC STRONGER TOGETHER offers evidence based Vicarious Trauma training to those in the caregiving community (training audiences include, but not limited to: hospital staff, case
managers, community mental health workers, social workers, community based organization staff). Trainings will include a self-assessment, the development of a care plan, and a practical application. - Community Outreach and Education: To educate community members and groups, VC STRONGER TOGETHER offers community outreach and education sessions that focus on community recovery services available and the importance of keeping emotionally well in the aftermath of traumatic events (outreach and education audiences include, but are not limited to: Rotary Clubs, PTA’s, community-based organizations and councils).
If you, your community, or organization is interested in these no cost services, please visit Stronger Together for more information. You may also contact Kirsti Thompson, Director, 805-795-8661, kthompson@giveanhour.org, or Michael Morisette, Outreach Coordinator, at 805-791-4001, mmorisette@giveanhour.org.
Click here for a printable flyer of available services.
Legal Resources
Thomas Fire Legal Assistance Hotline: 805-765-9727
This hotline provides people impacted by the Thomas fires with legal assistance in the following matters:
- Landlord-tenant Issues
- Life, medical and property insurance
- Emergency aid applications through FEMA
- Home repair contracts
- Mortgage foreclosure
- Replacement of important legal documents
NEED MORE LEGAL HELP?
Visit the Legal Aid Clinic
Every 1st & 3rd Tuesdays
from 4pm to 7pm (with the final intake at 6:15pm)
Location:
Ventura County Law Library
800 S. Victoria Avenue
Ventura, CA
Phone:
805-642-8982
Free Legal Clinic
Jewish Family Service offers a free legal clinic to those affected by the Thomas Fire. The legal clinic is typically held on the second Tuesday of every month at 6:30pm.
Legal services are provided on a first come, first serve basis. Those wanting to take advantage of the legal services are recommended to arrive between 6:00pm and 6:15pm to fill out paper work before the attorney arrives.
The Jewish Family Service legal clinic is run by local attorneys working on a volunteer basis. Attorneys meet with clients individually, go over paper work, and give advice and referrals when available. The attorney will not represent individuals in court, or create an attorney client relationship with clients.
Jewish Family Service also provides referrals for other low-cost legal services throughout the county.
The legal clinic is offered at the JFS Ventura Office located at 740 E Main Street, Ventura, CA 93003.
Information on insurance - Additional Living Expenses (ALE)
With the 2 year deadline approaching for Thomas Fire survivors, we want to make sure everyone has information on how to request an extension with insurance.
Click here for the United Policyholder’s general tip sheet on handling ALE with insurance.
Click here for the guidance letter for negotiating extension of deadlines.
Resources for Earthquake
Please click here to visit https://www.readyventuracounty.org/stay-informed/earthquake/ for information on how to protect yourself and your families before, during, and after an earthquake.
For a copy of the Family Guide – Helping Families with Children after an Earthquake (English), please click here.