La Cañada Elementary PTA

Be Safe and Some Resources, Federal Disaster Assistance

1/9/2025 9:57 am

1/8/2025 

 

Dear LCE Families,

I have been sitting in front of my computer, feeling that I should send a message to all of you, but struggling to find the right words to share.  I don’t know that I’ve found those words, but I’m going to try…

 

The events of the last 24 hours have affected so many of us, and have been devastating to our community. Our homes, our friends, and our families have been impacted, and I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge the loss, pain, and hardship that so many of us are enduring right now, especially those that have lost their homes. 

 

During this difficult time, it is more important than ever that we come together to support one another. Our school community is a place of connection and care.  I want to encourage families to lean on each other, reach out for help when needed, and provide help when you can.  Mrs. Duncan’s correspondence of earlier today underscores this message- our LCE community is extraordinary and I’m certain we will all support and comfort each other. 

 

The LCE PTA Board is brainstorming ways to help while also respecting the privacy of our families. In the meantime, we wanted to share these resources (compiled from various web sources):

 

 

Housing / Shelters

  • 211 LA is partnering with Airbnb to offer free temporary shelter for people displaced from their homes by fire. Start by filling out this form.

 

Evacuation Centers

 

 

For animals/pets

 

  • Los Angeles Equestrian Center: 480 Riverside Dr., Burbank (accepts large animals)
  • Pasadena Humane Society is offering emergency shelter for animals, 361 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena. But they’refilling up fast and are also looking for families to foster dogs and cats from families displaced by fires. Email foster@pasadenahumane.org
  • Dogtopia of East Pasadena is offering three free overnight stays for pups from families displaced by fire and a 50% discount afterwards, (626) 699-8577 

 

Food/drink/park/recharge

 

  • Planet Fitness locations in L.A. are offering anyone affected by the fires, including first responders, free access to their facilities, including showers, locker rooms, and WiFi. Contact the club near you for more information and hours
  • AT&T is offering people in fire-affected areas unlimited talk, text and data through Feb. 6 (if you don’t already have an unlimited plan). Check their website for a list of included ZIP codes
  • Boomtown Brewery in the Arts District is offering to open its tap room during the day for those who need a place to be and/or WiFi, email or DM on Instagram
  • Odyssey Games in Pasadena is offering their shop to evacuees to charge cell phones, use the restroom, and grab a snack, 1795 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
  • The rideshare service Lyft is offering vouchers to help people get to and from shelters. The offer — up to two rides per person, worth up to $25 per ride — is good for 500 riders and ends at midnight on Jan. 15. Use the code CAFIRERELIEF25.

 

Other resource lists

 

 

Please remember the strength of our community and the resilience that we share. 

 

With deep care and solidarity, 

Debbie Barsom, LCE PTA President, 2023-2025  

 

1/9/2025

 

This info, from Judy Chu’s office, seemed important enough to share- sorry for multiple messages and formatting: 

 

President Biden has issued a Major Disaster Declaration for the Los Angeles fires. This means that residents and businesses in wildfire evacuation zones in our area can apply NOW for immediate and long-term federal relief.

 

You can apply for this immediate and long-term relief once safely out of the wildfires’ paths. 

 

Here’s how to apply:

Visit: disasterassistance.gov
Call: 800-621-FEMA (3362)
Use: The FEMA mobile app

 

What does this relief include?

For residents and homeowners:

  • Temporary displacement assistance (e.g., hotel costs for up to two weeks)
  • $770 for essential personal items
  • Larger direct grants to help cover essential needs such as medical bills, car repairs, and more

For businesses and homeowners:

For more information and answers to additional questions, please click HERE.

Thanks, 

Debbie Barsom, LCE PTA President, 2023-2025