Rep. Chu Leads California Lawmakers in Urging FEMA to Expand Housing Assistance for Survivors of Los Angeles Fires

WASHINGTON, D.C. – RealEstateRama – Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) led 14 members of the California delegation in a letter to David Richardson, the Senior Official Performing the Duties of FEMA Administrator, urging the agency to explore all available federal disaster housing programs for survivors who remain displaced nearly six months after the devastating Los Angeles fires. The Members urged FEMA to explore all options, including the Direct Temporary Housing Assistance program, which encompasses initiatives such as Direct Lease to directly house survivors when there is a lack of available and affordable rental options following a disaster. In May, Rep. Chu hosted a roundtable where local housing advocates highlighted that survivors are still slipping through the cracks of housing assistance. “The Eaton Fire and the Palisades Fires were the second and third most destructive wildfires in California history, tragically taking 30 lives and destroying over 16,000 structures,” the Members wrote, noting that the majority of properties affected were single-family homes.

While FEMA has allocated $135 million in Housing Assistance, the lawmakers emphasized that too many survivors are still struggling to secure stable housing.

“Although many survivors have been approved for FEMA assistance, finding a property and landlord willing to accept FEMA stipends is not guaranteed,” the Members continued. “Survivors are contending with one of the country’s most expensive and competitive housing markets that predated and was only exacerbated by the fires, jeopardizing their ability to find housing options that can be covered by their FEMA stipend.”

Considering these challenges, the lawmakers urged FEMA to explore additional housing programs and expand case management services to better support the most vulnerable fire survivors.

To read the full letter please click here.