A long-term financial assistance program for renters impacted by the Eaton Fire started accepting applications Monday.
The direct cash is program designed to help households recover from the disaster’s ongoing financial difficulties. Direct Cash for Altadena Fire Recovery was created by the National Council of Jewish Women Los Angeles in partnership with the Altadena Tenants Union, Altadena Community Land Trust and other community groups, according to NCJWLA.
Applications for the program and information on eligibility are on the organization’s website.
Eligible applications go into a selection pool, then 30 households are randomly selected to receive $36,000 over a two-year period through unrestricted cash payments each month.
The initiative is the first long-term direct cash assistance program specifically focused on renters affected by the Eaton Fire, the coalition reported.
“More than a year after the devastating fires, we know thousands of families are still struggling to rebuild their lives,” Marjorie Gilberg, CEO of NCJWLA, said in a statement. “NCJWLA knows that cash will deliver some breathing room, help renters escape crippling debt and provide families with options again.”
The unrestricted payments can help recipients pay for a variety of recovery-related expenses, such as rent, relocation costs, debt payments and other household expenses, according to the coalition.
Community advocates said renters have faced unique recovery challenges following the fire, including displacement, rising housing costs and limited access to long-term rebuilding resources.
The Eaton Fire scorched over 14,000 acres, killed 19 people and destroyed more than 9,400 homes and businesses, Cal Fire reported.
Renters totaled more than a quarter of Altadena’s 43,000 residents, and disaster recovery resources are geared toward homeowners with little to no protections, assistance or support for tenants, according to NCJWLA.