California expands Login.gov website to make federal aid more accessible to L.A. wildfire victims
The California Department of Technology, with the U.S. General Services Administration, is expanding its Login.gov website so victims of the L.A. wildfires can access state benefits and federal aid through a single portal.
The integrated service, announced over the weekend, will allow users to access services from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, such as grants for temporary housing and home repairs. According to the announcement, 200,000 people have already visited CA.gov/LAfires website, which launched last week to help connect Californians impacted by the fires with state resources.
State, tribal and eligible local governments will also be able to apply for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance, through the new website, which the state plans to launch in several weeks.
“California is working in overdrive to help those impacted by the Los Angeles firestorms,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said of the Saturday announcement. “This partnership with the Biden-Harris Administration will get critical resources from both the state and federal government to survivors faster and more efficiently than ever.”
As of Tuesday, CalFire, which provides real-time information about the wildfires, reports that the Palisades fire, which has burned roughly 24,000 acres around Malibu, is 63% contained, while the Eaton fire, has burned more than 14,000 acres near Pasadena and is 89% contained.
The two fires, in addition to the Hurst fire, which reached 100% containment last week, have destroyed 12,000 structures, killed at least 24 people and displaced more than 100,000 people in Los Angeles County.
In addition to expanding its digital services, the California Government Operations Agency, the California Department of Technology and the California Office of Data and Innovation have also deployed staff to disaster recovery centers in Los Angeles County to provide in-person information about state and federal relief tools.
“This partnership with the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) and Login.gov will make recovery easier and faster for Los Angeles wildfire survivors,” Liana Bailey-Crimmins, California’s chief information officer, said of the expanded disaster relief website.
