Dear Aviva Community,
I hope this message finds you and your loved ones safe and well. As the Los Angeles fires continue to affect our city, we want to extend our heartfelt support to everyone impacted. Our hearts are with you during this difficult time.
Aviva’s commitment to the children, youth, and families we serve has never been more vital. Last Wednesday, when evacuation orders were issued in Hollywood due to the fast-moving Sunset Fire, our team acted swiftly to ensure everyone’s safety. Wallis House was safely evacuated, our Franklin office staff relocated, and the Lifting Youth Up Drop-In Center was temporarily closed. Thanks to quick action and teamwork, all 80 residents—from newborns to mothers—found comfort and security at the Hollywood High evacuation center or with friends.
While our mental health, foster care, and adoption services weren’t directly impacted, many of our families had to evacuate their homes. This crisis has touched us all. Moments like these highlight how essential our services are—and how deeply your support allows us to continue meeting urgent needs.
We are actively adapting our services and staying closely connected with the families and youth we serve. We are profoundly grateful to first responders, Hollywood partners, and public officials for their swift action and steadfast commitment to our community.
As we navigate this challenging time, please take care of yourself and those around you. If we can support you in any way, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re grateful to stand with you and our community during this difficult time.
To help us continue meeting urgent needs, we are accepting donations of bottled water, snacks, non-perishable food, blankets, portable phone chargers, and monetary gifts. If you’d like to support our efforts, email development@aviva.org and a member of our team will be in touch.
Thank you for being part of Aviva’s resilient community.
With care,
Amber Rivas, MSW
President & CEO
Aviva Family & Children’s Services
Los Angeles Wildfire Resources:
Mental Health Support:
Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH): 24/7 Help Line: (800) 854-7771 Website: LACDMH Free emotional support: Call/Text (833) 317-HOPE (4673) Website: CalHOPE LA County Disaster Distress Helpline: Call/Text (800) 985-5990 Website: SAMHSA Disaster Helpline Resources for Children & Families: Children & Recovery from Wildfires: A guide on how children may react and how to help. Read more Helping Children After a Wildfire (NASP): Read tips. Parent Guidelines for Helping Children Impacted by Wildfires (National Child Traumatic Stress Network): Learn more Talking to Your Children About Natural Disasters (Parents Magazine): Read article.
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Immediate Disaster Assistance:
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Apply online: FEMA Application Call FEMA Helpline: 800-621-3362 Local relief information: 211 LA Los Angeles County Recovery Resources: Updated recovery efforts, financial assistance, and housing support can be found here. LA Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA): Emergency housing, shelter, and mental health services. Learn more. Temporary housing: Residents displaced due to the wildfires can apply for temporary housing by dialing 2-1-1 or visiting 211 LA & Airbnb Partnership. Local shelter information: Shelters in Los Angeles County Veterans’ housing assistance: Call the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Housing Hotline at (310) 268-3350 Ready LA County: emergency updates by visiting Ready LA County.
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Insurance Relief and Finance:
Evacuation relief: Insurers must reimburse living expenses for evacuees with renters or homeowners’ coverage. Learn more. Moratorium on non-renewals & cancellations: A one-year moratorium on insurance non-renewals and cancellations. Check if your ZIP code is affected here. Avoiding scams: Tips for identifying and avoiding insurance-related scams here. Contact CDI Hotline: 800-927-4357 Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): General resources on how to protect your home and finances post-wildfire here. Disaster recovery info: Additional wildfire recovery resources from HUD here. Shelter, rental, and home replacement assistance: Information on temporary shelter and repair assistance available through FEMA here. Low-Income Credit Unions: The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) offers assistance grants for credit unions affected by wildfires. Learn more.
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