We have been given the advice that those who are displaced should consider registering at a local shelter and with the Red Cross and other agencies present at the shelters. Most of the State and Federal aid coming in will use these lists as a point of contact so registering at a shelter will help to ensure that you don't get left out. Here is a link to sign-up for an orientation by the Pepperdine University School of Law about the basics of applying for aid through FEMA.
Video that describes how to download your purchase history from Amazon, which might be helpful in itemizing insurance claims and proving proof of purchase.
Alumni-owned Rivet Tax is offering free personal income tax preparation support for 2024 for those who need it. Book time with Nick Abouzeid ('15) here to see if their services are right for you.
How to navigate the aftermath of a wildfire READ HERE
Underinsured If you are underinsured, you may be able to borrow a low interest rate, 30 year loan, up to $500k from the Small Business Administration. You can borrow both as homeowners and as a business. So it can be $1M+. https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance/california-wildfires.
Bright Harbor Bright Harbor is an agency that helps families recover after a disaster. They can help to coordinate State and Federal relief, advocate with your insurance provider, and provide a range of other support and benefits. https://brightharbor.com/get-started
Property Tax Relief Anyone who incurs more than $10,000 worth of damage can file a property tax appeal using the link below, even if your house was not destroyed. And, if your home sustained more than $10k of damage, you can appeal for property tax relief. https://assessor.lacounty.gov/tax-relief/disaster-relief
Jewish Free Loan Association Zero-interest and zero-fee loans of up to $15,000 are available for fire evacuees through the Jewish Free Loan Association. You do not need to be Jewish to apply for a loan. https://www.jfla.org
For needs related to return-to-school such as materials, supplies, uniforms, and technology, or to discuss academic accommodations, please contact your child’s dean and communications@hw.com.
For counseling needs, please contact a member of the school counseling team.
Middle School Counseling Team: Kelly Decker (kdecker@hw.com) Jullian Lee (jlee@hw.com) Rebecca Neubauer (rneubauer@hw.com)
Upper School Counseling Team: Michelle Bracken (mbracken@hw.com) Brittany Bronson (bbronson@hw.com) Camille da Santos (cdasantos@hw.com) Emily Joyner (ejoyner@hw.com) Tina McGraw (tmcgraw@hw.com) Kat Scardino (kscardino@hw.com) Marci Reichert, Director of Wellness, mreichert@hw.com.
To speak to the business office about financial considerations, please contact Greg Gonzalez, Director of Financial Aid, at ggonzalez@hw.com.
For alumni who have lost diplomas or other HW mementos in the wildfires, please contact Sam de Castro Abeger, Director of Alumni Relations, at sabeger@hw.com.
This comprehensive legal resource for fire victims was prepared by HW student Jake Marquez ‘26.
Here is information from The Help Group about services for neurodivergent students. The recent wildfires have been devastating, and The Help Group is here to provide unwavering support and resources to those impacted. We understand the profound effects these events can have on individuals, especially those with special needs and mental health challenges. Here's how The Help Group can help:
The following online stores have provided discount codes to Harvard-Westlake families affected by the fires:
Last updated: 1/15/25 at 1:17 p.m.