Malibu Community Long Term Recovery Group August Newsletter

A DISASTER RECOVERY COALITION ESTABLISHED BY

MCLTRG AUGUST NEWSLETTER

A Message From The Executive Director

As many of us watch the news and see the heartbreaking images coming out of the Spokane wildfire, it's normal for those affected by the Franklin and Palisades Fires to experience a wave of emotions. Images and stories of another community facing disaster can bring back memories, grief, anxiety, or feelings you thought had begun to heal.

Please remember to be gentle with yourself. It's okay to step away from the news, limit your time on social media, and make space for rest, connection, and activities that help you feel grounded.

If you or someone you know could use extra support, these free and low-cost resources are available:

Boys & Girls Club of Malibu Wellness Center – Trauma-informed wellness and individual counseling services, offered at no-cost for individuals and families impacted by the Franklin and Palisades Fires. We offer secure and confidential telehealth options to meet the community's needs.

Learn More About The Wellness Center

Email The Wellness Center

Didi Hirsch Wildfire Recovery Services – Six free counseling sessions and additional mental health support for wildfire survivors and those impacted by the emotional effects of the fires.

Explore Didi Hirsch Services & Resources

The Maple Counseling Center (PCRC Program) – Counseling and support services for individuals and families.

Learn More About Maple Counseling Center

You don't have to carry the weight of recovery alone. Reaching out for support is a sign of strength, and help is available.

With care,

Shannon Dunn

Executive Director

Malibu Community Long Term Recovery Group (MCLTRG)

New Recovery Report Highlights Ongoing Needs

The Department of Angels has released its latest Community Voices: LA Fire Recovery Report, based on feedback from more than 2,000 fire survivors across Los Angeles. The report reinforces what many of us are seeing every day—recovery is far from over.

The latest data shows that two-thirds of survivors remain displaced, nearly half have exhausted their savings and taken on debt just to stay afloat, and one in five have delayed repairs or rebuilding because of financial strain. The report also found that the typical homeowner still faces an estimated $500,000 rebuilding gap, highlighting the ongoing financial challenges many families continue to face.

While these numbers are sobering, the report also highlights the resilience of our communities, with many survivors remaining committed to rebuilding and advocating for the resources needed to move recovery forward.

We encourage you to take a few minutes to review the report and learn more about the current state of recovery and the work still ahead.

Click Here To Read The Full Report

Rebuild Centers:

A Valuable Resource For Moving Forward

One piece of feedback we continue to hear from residents working through the rebuilding process is this: visiting a Rebuild Center in person makes a difference.

Survivors have shared that when feeling stuck in the permitting process, sitting down face-to-face with someone who could answer questions and help problem-solve made all the difference. Rather than navigating the process alone, they were able to work through challenges, better understand the next steps, and find a path forward.

If you've been hitting roadblocks or aren't sure where to turn next, we encourage you to visit either the City of Malibu Rebuild Center or the LA County One-Stop Permit Center. The staff are there to help, and their goal is to work with you to find solutions and keep your rebuild moving forward.

See below for details on locations and hours of operation.

City of Malibu Rebuild Center

If you haven’t already, please visit the City of Malibu’s Rebuild Center located at:

23805 Stuart Ranch Road, Suite 240, Malibu, CA 90265

Open Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm

(310) 456-248 9, ext. 400

The City of Malibu has issued 665 building permits related to rebuild activities and has received 241 planning submittals, with 180 planning applications approved.

Community Development Director Yolanda Bundy is available every Friday at the Rebuild Center to meet with residents and address questions or concerns. Appointments can be made by contacting (310) 456-2489, ext. 229.

The Rebuild Center also has a helpful list of resources available here.

LA County One-Stop Permit Centers

For unincorporated LA County residents engaging the rebuilding process, LA County is hosting One-Stop Permit Centers in both the Palisades and Eaton fire burn areas to help guide residents through the rebuilding process, answer any questions they have and connect them with each of the building and planning departments responsible for their area.

Palisades Fire

Calabasas One-Stop Permit Center

27001 Agoura Road, Suite 250

Calabasas, CA 91302

(818) 880-4150

Walk-In Hours:

Monday – Friday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Individual Virtual Rebuild Consultation Appointments Available:

Wednesdays, 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Palisades Permitting Center

16925 Marquez Avenue,

Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

SoCalGas In-Person Appointments Available and Walk-in Hours:

Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

SoCalGas Virtual Appointments Available:

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Click Here to Learn More

Community Resources & Updates

FEMA Disaster Assistance

Deadline Extended Through 2027

Important CalAssist Update

Eligibility Expanded to include

Homeowners with Multiple Properties

Operation HOPE is a nonprofit committed to supporting the relief efforts in southern California and the surrounding areas. If you are a small business owner or individual in need of financial disaster recovery services, please find more information at their website, and/or follow this link to sign up for an account to access their free services.

United Policyholders is a non profit organization providing guidance and support to households impacted by the 2025 Los Angeles Wildfires.

Through their Roadmap to Recovery® program, you can access free, trustworthy help navigating the process of returning to a wildfire damaged area, repairing and replacing damaged and destroyed property, and collecting all available insurance funds. If your property is damaged or was destroyed, United Policyholders guidance is here to help you get started on the road to recovery, make good decisions, and keep moving forward.

Click here to learn more about United Policyholders Resources

Click here to view previous Roadmap to Recovery Webinars

Legal Aid LA August Events Calendars

Together, we remain committed to a coordinated, compassionate, and equitable long-term recovery for all.