NewsCalMattersOctober 28, 2026Los Angeles County
LA fire survivors await long-term federal recovery aid as rental assistance expires and midterm elections approach
Photo: CalMatters
Nearly two years after the Eaton and Palisades fires in Los Angeles County, displaced survivors are exhausting their savings and rental assistance while awaiting long-term federal disaster recovery aid. FEMA rental assistance for renters ran out on Oct. 9, and future federal funding remains uncertain. California lawmakers suggest that outcomes in the midterm elections could influence whether additional federal disaster relief is released.
Read the full story at CalMattersWhy It Matters
Displaced fire survivors are facing depleted savings and expiring rental assistance without guaranteed long-term federal aid, forcing families to weigh whether they can maintain housing.
Key Facts
- FEMA rental assistance for renters displaced by the Los Angeles fires ran out on Oct. 9.
- A survey by the nonprofit Department of Angels found that 28% of all fire survivors have run out of displacement coverage.
- FEMA recently released $6.6 million to pay California back for services provided by case managers who assisted with insurance, FEMA aid, and rebuilding permits.
- FEMA has indicated less support for states, telling them they will need to handle most disasters themselves.
- President Donald Trump did not include Los Angeles County wildfire relief funding in his administration's budget request for Congress.
- California lawmakers suggest that Democratic wins in the November midterm elections could change the outlook for federal disaster funding.
Who's Mentioned
PersonDonald Trump“President whose administration did not include Los Angeles County wildfire relie”OrganizationExtreme Weather Survivors“National nonprofit organization co-founded by Sierra Lindsey Kos”OrganizationAltadena Tenants Union“Tenant advocacy group represented by co-founder Katie Clark”OrganizationDepartment of Angels“Nonprofit group tracking recovery efforts”PersonKate Adams“Fire survivor from the Eaton Fire whose rental aid ran out”PersonKatie Clark“Co-founder of the Altadena Tenants Union”OrganizationFEMA“Federal Emergency Management Agency”OrganizationNational Emergency Management Association“Organization that held an annual conference featuring a leaked recording about F”PersonSierra Lindsey Kos“Co-founder of national nonprofit organization Extreme Weather Survivors”PersonJudy Chu“U.S. Representative from Los Angeles”OrganizationCalifornia Association of Realtors“Provided a grant to fire survivor Kate Adams”