Free Legal and Recovery Workshops for Los Angeles Residents Affected By Wildfires

Reconnect and Revive: Public Counsel Supports wildfire-Affected Communities

Facing the aftermath of devastating wildfires, Los Angeles County residents are grappling with the immense challenge of rebuilding their lives.

Public Counsel, a dedicated non-profit legal organization championing civil rights and economic justice, is stepping forward to provide vital support during this critical time. Offering a extensive suite of legal assistance and recovery resources, Public Counsel is empowering individuals, families, and small businesses to navigate the complex road to recovery.

Navigating the Rebuilding Process

One of the most pressing concerns for wildfire survivors is the daunting task of rebuilding their homes and lives. public Counsel understands this struggle and is hosting a virtual workshop, “Rebuilding After the Fire: home Enhancement Contractors & Financing,” to guide residents through the process.

Audrey Powers Thornton, Senior Attorney at Housing & Economic Rights Advocates (HERA), will share valuable insights on selecting qualified contractors, securing financing, and protecting oneself from potential scams.

The workshop will delve into crucial topics such as:

Common scams targeting homeowners post-disaster and how to avoid them
Vetting contractors effectively and addressing concerns or disputes
exploring various financing options and potential pitfalls
Understanding legal rights and protections for homeowners

“It’s critical for homeowners to be informed and cautious when rebuilding after a wildfire,” says Thornton. “Public Counsel is dedicated to providing the resources and knowledge needed to ensure a safe and accomplished rebuilding process.”

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The workshop will be held on Wednesday, February 19, at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom.ASL, Spanish, and English CART interpretation will be available to ensure accessibility for all participants.

Protecting Yourself from Scams

Unfortunately, natural disasters often attract opportunistic individuals seeking to exploit vulnerable communities. Public Counsel recognizes this risk and is offering a workshop titled “protecting Yourself from Scams After a Natural Disaster.”

Dani Kaiserman, Elder Justice Staff Attorney at bet Tzedek Legal Services, will guide participants through common post-disaster scams and strategies to protect themselves from fraud.

Participants can expect to learn:

Identification of prevalent post-disaster scams and preventative measures
Steps to safeguard against identity theft and financial fraud
Actions to take if they have fallen victim to a scam

This informative session will take place on Thursday, February 20, at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom. ASL, Spanish, and English CART interpretation will be available.

Healing Together: Trauma-Informed Strategies for Wildfire Recovery

The emotional and psychological impact of wildfires can be profound and long-lasting. Public Counsel acknowledges the importance of addressing these mental health needs and is hosting a workshop, “Healing Together: Trauma-Informed strategies for Wildfire Recovery,” to provide support and guidance.

Judy Verduzco, MSW, Director of Social Work at Public Counsel, will lead a webinar exploring trauma-informed approaches to healing and resilience.

Participants will gain valuable insights into:

Trauma-informed principles for individual and collective well-being
The significance of self-awareness and self-care practices
* Strategies to foster community resilience and support networks

The workshop will conclude with a guided self-care activity to promote emotional well-being.

This session will be held on thursday, February 20, at 11:00 a.m. via Zoom. Registration is available at bit.ly/healing-together-LA. ASL,Spanish,and English CART interpretation will be available.

Guidance and Support

Public Counsel remains committed to supporting wildfire survivors throughout their journey to recovery. For a comprehensive overview of their services and resources,please visit their website at [link to Public Counsel’s wildfire recovery efforts page].

By providing legal aid, educational workshops, and community support, Public Counsel is helping to empower wildfire-affected individuals and families to rebuild their lives with resilience and hope.

How can readers access the “Rebuilding After the Fire” workshop and other resources Public Counsel offers for wildfire recovery?

Reconnect and Revive: An Interview with Public Counsel on WildfireRecovery Initiatives

Archyde News: Thank you for joining us today, Alex Reed, Director of Wildfire Recovery Programs at Public Counsel. Let’s dive right in. What are some of the most pressing challenges facing Los Angeles County residents affected by recent wildfires?

Alex Reed: Many survivors are dealing with the daunting task of rebuilding their homes and lives.This involves navigating complex legal, financial, and emotional aspects, which can be overwhelming without the right support.

Archyde News: Public Counsel is hosting several workshops to help residents overcome these challenges. Can you tell us more about the “Rebuilding After the Fire” workshop?

Alex Reed: Absolutely. This workshop, led by Audrey Powers Thornton from HERA, focuses on guiding homeowners through the rebuilding process.We’ll discuss common scams, vetting contractors, financing options, and legal rights to ensure a safe and triumphant rebuilding process.

Archyde News: Sadly, wildfires can also bring out unscrupulous individuals looking to exploit vulnerable communities.what advice can you give to help residents protect themselves from post-disaster scams?

[guest Name]: Our upcoming workshop, “Protecting Yourself from Scams After a Natural Disaster,” led by Dani Kaiserman from BET Tzedek Legal Services, will delve into this issue. We’ll identify common scams, provide preventative measures, and guide residents on what to do if they fall victim to a scam.

Archyde News: the emotional impact of wildfires can be just as devastating as the physical damage. How is Public Counsel addressing mental health needs in its recovery efforts?

[Alex Reed name]: We understand that healing from trauma is a crucial part of the recovery process. Our workshop, “Healing Together: Trauma-Informed Strategies for Wildfire Recovery,” led by Judy verduzco from Public counsel, explores trauma-informed approaches, self-care practices, and community resilience strategies. We want to ensure that survivors have the tools they need to heal and thrive.

Archyde News: How can readers get involved or access these resources and support Public Counsel’s efforts?

Alex Reed: We’ve made all our workshops easily accessible via Zoom with simultaneous interpretation. Detailed information, including registration links, can be found on our website dedicated to wildfire recovery efforts. We also welcome donations to support our ongoing work.

Archyde News: Lastly, in your experience, what is one piece of advice you would give to wildfire survivors as they embark on this long journey to recovery?

Alex Reed: Remember, you’re not alone in this process. reach out to friends, family, and organizations like Public Counsel. Know that it’s okay to ask for help and that it’s a sign of strength, not weakness. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Thank you for sharing your insights,Alex Reed. Your commitment to empowering wildfire survivors is truly commendable.