Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity Launches Emergency Resources Webpage for Workers and Businesses Impacted by the Wildfires
Los Angeles, CA – The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) has launched an emergency resources webpage for workers and businesses to aid those impacted by the devastating wildfires. Designed as a one-stop hub, the page provides resources, assistance, and up-to-date information to support businesses and workers as they navigate recovery and rebuilding efforts.
“We know that our economy and our community are greatly impacted by the wildfires and will be for some time. As the lead agency for economic recovery in Los Angeles County, DEO is focused on connecting our businesses and workers to the resources they need to respond to the ongoing emergency and start to rebuild and recover,” said Kelly LoBianco, DEO Director.
The Emergency Resources for Workers and Businesses webpage will include:
- Up-to-Date Information on recovery efforts, emergency programs, and available support.
- Support for Businesses, including assistance for those experiencing structural losses, closures, or revenue disruptions.
- Support for Workers, such as unemployment benefits, job placement services, and loss of wage assistance.
- Details on Upcoming Webinars and Events to guide businesses and workers through recovery and preparedness efforts.
- A Submission Form allows residents and organizations to share events or resources.
In addition to online resources, DEO’s 18 America’s Job Centers of California (AJCCs) and the East LA Entrepreneur Center are open to provide in-person support. The centers offer labor market information, job readiness workshops and 1:1 support, no-cost skills training, supportive services like Unemployment Insurance and healthcare coverage, and connection to hiring employers. There are 40 job centers throughout the County operating Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, offering direct services such as job placement assistance.
The East LA Entrepreneur Center, located at 4716 E Cesar Chavez Avenue, Building B, Los Angeles, CA, 90022, operates Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The center offers a concierge service for small businesses, referrals to capital and legal assistance, and certification for County and other public sector contracting.
Due to the wildfire emergency, the Veterans AJCC at Bob Hope Patriotic Hall has been repurposed as an emergency evacuation shelter. As of Sunday, January 12, 2025, all in-person services are temporarily suspended with offsite or virtual services available.
As part of ongoing recovery efforts, LA County and DEO are mobilizing resources, partners, and programs to ensure rapid response and recovery for local businesses, workers, and communities impacted by the wildfires. Additionally, DEO is working closely with State and local agencies to ensure affected businesses and workers can access all available resources. Visit here to access the emergency resource page.
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About DEO: The LA County Department of Economic Opportunity, launched in July 2022, helps job seekers, entrepreneurs, small businesses, major industries, and communities access life changing opportunities, and is also home to the Office of Small Business, LA County’s one-stop shop dedicated to prospective entrepreneurs and small business owners. Stay connected with DEO! Follow @EconOppLA on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, subscribe to our newsletter, or visit opportunity.lacounty.gov to learn about DEO services.
Contact:Lara Arsinian, Head of Marketing & Communicationspress@opportunity.lacounty.gov