LA fire survivors to lose case managers in FEMA funding standoff

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 12:32 · Archive

About 1,400 households affected by 2025 Los Angeles fires are set to lose disaster case managers by the end of October amid a funding dispute between California and FEMA.

Roughly 1,400 households affected by the 2025 Los Angeles fires are set to lose their disaster case managers by the end of October. The terminations stem from a funding standoff between California and the Federal Emergency Management Agency over the case management programme's costs.

Mary Landau, a 78-year-old retired teacher, has lived in Altadena for nearly fifty years before the Eaton Fire destroyed her house. She meets weekly with Veda Ashby Romero, a trained recovery expert employed by CORE, who helps her navigate insurance claims, complete online forms and qualify for financial assistance. Landau described her case manager's support as crucial: 'She said, "You can do this." She gave me hope and strength.' On losing the service, Landau said: 'The safety net has been pulled out from under me, and the hope is not as strong as it was.'

The early termination of the programme is the latest setback for Los Angeles communities in the middle of recovery and still awaiting billions of additional federal dollars. It also highlights ongoing issues some disaster-impacted communities face, including delayed FEMA payments and inconsistent communication. FEMA did not respond to requests for comment but has previously said it provided assistance for the programme.

How it is being reported

• LA fire survivors are set to lose case managers as standoff between California and FEMA drags onA 78-year-old retired teacher whose California home was destroyed by a catastrophic wildfire faces losing her disaster case manager amid a funding standoff between the state and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.Clickorlando · 16 Oct, 11:50
• LA fire survivors are set to lose case managers as standoff between California and FEMA drags onA 78-year-old retired teacher whose California home was destroyed by a catastrophic wildfire faces losing her disaster case manager amid a funding standoff between the state and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.News4Jax · 16 Oct, 11:50

In this story: Mary Landau · Veda Ashby Romero · FEMA · California · Altadena · Los Angeles

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