N. lake Ave in Altadena (Photo – W.K.)
California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved an extension of disaster assistance for residents affected by the Los Angeles firestorms, providing continued housing support for eligible homeowners and renters as recovery efforts continue.
By News Desk
The extension is intended to help survivors maintain housing stability while rebuilding homes and recovering from the disaster.
“Recovery efforts continue long after the fires are out, and many families are still facing major challenges,” Newsom said. He thanked FEMA for responding to requests from survivors, local communities, and advocates seeking additional support.
The approval follows months of advocacy by state and local officials, community organizations, and recovery partners, who urged federal authorities to recognize the ongoing hardships many fire survivors face. Those challenges include long-term displacement, unresolved insurance claims, contractor shortages, limited housing availability, and delays in rebuilding.
California had requested a 12-month extension of housing assistance for both homeowners and renters. FEMA approved an extension of the Individuals and Households Program (IHP) financial housing assistance for eligible homeowners through July 9, 2027. Eligible renters received a three-month extension through Oct. 9, 2026.
In its approval letter, FEMA acknowledged that many survivors continue to face circumstances beyond their control, including underinsurance, unresolved insurance claims, housing shortages, labor shortages, and rebuilding delays.
California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services Director Caroline Thomas Jacobs said the extension will provide stability for families as they navigate insurance claims, secure contractors, and rebuild their homes.
According to FEMA, as of June 12, 2026, more than 35,000 households have received assistance through the Individuals and Households Program. More than $177 million has been awarded to eligible survivors, while California will contribute more than $25 million in cost-sharing support. FEMA also reported that more than 1,200 households have received Continued Temporary Housing Assistance since the disaster.
California officials said recovery efforts remain ongoing through a coordinated, statewide approach. Since the fires, Newsom has issued more than two dozen executive orders aimed at accelerating recovery, reducing delays, supporting rebuilding projects, and restoring infrastructure.
State and local agencies have also completed what officials described as one of the largest and fastest debris removal operations in California history.
In addition, the state has made more than $100 million available through the CalAssist Mortgage Fund to help homeowners remain in their homes while recovering. Additional resources and protections also remain available for affected families and communities.
State officials said the FEMA extension will provide eligible survivors with additional time, stability, and resources as they work toward permanent housing and long-term recovery. California leaders said they will continue working with FEMA, local governments, community organizations, and federal partners to support rebuilding efforts in Los Angeles communities impacted by the fires.
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