Wildfires-Employee Support and Resources

Our hearts are with all who have been affected by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires that have wrecked our community over the past few days. This unimaginable crisis has touched every corner of our region – affecting neighbors, family, friends and sadly our fellow Toros. CSUDH is committed to a culture of care for our staff, faculty, administrators, and student employees. Below please find resources available to those impacted by the wildfires.

Leave of Absence:

If you need to take time off to address personal health and safety concerns related to the California Wildfires, please contact the Leaves Coordinator at (310) 243-3005 or HRLeaves@nbzhiai.com to discuss leave options.

Catastrophic Leave - Natural Disaster Program

The CSU recognizes that employees may be affected by a natural disaster, resulting in a need for additional time off in excess of their available vacation and sick leave. To address this need, eligible employees will be allowed to donate accrued paid vacation and sick leave credits from their unused balances, at the time of a natural disaster, to their co-workers in need of additional paid time off, in accordance with the provisions outlined below. Participation in this program is voluntary.

Eligibility for Catastrophic Leave - Natural Disaster

An employee becomes eligible when the following conditions exist:

  1. their principal residence is located in a county where a state of emergency has been declared by the Governor;
  2. they are unable to work due to the effect of the natural disaster/state of emergency on the recipient employee's principal residence;
  3. they need time away from work but face financial hardship due to having exhausted all accrued personal holiday (PH) credits and compensating time off (CTO) and having a balance of forty (40) hours or less in each accrued vacation credits and sick leave credits.

All employees who accrue and who are eligible to use accrued vacation and sick leave credits may participate in the Catastrophic Leave Donation Program - Natural Disaster/State of Emergency. There is no minimum service requirement for eligibility.

All applicable collective bargaining agreements will apply.

Donations

There is no maximum number of hours that an employee can donate as long as the employee has a balance of forty (40) hours of vacation leave credits and forty (40) hours of sick leave credits after the donation is deducted from their leave balances. However, leave donated may not exceed the maximum amount of leave that the employee normally accrues during that year, otherwise the donation becomes taxable to the donor.

  • Donations can be made in response to a natural disaster that results in the Governor declaring a state of emergency.
  • Donations may not be collected and banked year-round.
  • Donated accrued vacation and sick leave credits are “banked” for use by eligible recipients; recipient identity may not be disclosed to donating employees.
  • Donations are pledged until transferred to a leave bank.
  • The donation of accrued vacation and sick leave credits must be made in full hour increments, without regard to the dollar value of the donated or used leave.
  • The amount of leave credits returned to each donor must be in the same proportion as the amount of leave donated by the donor to that of the total amount of leave donated by all donors.
  • Employees who are currently on an approved leave of absence cannot donate sick and vacation accrued leave credits. (Exception: Faculty-related leaves such as sabbaticals and difference in pay leave.)

Catastrophic Leave Program – Request to Donate Form

Submit to:

How to Apply 

The recipient employee must have exhausted all accrued personal holiday credits and compensating time off and have a balance of forty (40) hours or less in each accrued vacation and sick leave credit balances.

  • The leave must be used for purposes related to the natural disaster/state of emergency.
  • Employees can use leave received under the program to eliminate a negative leave credit balance that exists because of the natural disaster which means donations may be applied retroactively.
  • Employees may also substitute leave received under the program for leave without pay used because of the natural disaster.
  • Donations of leave may not be used to extend the recipient’s employment beyond the end of the term of appointment, retirement or the point at which it would otherwise end by operation of law, policy, rule, administrative prerogative, or regulation (e.g., the end of a short-term disability).
  • Nothing in these provisions will be construed to limit or extend the maximum allowable absence under the CSU Family and Medical Leave Policy.
Length of Leave 
  • The total amount of leave credits donated and used may not exceed an amount sufficient to ensure the continuance of the employee’s regular monthly rate of compensation.
  • Maximum of up to three months with an extension up to another three months approved by the appointing authority.
  • Leave may be taken on an intermittent basis, in hour increments, depending on need and must be approved by appropriate administrator.
Tax Considerations

An employee becomes eligible when the following conditions exist:

  1. their principal residence is located in a county where a state of emergency has been declared by the Governor;
  2. they are unable to work due to the effect of the natural disaster/state of emergency on the recipient employee's principal residence;
  3. they need time away from work but face financial hardship due to having exhausted all accrued personal holiday (PH) credits and compensating time off (CTO) and having a balance of forty (40) hours or less in each accrued vacation credits and sick leave credits.

All employees who accrue and who are eligible to use accrued vacation and sick leave credits may participate in the Catastrophic Leave Donation Program - Natural Disaster/State of Emergency. There is no minimum service requirement for eligibility.

Access to Support:

Employee Assistance Program - LifeMatters by Empathia

If you require assistance with finding resources, shelter, or other needs related to the wildfires, please do not hesitate to contact our Employee Assistance Program Provider Life Matters at 1-800-367-7474, they are available 24/7. Human Resources can also provide your campus-specific password to access the LifeMatters Website. 

  • LifeMatters can assist with:
    • Locating temporary housing
    • Pet Shelters
    • Stores with specialty equipment

To provide additional support during the Los Angeles Wildfires, Empathia has developed a dedicated resource site called Fire Relief. Use the event code LAFIRES2025 to access this information.

In addition to these materials, Empathia can connect you with local non-profit organizations and community-based support tailored to your needs.

The Emotional Toll of the California Wildfires Support Session - January 27 at 10am:

The wildfires in California are horrific, causing injuries, loss of lives, damage and destruction of homes, and businesses. Long after the final flames are extinguished, the emotional toll will remain. The session will help you better understand normal reactions to traumatic events like this natural disaster and how to help yourself and others. Learning objectives include:

  • Assess level and stage of trauma
  • Common reactions to trauma, especially the vulnerability to anxiety, depression and PTSD
  • Understand recommended strategies for helping yourself
  • How to help friends and family you are concerned about
  • When and how to leverage your Empathy Services benefits to help yourself and others

Registration is not required. To join the session:

  1. Go to training session link (via ProHealthCare Webex)
  2. Enter your name and email address.
  3. Enter the session password: kdDM5GDcp34
  4. Select "Join Now".
  5. Follow the instructions that appear on your screen.

Legal Assistance - ARAG

ARAG is providing coverage at no cost for employees identified by CSU who have been impacted directly by the Los Angeles wildfires . This coverage will be available thru 3/31/2025. Members can reach Immediate Advice attorneys by calling ARAG Customer Care at (800) 247-4184. Coverage will include the following:

  1. Support from Immediate Access Phone Attorneys for Advice/Consultation – as an example if an employee needed advice on what questions to ask their mortgage company if their home was destroyed in the wildfire.
  2. Document Preparation/Document Review – as an example, if an employee wanted an attorney to review their lease agreement to identify what obligations their landlord has if their rental property was damaged in the wildfire.
  3. ARAG created the Disaster & Emergency Help website for all employees that offers tips, resources and a guidebook to help them with legal/financial issues they may have to deal with after a wildfire. Some specific materials that might be immediately helpful include:

Important Safety Reminders:

Monitor Air Quality:

Regularly check the Air Quality Index (AQI) and take necessary precautions when air quality is poor, including wearing a well-fitted N95 mask if venturing outdoors.

Stay Informed:

Follow official updates from local authorities and emergency management agencies.

Communicate Concerns:

If you experience any health concerns related to smoke exposure, immediately contact your healthcare provider and inform your manager.

Reference Information:

For those insured by California Casualty Insurance, please call 800-800-9410, option 4, or you can go to the online account portal to file your claim; you will need to have an online account set up with them.

For basic resources, such as clean water, food, or shelter, please contact your city or county emergency response services or disaster relief agencies such as FEMA or the American Red Cross.

We are thinking of you during this difficult time and are committed to providing support as needed.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your manager or Human Resources Management at 310-243-3771 or email us at hrm@nbzhiai.com.

Additional Wildfires Support and Resources

Updated 1/10/2025

Evacuation Shelters

Evacuation Shelter for Animals

Evacuation Shelter for Large Animals

Hotels

  • LA Fire Hotel Listing - The Hotel Association of Los Angeles (HALA) has compiled a list of hotels in Southern California with availability for those displaced.
  • City of Anaheim Hotel Listing -  Hotels within the city that are offering discounted rates for victims who have been displaced by the fire.

Housing Assistance

  • JFLA - Emergency Housing Assistance for Wildfire Evacuees

Temporary Housing Assistance

Airbnb, in collaboration with 211 LA, is offering free temporary housing for residents displaced or forced to evacuate due to the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles County.
To qualify for the temporary housing, residents must:

  • Have been displaced from your physical home due to the recent fires
  • Currently reside in an evacuation zone
  • Have an active Airbnb account or be able to create one
  • Be 18 years old or older.

Family Assistance Centers

  • A Family Assistance Center has been established for those affected by the Eaton Fire and are looking to find family members who are missing.
    Pasadena Convention Center - Visitor's Bureau
    300 E Green Street, Pasadena, CA 91101
    Friday, January 10: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
    Saturday, January 11: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

  • FAMILY ASSISTANCE CENTER has been established to assist families affected by the Palisades Fire and are looking to find family members who are missing.
    Cheviot Hills Recreation Center
    2551 Motor Ave, 90064
    Friday 1/10: 9AM - 6PM
    Saturday 1/11: 8AM - 5PM

Baby Supplies/Child Care

  • Babyletto - a Los Angeles-based nursery furniture brand, is providing free cribs to any families that have lost their homes or been impacted by the fires. For more information contact the company at info@babyletto.com.
  • Bobbie - an organic baby formula company, is providing any parent affected by the fires — Bobbie customer or not — with free baby formula. Fire victims can apply for the free formula at Bobbie’s online application.
  • Los Angeles-area YMCA locations are offering free child care for children of first responders, essential workers and families who have been displaced, evacuated or who have otherwise experienced loss. Children must be 4 years and 9 months old to attend the program and in grades TK through eighth grade. Space is limited. For more information, contact afterschool@ymcaLA.org to learn more and sign up. Some locations are closed or being closely monitored due to the fires. Check the full list online.

Health and Mental Health

  • United Healthcare - Behavioral Health Crisis Resource
  • GoodRx is offering free online healthcare provider visits through GoodRx Care to Los Angeles-area residents impacted by the wildfires. The visits can be used to get refills for essential medications that were left behind or destroyed in the fires. It can also be used for fast and easy treatment for a variety of conditions including the flu, a UTI and more. The service can be accessed online and Los Angeles residents can use the code LA-GOODRX-CARE.
  • Santa Barbara Midwifery and Birth Center, is offering displaced Los Angeles-area fire victims free belly checks, postpartum care and other services for families who evacuated to the Santa Barbara area. For more information email sbmidwifery@gmail.com.
  • Integrative Psychotherapy Group, based in Beverly Hills, is offering free short-term therapy services to some fire victims and referral assistance for others needing longer-term or more acute treatment during the upcoming weeks. IPG is offering a brief series of trauma-focused therapy sessions to help individuals, couples, and families process the complex emotions that can arise in the immediate aftermath of wildfires and similar natural disasters. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Integrative Psychotherapy Group at (310) 461-4393 or info@ipgtherapy.com or visit their website.

Planet Fitness

The fitness chain is providing people free access to locker rooms, showers, HydroMassage loungers, electrical outlets and Wi-Fi. The offer is valid until Jan. 15 at Planet Fitness locations across Los Angeles County that haven’t been impacted by the wildfires.
A complete list of locations can be found here.

Places Offering Free Food

  • Bé Ù: Complimentary meals for fire evacuees and first responders can be found at the walk-up window at this Vietnamese spot. 557 N. Hoover St., Los Angeles
  • Cafe Tropical: This Silver Lake eatery will help make 600 breakfast burritos for firefighters over the next few days. 2900 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles
  • Calico Fish House: In Orange County, chef Andrew Gruel has offered free meals to those affected, as well as a temporary shelter. “We have a large parking lot, you can stay as long as you need and camp out,” he wrote on X. “We will provide free meals for all of those affected.” 16600 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach
  • Crustacean: Vietnamese fusion restaurant will offer free bowls of pho and garlic noodles to residents displaced by the fires. The owners also note on their social media, “[I]f you are familiar with any shelters or response centers in need, please reach out to us so we can bring them food and supplies too!” 468 N. Bedford Drive, Beverly Hills
  • Detroit Pizza Depot: This pizzeria will offer a free meal “for anybody who has been displaced by the fires or first responders.” Available at its Hollywood and downtown locations. 358 W. 38th St., Los Angeles; 6219 Franklin Ave., Los Angeles
  • Danny Boy’s: Both Westwood and Downtown L.A. locations of this pizzeria will offer free slices to firefighters and first responders. 10889 Lindbrook Drive, Los Angeles; 330 S. Hope St., Los Angeles
  • Dudley Market: Gratis food for first responders and evacuees at this Venice market. 9 Dudley Ave., Venice
  • Everytable: Los Angeles-based market will provide free meals to L.A. first responders through this weekend. Use code “LAFIRST” at checkout. In store only; maximum of two meals per customer. First responders in uniform or proof of badge required. (The Cal State L.A. location is closed for the remainder of the week due to fires.) Multiple locations throughout Los Angeles.
  • Fiorelli Pizza: This place will be open Thursday, Jan. 9 to serve people affected by the firest. “Tomorrow from 11-4 we will be making pizzas for firefighters, first responders and families that have been displaced,” noted the owners on their social media. 1033 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice
  • Huckleberry Cafe: Complimentary coffee for first responders. “To our community, if you’re looking for a warm meal and a place to gather, our doors are open,” the owners posted to their social media. 1014 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica
  • Joe’s Pizza: Any firefighter or first responder is welcome at any Joe’s Pizza location (Downtown L.A., Hollywood, Sherman Oaks, Sunset Strip) for a free meal. 6504 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles; 613 S. Spring St., Los Angeles; 15030 Ventura Blvd., Los Angeles; 8539 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles
  • La Sorted’s Pizza: Free whole pies for firefighters and first responders can be found at this pizzeria’s Silver Lake and Chinatown locations. 2847 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles; 984 N. Broadway, Los Angeles
  • Milo & Olive: Firefighters and first responders can grab a free cup of coffee at Milo & Olive. 2723 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica
  • Mountain Mike’s Pizza: The Pasadena-based pizzeria is donating free meals for first responders in uniform. Locals and evacuees are welcome to sit and charge electronic devices. 3415 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
  • Norms: From Thursday, Jan. 9 through Sunday, Jan. 12, participating Norms locations in Los Angeles will provide a free entree (dine-in or to-go orders only) to any firefighter or police officer. Valid ID, uniform or proof of service required. Multiple L.A. locations.
  • Papille Gustative: Free milk and cookies for those displaced by the fire can be found at this Santa Monica spot. 2823 Main St., Santa Monica
  • Rock & Brews: Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley’s eatery will donate pizza (one per guest) to first responders (firefighters, EMTs and police officers) with proof of service, valid ID or uniform. Available at the El Segundo and Redondo Beach locations. 143 Main St., El Segundo; 6300 S. Pacific Coast Highway, Redondo Beach
  • Sizzler: A handful of L.A. County Sizzler spots offer a complimentary meal, which includes a choice of steak, jumbo crispy shrimp or Malibu chicken entree, alongside a side and fountain drink. Offer available only to first responders and evacuees affected by the wildfires. Participating locations include Van Nuys, Los Feliz, Palmdale and Fox Hills. 7131 Van Nuys Blvd., Van Nuys; 2920 Los Feliz Blvd., Los Angeles; 5801 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City
  • Shor Bazaar: Desi eatery with cuisine from India and Pakistan offers the following package per person, free of charge, to evacuees and first responders during daily dining hours until further notice: dosa, chicken biryani and lentils. Guests can select to dine in or order takeout. For takeout orders, call 562-202-9274 and specify the number of packages needed. A valid Los Angeles ID or local responder identification are required at the time of dining or pickup. 12155 Carson St, Hawaiian Gardens
  • Sonoritas Prime Tacos: Free tacos for firefighters, first responders and evacuees available at Sonoritas’ West L.A. and Downtown L.A. locations. 2004 Sawtelle Blvd., Los Angeles; 1050 Flower St., Los Angeles
  • Spago: Wolfgang Puck’s famed eatery will providing free meals for first responders through the weekend. 176 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills
  • Sunday Gravy: First responders and evacuees can find a free meal at this Italian restaurant. “Please connect with us so that we can arrange a free meal.” 1122 Centinela Ave., Inglewood
  • Telefèric Barcelona: Offering paella to first responders, firefighters and evacuees, Spanish restaurant noted on Instagram, “Stop by our restaurant to pick up a comforting meal on us.” The owners will also donate 20% of proceeds on all paella purchases. Close to one of the evacuation centers, too. 11930 San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles