California and Biden-Harris Administration Collaborate to Simplify Access to Support for Los Angeles Firestorm Survivors

By Redaccion
[email protected]

Key Takeaway: The California Department of Technology (CDT) and the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) have partnered to streamline access to state, federal, and local benefits for survivors of the Los Angeles firestorms through a unified, secure Login.gov account.

Governor Gavin Newsom announced an expanded partnership between CDT and GSA to help firestorm survivors access essential disaster aid more efficiently. This collaboration will enable Californians impacted by the wildfires to utilize a single Login.gov account for both state and federal services, including FEMA assistance.

Within weeks, disaster survivors will gain seamless, secure, and privacy-protected access to critical resources, enhancing California’s disaster response and recovery infrastructure. This system, which builds upon the CA.gov/LAfires platform launched earlier, has already served over 200,000 users seeking help.

“California is working tirelessly to assist those impacted by the Los Angeles firestorms. This partnership with the Biden-Harris Administration ensures faster and more efficient resource delivery from both state and federal agencies,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.

GSA Administrator Robin Carnahan highlighted the success of Login.gov during the Maui wildfires in 2023 and emphasized its expanding role in disaster response, stating, “We’re removing barriers during the public’s most vulnerable moments while bolstering protections against fraud.”

Updated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU): California and GSA have formalized an agreement to deploy enhanced Login.gov authentication and identity verification tools. These services aim to prevent identity theft and expedite access to benefits.

Digital Disaster Recovery Centers: California has rapidly established digital recovery hubs for firestorm survivors, enabling 24/7 access to essential resources and ensuring legitimate distribution of funds.

California Government Operations Agency Secretary Amy Tong reaffirmed the state’s commitment, stating, “Our teams are acting swiftly and leveraging innovative solutions to serve those in need.”

The collaboration includes a focus on human-centered design, ensuring that tools are user-friendly and responsive to the needs of firestorm survivors. Jeffrey Marino, Director of the Office of Data and Innovation, emphasized the importance of prioritizing people’s needs, particularly during emergencies.

As recovery efforts continue, the California Department of Technology and its partners remain dedicated to streamlining aid delivery and improving accessibility for all Californians.

Learn more about California’s response to the Los Angeles firestorms at ca.gov/LAfires.