HUD-Certified

Disaster Recovery

Nonprofit

Disaster turned life upside down? We’re here to help

Disasters happen, and recovering from them takes time and support. That’s why we’ve put together a collection of resources to help you move forward. Download helpful resources, and get tips and guidance on everything from cleanup to financial aid. Whether you’re just starting your recovery or looking for ongoing support, this page has what you need to take control and rebuild.

HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agency

NFCC Member

501(c)(3) Nonprofit

Why act now

Rebuild after disaster with counseling that supports your home & finances

  • Get a Recovery Plan
That Fits Your Needs

    Our counselors help you create a step-by-step recovery plan tailored to your financial situation so you can rebuild your home, regain stability, and move forward with confidence.
  • Put Your Recovery Plan into Action

    Our counselors help you turn your recovery plan into clear, manageable steps so you know what to do next and can begin moving forward.
  • Rebuild Your Finances and Feel Supported

    We guide you through available assistance programs and help you make the most of your income so you can rebuild your life, protect your home, and feel financially secure again.
Your recovery

Your path to

financial recovery

Four clear steps from crisis to stability — guided with compassion and expertise.
  • Step 01

    Assess Your Situation

    Your counselor helps you understand the full scope of your financial situation after a disaster — including lost income, property damage, insurance claims, and immediate expenses.
  • Step 02

    Access Relief & Assistance Programs

    Learn about FEMA assistance, SBA disaster loans, insurance claim strategies, state and local relief programs, and nonprofit grants available in your area.
  • Step 03

    Create a Recovery Budget

    Together you build a realistic post-disaster budget that prioritizes essential expenses, manages debt obligations, and allocates relief funds effectively.
  • Step 04

    Plan for Long-Term Recovery

    Your counselor helps you develop a sustainable financial recovery plan — addressing housing stability, credit protection, and rebuilding savings over time.
  • Start Your Recovery Plan

    Get personalized guidance to rebuild your finances and move forward with confidence.

100% Free

No Obligation

No Pressure

Tools & resources

Disaster recovery resources

Access national and local disaster recovery resources for financial assistance, housing support, insurance guidance, and other essential services.

FEMA Relief After Disaster

FEMA aid helps with repairs, essentials, and unmet insurance needs. Apply online or call 800-621-3362.
Apply for Relief

Disaster Preparedness & Recovery Guidebook

Plan ahead and stay prepared. Know exactly what steps to take if a disaster occurs in your area.
View Guidebook

Wildfire Recovery Newsletter

This newsletter shares powerful stories, recovery updates, and resources highlighting the resilience of Los Angeles wildfire survivors and the ongoing community effort to help families rebuild and return home.
View Fund

United Way of Greater Los Angeles

Provides support to low-income individuals, those experiencing homelessness, and organizations impacted by disasters.
View Fund

American Red Cross – Los Angeles

Supporting recovery efforts for vulnerable communities. Find volunteer opportunities and emergency assistance.
View Opportunities

Los Angeles Regional Food Bank

Volunteer or donate to help distribute food and meals to families in need after a disaster.
View Food Bank

Canine Rescue Club

Volunteer to foster dogs displaced by fires. Apply to provide temporary care for animals in need.
View Rescue Club

Baby2Baby

Provides diapers, food, formula, and hygiene products for children and families affected by fires.
View Baby2Baby

County of Los Angeles

View real-time evacuation, shelter, and emergency information for wildfires and other disasters.
View LA County

CalAssist Mortgage Fund

A state program providing mortgage payment relief for families whose homes are destroyed or severely damaged.
View Program Guide

USC Dornsife Public Exchange

A comprehensive resource guide with additional tools and information for disaster recovery.
View Resource Guide

Understand Your Insurance Claim & Recovery Options

Get California wildfire insurance claim guidance, consumer resources, and help resolving disputes with your insurer through the California Department of Insurance.
View Insurance Info
Need Help With Your Recovery?

Access trusted disaster recovery resources or connect with a counselor for personalized guidance.

Financial tools

Explore reverse mortgage estimates with guidance

Use our educational calculator to better understand how home value, available equity, interest rates, and loan costs may affect a reverse mortgage estimate. These numbers are examples only and should be reviewed with a certified housing counselor.

  • Smart Retirement Planning

    See how a reverse mortgage could impact your long-term financial security and provide extra cash flow when you need it most.
  • Clear Financial Insights

    Understand how much equity you can access and how it could supplement your retirement income.
  • Personalized Loan Estimates

    Get a tailored breakdown of potential loan amounts, interest rates, and repayment scenarios based on your home's value.
Explore Educational Calculator

Always Free

No Obligation

Confidential

For Educational Guidance

  • Estimated Home Value

    Based on market data
$425,000
Sample estimate - actual values vary

Estimated Available Equity

~$210,000

Estimated Monthly Payment Option

~$1,050

Interest Rate Range

6.5% - 7.2%
These are sample estimates for illustration only. Speak with a certified counselor for accurate figures based on your situation.
Want personalized guidance?

Speak with a certified housing counselor to review your situation, questions, and next steps.

Common questions

Disaster Recovery FAQs

Answers about disaster recovery counseling and financial assistance.
What Financial Help Is Available After a Disaster?

Financial assistance may be available through FEMA grants, SBA disaster loans, insurance payments, state and local programs, and nonprofit relief funds. Credit.org provides free financial and housing counseling to help you identify resources and understand your next steps, but we do not issue benefits, grants, loans, or insurance payments or determine eligibility for third-party programs.

How Quickly Should I Seek Counseling After a Disaster?

As soon as you are safe and able. Early financial counseling helps you prioritize expenses, avoid costly mistakes, and maximize your recovery resources before deadlines pass.

Can You Help With Insurance Claims?

Credit.org does not file or manage insurance claims. However, our counselors can provide education, helpful resources, and guidance on the next steps you may need to take when working with your insurance company.

Is Disaster Recovery Counseling Free?

Yes. Credit.org is a nonprofit organization and our disaster recovery counseling is provided at no cost to help those affected by natural disasters.

What Documents Might I Need When Applying for Disaster Assistance?

Requirements vary by program. You may be asked for identification, proof that the damaged home was your primary residence, insurance information, documentation of damage or loss, income information, and current housing or mortgage documents. Always follow the instructions provided by the specific program.

Can You Help If I Am at Risk of Foreclosure After a Disaster?

Yes. Many disaster survivors face mortgage payment challenges. Your counselor can help with foreclosure prevention, mortgage forbearance, and communicating with your lender about disaster-related hardships.

Still have questions?

Speak with a certified counselor for personalized rental recovery guidance.
Take the next step

You do not have to recover alone.
We are here to help.

Speak with a HUD-certified housing counselor for personalized foreclosure prevention guidance. No judgment, no lender pressure — just clear answers.

Private & confidential

Educational guidance

HUD-approved agency

No lender sales pressure

50,000+
People helped yearly
Trusted guidance from certified housing counselors
50+
Years of experience
Helping homeowners make confident, informed decisions
4.9/5
Client satisfaction
Based on thousands of counseling sessions