Wildfire Relief: Immediate Assistance for Those in Need

Jewish Free Loan Association (JFLA) understands the devastating impact of wildfires on our community. That's why we're offering a limited number of zero-interest, zero-fee loans to individuals, non-profits, and small businesses affected by the recent wildfires on a first-come, first-served basis. These loans are for people of all faiths and backgrounds who are permanent residents of Los Angeles, Ventura, or Santa Barbara Counties.  

Apply for a Loan

If you have been affected by the fires and need financial assistance, please know we are here for you. Our application process is simple, and our team is ready to help. Please note that we will need to run a hard credit check to process your application. You do not need to be Jewish to apply.

Due to the overwhelming demand for assistance, our staff is working diligently to assess and prioritize all loan requests. Response times may be delayed.

Loans for Individuals and Families

JFLA Fire Relief loans can provide much-needed financial assistance during this challenging time and can cover costs such as:

• Temporary housing: hotel or motel rooms, short and long-term rentals through Airbnb, VRBO, or other platforms. 
• Transportation: vehicle replacement, vehicle repairs, rental cars, purchase of a used car, etc. 
• Essentials: food, clothing, medicine, bedding, towels, etc.
• Housewares including replacement furniture, kitchenware, and more.
• Appliances
• Electronics(smartphones, laptops, or tablets, chargers, and accessories).
• School supplies, books, and backpacks.
• Toys, games, and comfort items.
• And other items as needed.

Loans of up to $25,000 are available for people who meet our standard eligibility requirements and have one qualified guarantors.

Loans of up to $10,000 are available for people without a guarantor, but who have a credit score of 600 or more. All other eligibility requirements must be met.

Loans of up to $5,000 are available for people without a guarantor, and have a credit score below 600. All other eligibility requirements must be met.

Final loan amounts are at the discretion of the JFLA loan committee.  

Loans for Non-Profits and Small Businesses

JFLA is committed to helping non-profits and small businesses recover from the wildfires. Please note that we will need to run a hard credit check to process your application.

Non-profit and small business loans are up to $50,000 and can be used for:

• Relocation costs
• Equipment and Machinery
• Tools and specialized machinery used for production or operations.
• Point-of-sale systems (cash registers, card readers).
• Office equipment (computers, printers, phones).
• Furniture and Fixtures (Desks, chairs, shelving, and display cases).
• Purchase of inventory,
• Signage
• And other items as needed.

Two guarantors are required for all loans of $25,000-$50,000 who meet our standard eligibility requirements.

One guarantor is required for loans of $10,000-$25,000 who meet our standard eligibility requirements.

Loans of up to $10,000 are available for people without a guarantor, but who have a credit score of 600 or more. All other eligibility requirements must be met.

Loans of up to $5,000 are available for people without a guarantor, and have a credit score below 600. All other eligibility requirements must be met.

Final loan amounts are at the discretion of the JFLA loan committee.

Donate to JFLA

Your support is crucial in ensuring that JFLA can continue providing emergency loans to those affected by the wildfires. By donating directly to JFLA, you can make a significant difference in the lives of individuals, families, and businesses in need. As our work is ongoing, recurring monthly donations are especially appreciated.

FAQs

What are the eligibility requirements?

Our standard requirements apply:

• Proof of Identify: Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have a current CA issued ID (i.e. driver's license) and Social Security number or ITIN.
• Proof of Residency: Applicants must have a CA issued ID or driver's license showing permanent residency in Los Angeles, Ventura, or Santa Barbara County.
• Proof of Need: Applicants must demonstrate a need for a loan , i.e. a hotel receipt, insurance claim, etc. and must detail how the loan funds will be used.
• Proof of Income: Applicants must have a steady source of income to show the ability to repay the loan. Loans are paid back within 36 months and payments begin 90 days after receiving funding.
• Documentation provided must have a consistent mailing address.
• Bank account information (e.g. a voided check, bank statement, etc.).

Do I need to show proof of need specifically related to the fires?

Yes. We reserve the right to request proof of negative impact from the fires. This could include insurance claims, address of impacted properties, name of schools attended, etc.

Do I need to be Jewish to be eligible for a loan from JFLA.

No! JFLA provides loans to people of all faiths and backgrounds. You do not need to be Jewish to apply.

What if my documentation was destroyed in the fires?

While we sympathize with your loss, we do have minimum documentation that is required. We will try to work with you and provide resources to attain suitable required documents.

What is your typical response time?

Due to the overwhelming demand for assistance, our staff is working diligently to assess and prioritize all loan requests. Response times may be delayed.

How quickly will my loan application be processed?

The process can take between 7 and 14 business days. However, we will do everything to expedite the process.  

Can I apply for a loan on behalf of someone else?

No. Please share our application with your friends and family and encourage them to apply directly.

I don’t have a guarantor. Am I still eligible for a loan?

Yes! We have loans of up to $10,000 available to qualifying individuals, small businesses, and non-profits who do not have a guarantor. There are a limited number of loans available, which will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

What is a guarantor?

A guarantor signs onto a loan and agrees to pay back the loan if the borrower is unable to for any reason. JFLA will work with the borrower to collect payment. If the borrower is unable to pay off the loan, JFLA will turn to the guarantor for payment. A guarantor is responsible for the full amount outstanding on a JFLA loan if the borrower is unable to continue payments.

Please note: If the guarantor is married or in a domestic partnership, their spouse/partner is considered a co-guarantor (and cannot sign on as a separate guarantor). Spouses/partners must sign on to all types of loans.

When will loan repayments begin?

There are no repayments for the first 90 days. Repayments will begin 90 days from disbursement of loan funds.

I already have a loan with JFLA, can I apply for a fire relief loan?

If you already have a loan with JFLA you are eligible to apply for a fire loan. If you are approved, your fire relief loan will be a second, stand-alone JFLA loan; your first loan will not be refinanced. You will be responsible for two separate repayments per month.  

Will everyone who applies receive a fire relief loan?

Unfortunately, no. We are doing our best to quickly review and approve loan applications – and to raise much needed dollars to fund these loans. However, we are a non-profit funded by individuals and foundations. We cannot loan out more money than we have available. 

Contact Us

If you have any questions or need further information, please contact us at fire@jfla.org or 844-535-2674  choose extension 1. Our dedicated staff is here to guide you through the loan process and provide the support you need during this challenging time.   Together, we can help our community recover and rebuild from the devastation caused by the wildfires.