West LA Times

UCLA has opened a disaster recovery center at its Research Park, previously the Westside Pavilion shopping mall, to support fire relief efforts in Los Angeles. The center is managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and includes federal, state, local agencies, and nonprofits. It offers services such as disaster relief loans and assistance with replacing documents like birth certificates.

The facility began operations today and will be fully operational by January 15, serving residents daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. "The safety and well-being of the Los Angeles community remains our priority," said UCLA Chancellor Julio Frenk. "We are committed to working with first responders and disaster relief agencies to support their work."

In addition to FEMA, other organizations at the site include city and county departments focused on housing, public health, homelessness, animal services, among others. Nonprofits like the Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity are also involved.

This recovery center is one of two established following recent fires; the other is located at Pasadena City College. UCLA acquired the 700,000-square-foot property in January 2024 and plans to transform it into a research park focusing on immunotherapy and quantum science.

Beyond hosting the recovery center, UCLA is actively supporting affected communities through initiatives like Bruin Wildfire Relief Funds which provide emergency housing and meal vouchers. The university's Homeless Healthcare Collaborative offers medical care to displaced individuals while dentistry students supply essential items.

The UCLA Volunteer Center connects campus members with volunteering opportunities and collaborates with UCLA College Corps to deliver emergency packages. Additionally, free diploma replacements are available for alumni who lost theirs in the fires.

For more information on services provided at UCLA Research Park or ways to help or receive help from the UCLA community, visit their Newsroom page.