Many California colleges face temporary closures or canceled in-person activities amid the LA fires, causing devastating damage this week.
With 20% of Cal Poly’s student body from LA County, students may be facing distress and or financial hardships from the fire devastation.
The Campus Assessment, Response & Education (CARE) team has compiled resources for students in need of support at the time.
The CARE team offers Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and After-Hours Support which students can access at the following hotlines.
- CAPS provides enrolled students free crisis intervention, individual, couple and group therapy. Services are available in-person, remotely over the phone or secure video calls during business hours. Call 805-756-2511 to schedule an appointment.
- After-hours support is available 24/7 at the crisis hotline, staffed by licensed counselors. Call 805-756-2511 and select option two. Students may also contact the local crisis hotline, SLO Hotline, at 800-783-0607.
CARE also recommends updating local and permanent addresses in students’ Cal Poly Portals in case of an emergency.
For employees seeking assistance
In response to the fires, the CSU Employees Union (CSUEU) sent Friday morning specific resources to help employees who evacuated from their homes or are in evacuation zones.
“As union members, we know the power of standing strong together and the need to support one another as a community,” a message from CSUEU Communications read.
The union is working for emergency pay for those required to report physically to work at impacted campuses like Northridge and Los Angeles.
Here are some resources for employees in the Cal State who have experienced hardships caused by the fires:
- The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California’s Disaster Relief Fund can reimburse employees up to $3000 for financial hardships caused by the fires.
- The Los Angeles County Federation of Labor is offering housing assistance, utilities, food and personal protective equipment (PPE) for air quality.
- Those not impacted by the fires but interested in helping out may contribute to SEIU’s disaster relief fund by donating.
The Cal State is offering payroll-related assistance for faculty who have faced significant losses from the fires.
Southern California Universities Seek Assistance
In the Cal State system, campuses in Los Angeles and Northridge are affected by the fires. Fourteen other university campuses are closed or pausing in-person activity, including the entire Los Angeles Community College District.
Cal State LA moved its operations completely remote until Jan. 13, advising students not to come to campus unless they reside there or are instructed to by an authorized administrator, according to a message from their president.
As of Jan. 14, none have reported damages due to the fire.
Cal State Chancellor Mildred García responded to the fires saying the CSU system office is closely monitoring the situation and communicating with students regularly.
“As in all times of crisis, the CSU stands ready to serve as a resource to local officials, first responders and to all members of our extended campus communities,” the message read.
