Child care providers face obstacles in obtaining relief after Eaton Fire

Since January, Felisa Wright has faced significant challenges after losing her home and child care business to the Eaton Fire. A few dozen local child care providers share her predicament. Although the state offered financial assistance for a month, that aid has since expired.

Wright described a bureaucratic struggle in seeking necessary recovery help, including multiple visits to disaster centers and administrative offices. As of now, she and her family still lack a permanent residence and have been unable to access a small business loan or FEMA funds beyond an initial emergency amount of $770. Her disaster unemployment benefits remain pending. "I'm applying for everything, but what's not working is it's not immediate," Wright stated. "I need something now. Right now."

Wright and other providers recount difficulties in recovery efforts complicated by various obstacles. Wright was rejected for a small business loan due to insufficient income. However, resuming her business requires a new operational space, which she cannot secure without proof of income or savings. Her disaster unemployment payments have also been delayed. "It's just too much footwork and, and I already have enough stress on me right now," Wright said. "They're not making it easy. It's not easy."

A GoFundMe initiative for Wright intends to support her long-term recovery, while her renter's insurance has temporarily covered hotel and basic needs expenses. This insurance, however, precludes significant FEMA fund access, notwithstanding that FEMA has provided some temporary lodging assistance.

Governor Gavin Newsom extended payments to affected childcare providers for 30 days post-fire but did not prolong this aid. Instead, state agencies were tasked with assisting providers in exploring Disaster Unemployment Assistance eligibility. The union representing these providers reported average state payments of $3,854 monthly as of October and has advocated for payment continuance. "I'm baffled," remarked Child Care Providers United chair Max Arias about the governor's decision. "And I don't know why, because it's not even expensive."

The California Department of Social Services reported 33 licensed family child care homes remain inactive post-fire, while the union cites 54 providers impacting 280 families. Alana Lewis, another provider, also faced small business loan denial and expressed that sustained state payments would prove beneficial for securing further aid.

A Newsom office spokesperson noted that the executive action guiding childcare providers toward unemployment assistance "speaks for itself."

This struggle in accessing disaster aid is reflected in broader national issues. Studies highlight that federal assistance might disproportionally aid wealthier individuals and white communities, partly due to the time and resources required for application. FEMA advises recipients of ineligibility letters to thoroughly review and follow up, though Alessandra Jerolleman at Loyola University New Orleans commented that this is unfeasible for those in crisis. "When somebody is trying to make ends meet, right, when every minute is necessary for survival, is it reasonable to ask them to spend days trying to navigate this process to maybe get assistance?" she asked.

Advocates recommend a streamlined aid application process, suggesting a centralized system. A proposed Disaster Assistance Simplification Act, passed by the Senate in 2023 but stalled in the House, addresses this.

Noah Patton from the National Low Income Housing Coalition indicated, "The system is not working in the way that it was intended to and needs dramatic reform." Meanwhile, Wright continues her battle, now seeking further FEMA assistance since her renter's insurance funds have ended. "I'm not a quitter. I don't give up easily," she affirmed. "I'm gonna keep on pressing towards the mark."