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FACE Hosts L.A. Wildfire Resource Webinar

UBJ Staff • February 7, 2025

LOS ANGELES, CA – On February 6, 2025, Faith and Community Empowerment (FACE) hosted an online L.A. Wildfire Resource Webinar, providing critical information on insurance, mortgage, and economic relief to individuals and businesses impacted by the recent Los Angeles wildfires. The event was designed to help renters, homeowners, small businesses, and nonprofits navigate financial recovery and understand the available support programs.

During the webinar, participants had the opportunity to learn about key aspects of wildfire recovery, including insurance claims, mortgage relief options, and maximizing financial assistance for renters. Experts in the field presented in-depth insights, and attendees were invited to join virtual breakout rooms for personalized discussions with more than 25 specialists in financial recovery and disaster assistance.

The event featured distinguished speakers, including Fiona Ma, CPA, California State Treasurer, who shared over 40 financial recovery resources available in the California Wildfire Recovery Guide. This guide is accessible for free from the California State Treasurer’s Office at www.treasurer.ca.gov. 

Jeff Prang, Los Angeles County Assessor, introduced the Online Disaster Relief Filing for Homeowners, a digital solution that allows property owners affected by wildfires to submit Misfortune & Calamity (M&C) Claims electronically. This tool provides homeowners with a streamlined process to access relief at Los Angeles County Assessor. More information here: https://assessor.lacounty.gov/contact/assessor/3

Additionally, a representative from the U.S. Small Business Administration discussed the SBA Disaster Relief Programs, including the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), which provides financial support for businesses recovering from wildfire damage. More information here: https://lending.sba.gov

The program was facilitated by  Hyepin Im,   Faith and Community Empowerment (FACE). In addition to Treasurer Ma and County Assessor Prang; the webinar presenters all included Daniel Martinez and Fabien Fernandez, California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES); Amy Bach,  United Policy Holders; Nadia Segura Narvaez, Bet Tzedek; Jennifer Ceballos Zamora, BMO; Rick Whitted and Eric Asiedu, First Citizens Bank; Michelle Scott, City National Bank; Justin Davis, Hanmi Bank; Maria Austin, Wells Fargo; Fernando Garces, MidFirst Bank; Jeff Keeney, Banner Bank; Fred Lambright, Mechanics Bank and Tamara Theiler, Pacquita Sayles, and Laura Forbes, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).


The webinar was made possible through the collaboration of various community and financial institutions. First Citizen’s Bank, Hanmi Bank, MidFirst Bank, United Policy Holders, Jewish Federation of Los Angeles (JFEDLA), BMO, City National Bank, Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity, Wells Fargo, Los Angeles Sentinel, Urban Business Journal, and Bet Tzedek partnered with FACE to deliver this vital information to the public.

About Faith and Community Empowerment (FACE)

Faith and Community Empowerment (FACE) is committed to increasing the participation, contribution, and influence of the Asian American community through faith-based and community partnerships. By fostering collaboration between private and public sectors, FACE enhances the capacity of faith-based organizations, nonprofits, and other community-focused initiatives. The organization is dedicated to improving access to essential resources, assisting low-income individuals, and revitalizing communities.


Through its initiatives, FACE promotes AAPI Advocacy, ensuring Asian American visibility and inclusion in policymaking. The Faith Leadership program equips faith leaders with tools to create lasting community impact. Homeownership Assistance initiatives provide education and resources to first-time homebuyers, while Youth Development programs empower young individuals with leadership training and essential skills. Additionally, FACE actively supports Community Building, fostering healing and collaboration between diverse communities.

FACE’s Impact by the Numbers

Over the years, FACE has built a strong network of 800+ community partnerships, including collaborations with the White House and Fortune 500 companies. The organization has successfully trained over 5,000 faith leaders in community development, helping more than 12,000 families and individuals move toward homeownership. Through its efforts, FACE has awarded over $400K in sub-grants to faith-based and community organizations, saved $92M in mortgages from foreclosure, and provided $1.8M in down payment assistance and other financial support.

As a HUD-approved Housing Counseling Agency, FACE continues to expand its reach and effectiveness in empowering underserved communities. Those seeking additional information on FACE’s programs and resources can visit www.FACELA.org.

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This Couple Launched A Delivery Service To Bring Black Farmers and Food Suppliers To Your Doorstep

By UBJ Staff • March 26, 2025
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By LaTania Smith • March 25, 2025
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