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Disaster Relief Fund Second Round Distribution

To: The Caltech Community
From: Thomas F. Rosenbaum, Caltech President; Laurie Leshin, JPL Director
Date: February 3, 2025
Re: Disaster Relief Fund Second Round Distribution

We remain gratified and humbled by the tremendous outpouring of support for the Caltech and JPL Disaster Relief Fund, with nearly $4 million donated to date to help our community members who have been affected by the L.A. Fires. As a result, we are pleased to announce a second round of funding.

Applications for the second round of funding will be reviewed starting on Tuesday, February 4, at 12:00 p.m. (PST), on a first come basis. Qualifying community members who have not yet applied for the first round of funds may apply for both rounds at the same time.

The second round of new, one-time grants of up to $3,000 per household, subject to applicable taxes as described below, will be distributed to qualifying applicants while funds are available. Total grant funding will be restricted to no more than $6,000 per household for applicants who qualify for both rounds of funding.

Apply online at giving.caltech.edu/areas-to-support/relief/apply.

All proceeds from the Fund are used to provide emergency financial support to Caltech and JPL affected students and employees, including staff, faculty, and postdoctoral scholars, whose lives have been significantly impacted by the L.A. Fires. As of Friday, January 31, more than $1.5 million in grant funding has been directly distributed to more than 590 members of our community. The Institute will continue to distribute funds to community members until all available resources are exhausted.

Disaster relief grants are not a loan nor are they intended to replace existing support from insurance companies or other sources.

Eligibility Requirements 

Employee beneficiaries must be employed by Caltech at the time of the disaster in one of the following classifications: Caltech staff and faculty members on campus, employees at JPL, and all postdoctoral scholars with appointments at Caltech or JPL.

Student beneficiaries include students currently enrolled in a Caltech undergraduate or graduate program.

Beneficiaries must have incurred expenses resulting from the L.A. Fires and have not been reimbursed by other sources.

Examples of economic loss include, but are not limited to:

  • Loss related to displacement from the individual's primary residence for 72 hours or longer. Loss, damage to, or destruction of primary residence or personal property.
  • Food insecurity, childcare, and safety-related needs resulting from the emergency.

Grants will be restricted to one grant (up to $6,000) per household. If an eligible spouse, domestic partner, or child working at Caltech living in the same household is applying for the same grant for the same qualifying event for which you are applying, only one payment will be distributed.

Caltech and JPL Disaster Relief Fund Grants

Starting on Tuesday, February 4, eligible beneficiaries may apply for a second round of grant funding (a new, additional $3,000 award) to defray immediate costs associated with this disaster.

  • With the addition of this second round of funding, eligible beneficiaries can request a total award of up to $6,000 per household.
  • Beneficiaries may have requested a grant award in each round or may make a one-time request now for the full award available to their household.
  • Beneficiaries may apply for a lesser amount if losses are less than the standard grant amount.
  • If you have received the $1,000 financial assistance in response to the JPL-Caltech Disaster Relief Survey fund, the maximum amount you can receive from the Caltech and JPL Disaster Relief Fund is $5,000.
  • Grant payments may be made in the form by electronic deposit or check.
  • Grants to undergraduate students will be approved through the Student Affairs Office or the Caltech Student Emergency Fund.
  • Additional support will be considered at the discretion of Caltech-JPL.

Payments to beneficiaries will be made in compliance with applicable IRS and other legal requirements and are intended not to be taxable for income tax purposes under Federal and California law. Generally, grants distributed will not be subject to Federal or California personal income taxes but may be subject to certain California payroll taxes that will be deducted from the grant. To the extent the expenses covered by the grant from the Disaster Relief Fund are reimbursed or covered by insurance or another source, please notify Human Resources as this may affect the taxability of the grant payment.

Caltech retains the sole discretion for determining eligibility and making grant decisions.

No fees or overhead are applied to the Caltech and JPL Disaster Relief Fund.

Expenses Covered by The Fund 

In addition to the examples provided in the Eligibility section above, the following are examples of eligible expenses:

  • Replacement of necessary and essential personal effects.
  • Temporary housing assistance which could include additional rent, security deposit, or short-term hotel costs incurred to relocate.
  • Unexpected medical or mental health costs related to the emergency and not covered by insurance.
  • Unplanned transportation expenses related to the emergency.

How to Apply 

Complete the Disaster Relief Fund Application [link will be live at 12:00 p.m. (PST) on Tuesday, February 4, 2025]. Verification of primary address may be required. Other documentation also may be requested during the application process.

Applications will be reviewed on a first come basis as they are received, while funds are available. Beneficiaries will be notified of their status generally within three business days.

Please consult with your financial advisor and/or tax advisor about receiving money from the Caltech and JPL Disaster Relief Fund regarding any personal tax implications to determine any impact on your insurance or FEMA payments. Ideally, the grant from the Disaster Relief Fund will not otherwise be reimbursed or covered by insurance or another source.

FAQs

If you have questions, please reach out to:

Caltech: (626) 395-3300 or HRinfo@caltech.edu
JPL: JPLRelief@jpl.nasa.gov

Disaster Relief Fund Distribution

To: The Caltech Community
From: Thomas F. Rosenbaum, Caltech President; Laurie Leshin, JPL Director
Date: January 17, 2025
Re: Disaster Relief Fund Distribution

At 11 a.m. tomorrow we will begin accepting applications from our community members for a relief grant from the Caltech and JPL Disaster Relief Fund.

The Disaster Relief Fund aims to provide timely, financial support to Caltech community members from campus and JPL who have been impacted directly by the fires. In just a week, more than 2,200 members of our community, donors, and friends have collectively contributed more than $2 million. We are deeply grateful for the extraordinary generosity and outpouring of care that this calamity has elicited.

Relief grants of up to $3,000 will be available for distribution. Applications will be reviewed on a first come basis to all eligible beneficiaries (including students and employees on campus and at JPL) while funds are available. To ensure that support reaches those who need it most, we ask individuals to apply for the aid they need.

Please visit the relief fund distribution web page to review eligibility requirements and to apply for a grant. The application for relief grants opens promptly at 11 a.m. tomorrow, Saturday, January 18.

Thank you to the faculty and staff who quickly developed the means to gather and distribute aid. We are committed not only to providing this short-term intercession, but also to addressing the longer-term support that we know will be required.

Please continue to care for yourselves and one another during this challenging time.

Air Quality and Cleaning Interventions, Jan 16, 10:04 a.m.:

Caltech continues to monitor air quality on campus. The Institute consults an on-campus Air Quality monitoring station on Caltech Hall, (data available at breathe.caltech.edu), the South Coast Air Quality Management District, and other government agency indexes, including Air Now.

The Institute's buildings have high-quality HVAC systems, which have been equipped with MERV-13 and MERV-15 air filters and carbon filters, wherever possible, and facilities is managing air circulation at a building system level. Caltech has encouraged the use of indoor purifiers and has sourced additional air purifiers with more than 1,560 units expected to arrive over the next several days. These will be distributed across undergraduate and graduate housing. An additional 700 units are scheduled to arrive early next week and will be distributed to units across the campus that may need them.

While windblown ash and particles may be too large to be detected by air quality instrumentation, public health advises that such particles are typically visible to the naked eye if in the air or on surfaces, and/or accompanied by the smell of smoke. Individuals may limit exposure to ash and particles in such environments by remaining indoors; wearing a N95 or P100 masks; and avoiding vigorous physical activity outdoors. Caltech provides free N95 masks for pick-up at the Caltech Store.

Additionally, when cleaning lingering ash or particles from indoor and outdoor surfaces, it is important to take necessary precaution to limit the particles from being swept up into the air. Best practice is to use a HEPA vacuum, to wet down the surface, or use a wet wipe or cloth to fully remove.

Additional information on Caltech's intervention and management efforts, including frequently asked questions on air quality precautions are available on the caltech.edu/fire website.

Caltech Atmospheric Chemistry and Environmental Science Professor Paul Wennberg also shares his personal approach to and guidance on how to reduce pollution in indoor spaces in a new Ask a Caltech Expert interview for the Caltech Science Exchange.

Air Quality and Water Updates, Jan 14, 1:59 p.m.

The following provides updates on regional air and water quality from local authorities and partners:

Wind and Air Quality Advisory

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued a Windblown Dust and Ash Advisory today in response to strong Santa Ana winds expected to affect the region today through Wednesday evening. The winds may disperse ash and dust from the fires that could impact air quality, particularly in regions that are downwind from the fire.

Public health advises that everyone take the following precautions to reduce exposure to ash and dust: limit time outdoors and use an air purifier or run the air conditioning system on recirculate to keep indoor air clean; wear a high-quality N95 or P100 mask and protective eye wear outdoors; secure loose items; and stay informed and connected for updates from authorities. Additionally, Caltech Facilities continues to ask that doors and windows on campus remain closed as air circulation and purification is being managed at a building system level.

Water Quality Update

The City of Pasadena and Pasadena Water and Power confirmed the quality of water of a majority of areas previously impacted as a result of the Eaton Fire. PWP has posted on its website an updated map to indicate areas in which the "Do-Not-Drink-Water" notice remains in effect.

A Community Gathering on Friday, January 17, 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Beckman Mall:

Our community continues to face a profoundly challenging time, with the devastation wrought by the Eaton fire impacting so many students, postdocs, faculty, staff, and JPLers. To provide an opportunity for us to come together, to share our experiences, to provide comfort and hope, we invite you to join a special gathering this Friday, January 17, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Beckman Mall. We welcome everyone at Caltech, those on campus and those at JPL. Please feel free to bring your families. We also welcome our colleagues at the Caltech Y, CEFCU, and at our associated children's centers.

Throughout this tragedy, we have witnessed extraordinary acts of resilience and support. We will continue to work to recover and look forward to gathering together this Friday.

Applying for Disaster Assistance, Jan. 13, 6:34 p.m.:

To assist members of the community in navigating their personal recovery and response to this disaster, the Institute shares the following guidance regarding steps to take in applying to federal agencies for disaster assistance. Disaster assistance may be available to individuals who were evacuated from their homes, have potential damage to their homes or properties from the fires, and to those who have lost their homes and other personal property.Step 1: If you have home insurance, file a claim with your insurance carrier.Step 2: Submit a FEMA application. There are multiple ways that you can do this:

  1. Apply online at gov. If you have access to internet and your electronic devices have power, applying online is the easiest, fastest, and most convenient.
  2. Apply through the FEMA App for mobile devices.
  3. Call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362. Calls are accepted every day from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. PST. Help is available in most languages.
  4. Apply in-person at a FEMA assistance center. FEMA staff are available at the County's Disaster Resource Centers, open from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, January 14, and then from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. starting Wednesday, January 15. The Disaster Resource Centers are located at:
    1. Pasadena City College, Community Education Center (3035 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, Ca 91107)
    2. UCLA Research Park West (10850 West Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, Ca 90064)
  5. Online at https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance/california-wildfires
  6. By phone at 800-659-2955

When applying for assistance, you should have the following information available:

  • Address of the damaged property;
  • Social Security number;
  • Bank account information (or direct deposit information);
  • Insurance information (if you have insurance);
  • Brief description of damages (if you do not know, say "I don't know")
  • Current mailing address; and
  • Pen and paper to write down your registration number.

The Office of U.S. Representative Judy Chu has curated an Eaton Fire Resource Guide with additional FAQs and information on disaster assistance. Additional information is available at fema.gov.Members of the Caltech community who have additional questions or would like to consult with someone about applying for disaster assistance and steps to take in the recovery process may also reach out directly to federal emergency management specialist Susan Miles, who is not a Caltech employee but has offered her services based on her experience in working with FEMA, at semiles@caltech.edu.

Emergency Housing, Jan. 12, 7:16 p.m.:

The Eaton Fire has displaced many members of the Caltech community from their homes. Faculty Housing and Student Housing continue to receive requests for help in finding short-term and long-term housing for those displaced by the fire and by mandatory evacuation orders. To expedite the relocation process, the Institute has convened an Emergency Housing Working Group to match displaced community members with housing options, both on- and off-campus. If you need housing assistance, please consult the Institute's Emergency Housing page at www.caltech.edu/fire/emergency-housing.

County Alert System and Campus Status, Jan. 10, 1:19p.m.:

Due to ongoing issues with the Los Angeles County emergency alert system, some area residents have received false alarms indicating that they are under evacuation orders.Please note that the Caltech campus is NOT in an evacuation area or being asked to prepare for evacuation at this time. The campus is NOT under direct threat from the fire.Conditions in your area may be different than those on campus. For the latest information on areas under evacuation order and evacuation warning, visit https://lacounty.gov/emergency/ or https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents and view the interactive maps.

Air Quality Advisory for Indoor Spaces, Jan. 10, 10:08 a.m.:

Indoor air quality readings from campus lab buildings this morning indicate that air quality in the labs, especially buildings with fume hood intensive labs that require outside air, is in an unhealthy range. Individuals who report to these spaces or are in buildings where the smell of smoke is elevated are advised to wear high-quality masks indoors. If you are part of a high-risk or sensitive population, please do not access these spaces until air quality indoors and outside improves.The Institute has limited the circulation of outside air in the buildings and installed carbon filters to reduce the smell of smoke. Air purifiers have been deployed, where available, across campus with a focus on campus residences and dining facilities.The following best practices are encouraged in an unhealthy air environment:

  • Limit your outdoor activity
  • Avoid vigorous exercise
  • Keep windows and doors shut and make use of air purifiers indoors where possible
  • Wear a mask equivalent to N-95 or better when outdoors

An air-quality map prepared by the South Coast Air Quality Management District can be viewed at https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/6a6a058a177440fdac6be881d41d4c2c/

Campus Operations for Friday, Jan. 10, Jan. 9. 8:02 p.m.:

The Caltech campus will reopen Friday, January 10 to campus community members. Classes will resume on Monday, January 13.

Resuming campus operations, which have been restricted to critical and essential functions only since the windstorm and resulting fires erupted on Tuesday evening, comes as the campus has been cleared of debris and hazards. Staff members have worked heroically to prepare the campus to resume fully its mission of research and education. The region's historic fires, which continue to burn for the third day, pose no direct threat to campus.

The shift in operations also allows members of the Caltech community who have been without power, water, Internet, and other resources this week to more readily access such services on campus. Caltech has been fortunate in that utility services have mostly remained uninterrupted and reliable throughout the fires.

Hundreds of Caltech's staff, faculty, postdoctoral scholars and students have been impacted by mandatory evacuation orders and long-term power outages. Initial reports indicate that dozens of Caltech community members may have lost their homes and personal belongings. The Institute continues to mobilize resources and services to support those in need. We will provide additional information in the coming days and weeks on ways in which community members can access requested resources and others can support their colleagues.

Managers and supervisors are asked to continue to work with their direct reports to provide as much flexibility as possible in working arrangements on Friday.

What the campus reopening means:

  • Campus buildings will reopen Friday and be accessible without keycards during normal campus business hours. Individuals who have lost or misplaced their ID cards may request a replacement by emailing cardoffice@caltech.edu; the cards will be ready for pick up Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Card Office, located on the first floor of the Center for Student Services.
  • Dining services will operate in a more traditional manner:
    • The Red Door Café will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for drinks, baked goods and CStore. And 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. for regular service to students.
    • Browne Dining Hall will be open 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for breakfast and lunch; and 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for dinner.
    • Undergraduate students on meal plans will also have access to Open Kitchen in their houses and dinner at Browne.
    • The Broad Café and Avery Ramen remain closed.

As air quality on campus continues to be impacted by the fires, the ventilation systems of campus buildings have been configured to limit the circulation of outside air indoors and air purifiers have been distributed and activated in buildings across the campus.

Additionally, the Institute is providing free, high-quality masks to Caltech community members and encourages the use of masks outdoors. Masks may be picked up on Friday at Browne Dining Hall.

Updates on the fires, campus operations, and recovery resources will be shared as available.

REVISED Water Advisory, Jan. 9 at 10:44 a.m.:

Pasadena City and Pasadena Water and Power Officials have confirmed this morning that the tap water on the Caltech campus is safe to drink and cook with; it has not been impacted by the Eaton Fire. For your awareness, a map of the affected areas is posted on the City of Pasadena's website.

For members of our community who need it, bottled water is available for pick up in a limited capacity at Browne Dining Hall.

Update from Jan. 8 at 12 p.m.:

The health and safety of our community is a priority. Caltech emergency response personnel, in conjunction with Pasadena Fire and local authorities, are actively monitoring the Eaton Fire and windstorm, and this message is meant to provide an update on the situation:

Caltech Security and Facilities personnel continue to patrol the campus to assess damage, identify safety concerns, and to conduct clean-up of the campus from the windstorm. The campus is not under direct threat from the fires, the closest of which is the Eaton Fire burning in the foothill communities to the north of the 210. That said, air quality on campus and in the surrounding region is poor and we advise that individuals wear a high-quality mask when outdoors. Protective eye wear may be advisable, if available.

The campus remains closed except for critical functions, which include the operations of student housing and dining, custodial and grounds, security, and facilities and lab management. If you do not need to be outdoors on campus to support one of these functions, we ask that you remain off campus or indoors for your safety and for the safety of our campus personnel who are responding to the event.

We ask for your continued patience, as this emerging situation continues to affect not just our campus, but the staff and faculty, and neighbors across the region.

Below is some important information on campus operations:

Housing

All campus residents are asked to remain indoors, to wear a mask, keep devices charged, and report any issues or concerns to Caltech Security at 626-395-5000. As of this morning, access to power, internet, and other utilities remains uninterrupted. If that changes, you will be notified via Everbridge.

If you are a student who lives off-campus in the region and you have an evacuation concern, please contact your respective deans' office (Undergraduate Office: 626-395-6341; Graduate Office: 626-395-6346). Employees who have been impacted by the fires or need help, can call Human Resources at 626-395-6443 or 626-395-6382.

The City of Pasadena has set up the Pasadena Convention Center (300 E. Green Street) as evacuation site for the region.

Dining

In response to current events, Caltech Dining has consolidated its operations and dining locations for Wednesday, January 8. Food is available to students on campus in the following locations:

  • Browne Cafe will be open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
  • Open kitchen will be available students in their Houses as usual.
  • Red Door, Broad Cafe, and Avery will be closed.

Classes

Caltech classes have been canceled for today, January 8. A decision will be made later today about classes for tomorrow. We will provide an update when we have it.

Travel

If you do choose to travel out of the area or are on the local roadways, please proceed with caution and follow all instructions from local emergency personnel and highway safety. Trees and power lines may still be down from last night's windstorm. Gather essential items (such as medications, IDs, and passports) and travel away from impacted communities.

Mental Health and Safety

Students who are experiencing anxiety or stress related to the fire may contact Student Counseling Services for consultation and support by calling 626-395-8331. Staff, faculty, and postdoctoral scholars can access counseling resources through the Staff and Faculty Consultation center by calling 626-395-8360 or email sfcc@caltech.edu.

Should you have an emergency or concern about your safety or well-being, please contact Caltech Security at 626-395-5000.