Community Information
West Hills, CA Community Information & Disaster Resources for Los Angeles County
Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by the devastating fires in our Los Angeles community. We’re here to provide support, disaster resources, information, and guidance to help our neighbors recover, rebuild, and move forward with confidence.
What To Do if My House Was Damaged or Destroyed?
There are three steps to take to start the recovery process if your home has been damaged or destroyed by disaster.
- Call your insurance company to file a claim for property damage. You may have more than one insurance policy (home, auto, etc.) Connect with your insurance broker / provider to discuss your circumstances and to help you through your options.
- Apply for aid from government organizations, such as FEMA (links below.)
- If you have a mortgage on your property, you are still responsible for the payment. Contact your mortgage servicer and report what happened. If you cannot make the payments, ask about your options, such as forbearance, and the process.
For more information about how to avoid foreclosure after disaster, government backed mortgage disaster resources, and other related topics, visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Need Help?
Immediate Needs
American Red Cross – So Cal Fires Disaster Distress Helpline 1-800-985-5990
Find a loved one – 1-844-782-9441
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) – apply for assistance after a disaster
LA City Fire Recovery – The city and county are working closely with the state and FEMA. The Recovery Centers support Los Angelinos’ with the following:
- Lost vital records
- Disaster relief
- Referrals or mental health counseling and other services
The LA Wildfire Recovery page provides information and resources with links, including:
- Assistance for families and individuals
- Assistance for property owners
- Assistance for businesses and workers
- Shelter and housing services (including animal resources)
- Health and safety resources
- Additional recovery resources
- Preparedness resources
Financial Assistance
Insurance – Connect with your insurance broker / provider to discuss your circumstances, help you obtain a copy of your policy, review your coverage, walk you through your options, and file a claim. Additional wildfire resources are available from the state.
Mortgage – If you cannot make your mortgage payments due to disaster, there may be options. Contact your mortgage servicer to discuss your circumstances, ask about your options such as forbearance, and the process to get started. For more information about how to avoid foreclosure after disaster, government backed mortgage disaster resources, and other related topics, visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Property Tax Relief – The Los Angeles County Tax Assessor’s office is monitoring the situation. If your property has been damaged or destroyed, you may qualify for temporary relief.
Income Tax Relief – Per this IRS news release dated Jan 10, 2025, various federal individual and business income tax returns and payments deadlines are postponed to October 15, 2025 for Los Angeles County individuals, households, and businesses. Same for the California Franchise Tax Board. Contact your accountant or other tax professional for direction and guidance for your individual or business taxes.
Housing
Red Cross Shelters – redcross.org, free Red Cross Emergency app, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767)
AirBnB – partnering with 211 LA to offer free, temporary housing.
Mid-Long Term Housing – Ensuring the residents of our community have a stable and affordable place to call home after this catastrophe is a top priority. To explore houses for rent or homes for sale, start your search below.
Search Tips:
status – choose “coming soon” or “active”
property type – for houses to rent, choose “residential lease”; for 1-4 unit houses to buy, choose “residential”
County, City, or Zip – if you are looking for a specific area(s), enter it. Example: if you want to see homes in West Hills 91307 in Los Angeles County, you only need to enter one field: either city “West Hills” or Zip “91307.”
Or, to be notified when new houses for rent or purchase become available, connect with us to discuss your specific needs and preferences. We want to help you. Let us. Call (818) 839-0976.
How to Help
Financial Donations
American Red Cross – make a donation online, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767), or text the word CAWILDFIRES to 90999
AirBnB – “Housing in times of crisis transforms lives.”
Housing
Interested in Living in the San Fernando Valley (SFV)?
Here are some of the cities located in the western region of the SFV of Los Angeles County, CA. With each having its own collection of neighborhoods, local services, and amenities, you are sure to find a home in a neighborhood that is right for you.
West Hills Real Estate Insights
West Hills is a neighborhood that is largely residential with a population of 41,426 (2008). The median age of residents is 39 with the percentage of residents aged 35 and older among the highest in Los Angeles. Median household income is $103,008 (2008) and 38.3% of residents 25 and older have a four-year degree. Average household size is 2.9 people. Formerly a part of Canoga Park, at 8.53 square miles West Hills was established as its own neighborhood in 1987. Residents site West Hills as a neighborhood that is beautiful, peaceful, easy going, and quiet and in close proximity to nature, entertainment, shopping, etc.
West Hills Housing Market Stats
Neighboring Cities
Woodland Hills
Calabasas
Topanga
Topanga is an unincorporated area in the Santa Monica Mountains region of Los Angeles County. With a population of 7,425 (2000), the area is among the lowest densities of people per square mile in the county. The median age of residents is 42. Median household income is $120,319 (2008). 59% of residents 25 and older have a four-year degree. Average household size is 2.4 people. Peaceful, safe, surrounded by nature, and equally close to beaches and the San Fernando Valley are cited by some residents as reasons why they love to live in Topanga.