Resources for Faculty and Staff Affected by Wildfire

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Many in our University family have been personally affected by the damaging wildfires. The Pepperdine community continues to hold our neighbors, colleagues, and friends in our prayers as they navigate disruption, anxiety, grief, and loss during this time of devastation. Below is a list of resources available to assist those affected by the recent and ongoing wildfires in Southern California. 

Pepperdine Strong Fund Resources

If you are directly impacted by the recent wildfires – experiencing an evacuation order, a partial loss of your home, or a total loss of your home – please contact Human Resources (humanresources@pepperdine.edu or 310.506.4397) to learn of immediate resources available to you. 

State and Federal Resources

Transportation Resources

For evacuees in need of transportation, free rides are available to shelters through various services:

  • LA Metro has suspended fares for today, January 10.
  • Lyft: Riders in need can use the code CAFIRERELIEF25, valid for 2 rides up to $25 each ($50 total) from now until 1/15 at 11:59 p.m.
  • Uber: Use promo code WILDFIRE25 in the wallet section of your Uber app to redeem 2 free Uber rides up to $40/each for transportation to/from active shelters.

Temporary Housing Resources

  • Airbnb – Temporary Housing for Wildfire Victims. Airbnb is offering temporary housing to individuals impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires. 
  • Local Real Estate. The University has engaged a network of local realtors who are ready to assist with housing, both short-term and long-term needs. For more information, please contact Lisa Stone (lisa.stone@pepperdine.edu). 
  • Open Hoteling Space – Calvary Westlake Village. Calvary Westlake is currently open to anyone in need of a safe and secure place to sit, work, charge devices, or access WiFi (today, January 10, from 8 AM to 6 PM). Calvary Chapel can also assist you or your family with temporary housing.

Financial and Insurance Resources

  • Benefit Services Financial Group (BFSG). BFSG, through its partnership with Pepperdine, offers no-cost personal assistance with various financial matters provided by certified financial planners (CFPs), including reviewing homeowners and renters insurance policies and submitting claims.
  • Aetna Health Members – Resources for Living (RFL). Aetna is offering expanded services through its Resources For Living (RFL) program, which provides support for emotional stress and crisis management, for those affected by the wildfires. Call 1-833-327-AETNA (1-833-327-2386) to be connected to a dedicated support specialist.
    • Prescriptions: For urgent prescriptions, visit any open CVS or covered pharmacy in your area. Non-urgent prescriptions can be mailed by calling Aetna Pharmacy at 1-888-792-3862. Delivery may take 5-7 days.
    • Pharmacies: Due to the wildfires, local pharmacies may be closed or without power. For personalized assistance finding an open pharmacy nearest you, call the concierge number on the back of your member card or visit your member portal.
  • Kaiser Permanente Health Members. Kaiser Permanente members affected by the Southern California wildfires can utilize the following support:
    • Appointments: Video and phone appointments for primary care are available. For questions, contact the Appointment and Advice Call Center at 1-833-574-2273.
    • Prescriptions: For urgent prescriptions, visit any open Kaiser pharmacy. Non-urgent prescriptions can be mailed by ordering online or calling the Mail Order Pharmacy at 1-866-206-2983. Delivery may take 3-5 days.
    • Pharmacies: Due to the wildfires, local pharmacies may be closed or without power. For personalized assistance finding an open pharmacy nearest you, call the concierge number on the back of your member card or visit your member portal.
    • Member Services: For any questions or mental health support, contact the 24/7 Member Services Contact Center at 1-800-464-4000 (English). More details can be found on Kaiser’s website.

Spiritual and Psychological Resources

  • University Chaplain Support. The Hub for Spiritual Life is available to provide spiritual support and guidance during this challenging time. If you need assistance or wish to speak with a chaplain, please contact Tim Spivey (timothy.spivey@pepperdine.edu) or Dee Dee Mayer (deedee.mayer@pepperdine.edu).
  • Grief and Loss Support with Robert Scholz. Robert Scholz, M.A., LMFT, LPCC, a respected professional with over 25 years of experience in clinical and leadership roles and a friend of Pepperdine, will host two opportunities:
    • A Grief Support Workshop will be held on Monday, January 13 at 11:00 AM via Zoom. This session is designed to support both the community and those who have experienced loss. It will offer guidance on managing grief, coping strategies, and maintaining emotional well-being during these challenging times.
    • One-on-one consultations are available for individuals seeking ongoing, personalized support. Please email robert@roberttherapy.com to schedule an appointment.
  • Health Advocate – Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Health Advocate offers 24/7 support University employees, their spouses, dependents, and family, including counseling, insurance assistance, and a wide range of other support services during this ongoing crisis (this resource flyer provides local emergency shelters and other essential resources). To contact Health Advocate, please call 866-799-2728 or visit myhealthadvocate.pepperdine.edu.

Get Involved and Help The Community 

Many people are asking what they can do to support the community during this time. In addition to supporting many worthwhile organizations that support natural and humanitarian crises, there are a few ways to directly help those within the Pepperdine community:

Please contact Human Resources with any questions or requests for assistance. The Pepperdine community grieves with those experiencing loss, and offers support, compassion, and hope in the face of intense challenge.

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