The California wildfires have devastated the Los Angeles region as families have lost their homes, places of work and schools. With expertise in housing insecurity and social work, University of Delaware faculty in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) explain how community members can support these families.

Ann Aviles, CEHD associate professor, and Ohiro Oni-Eseleh, CEHD assistant professor and director of the master of social work program, share resources for displaced families and guidance for parents, educators and other community members who want to support them.

Q: During times of crisis, some individuals may struggle more than others to process feelings of displacement or cope with material losses. Which groups may be most vulnerable? 

Aviles: An unexpected displacement is unsettling for anyone, but populations that are especially vulnerable include those from low-income families, families of color (in particular, Black and Latiné communities), unaccompanied youth and undocumented families. These families often have less access to economic resources for temporary housing such as hotels or short-term rentals. Unaccompanied youth and undocumented individuals and families often work to stay “under the radar” for fear of being placed into the child welfare system and/or detained by ICE. Further, due to racial/ethnic, economic and gender bias, these are the families who are also more likely to be discriminated against through exclusionary housing practices and/or exploited through living in substandard housing or renting from predatory landlords. However, these communities often demonstrate resilience and strength through their support for one another through informal networks. For example, families experiencing economic hardship may choose to live together, doubling or tripling up. 

Q: How can family members, educators and other community members support families who have been displaced? 

Aviles: Communities can support families by first and foremost treating them with dignity and respect. Priority should be given to short-term solutions that are informed directly by the people most impacted. Educators, community leaders and others wanting to provide families support should ask them what is most important and needed, and then respond accordingly. This may include organizing clothing and food drives or other basic needs families require when they have lost their housing and belongings. It is important that families be able to remain together if possible, as the displacement is difficult enough and separating families can lead to further stress and trauma among children and parents. Finally, providing families impacted with opportunities to resume typical activities and a predictable routine can provide an aspect of normalcy in an otherwise tumultuous, unstable and uncertain time. This could mean ensuring the student has transportation to/from school activities and/or access to meals after school. 

Q: How do social workers support families who have lost their homes? 

Oni-Eseleh: In the short term, social workers will first provide crisis intervention, helping families secure temporary shelter, food, clothing and other essentials. They can also provide emotional support through counseling to help families cope with the trauma of losing their homes. Resource coordination is another crucial aspect of social work practice. In many cases, families lose everything when a tragedy occurs and need help starting all over. Unfortunately, all of the resources that they require to get back on their feet are never located in one place. Social workers can also connect families with these community resources, including financial aid and legal services. They can help families navigate the complexities of insurance claims and government assistance programs. After the immediate crisis has passed, social workers remain active through long-term recovery planning and community engagement. For example, social workers may help families find permanent housing.

Q: How does an individual or family reach a social worker during a crisis? 

Oni-Eseleh: There are many ways to reach a social worker. Many communities have emergency hotlines that provide immediate support and connect individuals to social workers or mental health professionals. These hotlines often operate 24/7 and can be a valuable resource during a crisis. Local charities and nonprofits like the Red Cross, Salvation Army or local food banks often have social workers on staff or can connect individuals with social work services. If an individual is seeking medical or mental health assistance, healthcare providers and hospitals can also connect patients with social workers. If children are involved, parents and caregivers can contact school counselors or social workers within the school system. Many local or state governments also have departments dedicated to social services. Websites like the National Association of Social Workers provide directories to find licensed social workers and services in specific areas. 

Resources for students and families in Delaware

UD’s Office of Student Support and Advocacy offers many resources for students struggling to maintain access to adequate housing, utilities or transportation. This office provides resources for those in need of food and supplies, clothing, child care and other support. 

The state of Delaware also offers many resources and legal protections for individuals and families experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. Among other initiatives, House Bill 439 protects people from discrimination based on their housing status when searching for housing, and House Bill 440 protects people from discrimination based on their housing status when seeking employment. Organizations such as the Housing Alliance Delaware, the Friendship House, the Hope Center and Delaware’s Housing Stability Program also provide support. 

“Situations such as the one in Los Angeles shine a light on the reality that all of us, no matter our economic status, are vulnerable to housing instability and displacement at any time,” said Aviles, who was recently honored with the ACLU Delaware’s Kandler Award for her leadership in the Housing Opportunity Mobility Equity Stability (HOMES) Campaign. “Housing is the cornerstone of stability and health. As a nation we should be working toward a world in which safe, adequate and stable housing is assured for every individual, family and community. It is a strong reminder that we must advocate for policies and practices that result in housing for all.”

To learn more about CEHD research in family policy and services, visit its research page.