
Many of our CSUN community members are severely affected by the devastating wildfires that have swept through Los Angeles. There are resources on campus to help students, faculty and staff through these difficult times.
Financial Assistance
MataCare Emergency Grants assist CSUN students with unforeseen expenses.
For faculty and staff, the Matador Relief Fund helps employees directly impacted by the fires. More information can be found on the CSUN website’s Information and Resources page. Note: forms for the Matador Relief Fund should be completed by Friday, Jan. 17. For assistance with the forms, contact CSUN Human Resources.
You can also donate to these funds to help students and employees in need.
Mental Health Resources
For students enrolled at CSUN, the University Counseling Center provides a variety of mental health services. Abram Milton, staff counselor for UCS, notes that students can alleviate stress through four simple steps: Unplug, Be Present, Refuel, Connect and Do Something.
“These skills will help you focus inward and help you gain a sense of accomplishment as you deal with your feelings,” Milton said. “UCS is here to help students, if needed, to practice these skills.”
Unplug: limit your social media intake. It’s important to stay informed, but take breaks and create boundaries with non-stop images and media.
Be present: Assess your current thoughts and feelings. Take a moment to examine your thoughts and emotions to confirm or reevaluate them. Give yourself permission to feel the way you do.
Refuel: Get plenty of rest. Stay hydrated and make healthy food choices and limit caffeine. These actions can help reduce anxiety and improve your overall health.
Connect: Make time to get together with supportive friends and allies.
Do Something: Channel what you are feeling into positive, meaningful action.
For CSUN employees, a variety of help is available through the Employee Assistance Program. Check out the “Resources for Employees” on the Information and Resources web page.
Ways to Give Back
Relief efforts have sprung up all over Los Angeles to help those affected by the fires. Here are a few examples:
Hillel 818 is collecting water, toiletries and school supplies to donate. Jan. 15-17, 10 a.m-3 p.m., at 17729 Plummer St.
The Mutual Aid L.A. Network maintains a list of resources, including those that need volunteers or donations.
The Angeleno Project links to information sources, including those providing relief efforts and their needs for volunteers or donations.
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