oneSteven Celiceo was killed last week after the house where he grew up was destroyed in the Eaton Fire in Altadena, Calif. His wife, Kiri, suggested that the couple visit the local library. As a librarian, she knew nearby branches were distributing resources and had FEMA agents on hand.

The couple had heard some of the claims on social media and wanted to separate fact from fiction. Like hundreds of other Angelenos, Selicio launched a GoFundMe for his in-laws, but rumors circulated that the site's existence could prevent the family from receiving much-needed funds.

On Tuesday, FEMA shared a post on social media explaining that the agency was unable to provide assistance to cover costs for recipients who had already received help through insurance coverage or a donation page.

This guidance is nothing new — the agency has shared the same with the community after unprecedented rainfall in August 2022 caused severe flash flooding throughout Death Valley National Park, and after wildfires swept through Maui in August 2023 information. But it still sparked confusion and concern in Los Angeles for residents who lost their homes in the deadly Eaton and Palisades fires.

Good news: Having a GoFundMe does not disqualify someone from receiving disaster assistance. But the money raised there cannot be used to cover the same costs as FEMA aid, so the agency recommends being careful when creating donation pages.

"FEMA may be able to help you replace a vehicle that was damaged in the disaster," a FEMA spokesperson said in the post. "However, if your GoFundMe page clearly states that the funds you raise will be used to replace your vehicle , FEMA will not be able to provide assistance with that specific need.

"That's why we encourage you to think carefully about how you describe your needs when creating a GoFundMe page."

Since catastrophic wildfires broke out in Los Angeles on January 7, hundreds of GoFundMe accounts have been created for victims of the most destructive fires in California history.

As of late this week, the pages had raised more than $100 million, but under guidance from FEMA, many families are reconsidering how to present their requests for aid. Some accounts were careful to note “the purpose of this fundraiser is to help this family get back on their feet with things FEMA/insurance can’t cover,” or list immediate needs — like finding housing, food and replacements Clothes – Donations will help them address these issues. support.

Los Angeles residents have begun circulating posts on Instagram and other social media platforms describing how to write a GoFundMe page that would not disqualify recipients from future FEMA aid. GoFundMe has even "posted a Help Center article on our website for people organizing fundraisers for wildfire relief," according to a spokesperson.

FEMA says on its own website that it "cannot duplicate benefits you receive from other sources." It explains: “If you received specific payments from the GoFundMe page, such as repairs, funeral expenses, or other assistance, this may affect your FEMA eligibility, but survivors should still apply for assistance and let FEMA determine if you qualify. "

Selicio said despite all the confusion and misinformation, he's grateful the family spoke directly with FEMA. Just three weeks ago, Selicio and his wife were married in the house where her grandmother, aunt and two cousins ​​lived. Although everyone, including their four cats and pet Chihuahua, was safely evacuated, the house that Selicio's wife's grandmother purchased for $19,000 in 1971 was missing.

Her grandmother had just returned home from the hospital after suffering a stroke when the evacuation order was announced, leaving the family little time to pack.

After arriving at the library, "We waited a few hours and then we were able to sit down and talk to a FEMA agent who was very knowledgeable. She made us feel very comfortable," he said. "Their agents on the ground — at least the ones I've talked to — know what they're talking about."