Photos courtesy of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
Even before the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles are under control, NeighborWorks network organizations are looking at ways to help. Three NeighborWorks network organizations – A Community of Friends, Little Tokyo Service Center and Neighborhood Housing Services of Los Angeles County – serve the Los Angeles area. All report that so far, staff and the people they serve are safe. But they also report that staff members are among those who have evacuated and lost homes in one of the most destructive fires in the state’s history.
Lisa Hasegawa, vice president of NeighborWorks’ Western Region, has stayed closely connected with the network nonprofits. “As we watch the devastating fires unfold in Los Angeles, our hearts go out to all those directly impacted by this tragedy,” she said in an email. “For many of you, this may hit close to home, and we want you to know that we stand with you during this challenging time. Our hearts are heavy as we see the impact of the fires affecting Southern California. To those who have been personally impacted, please know that we are here to support you.”
Hasegawa said NeighborWorks is monitoring the situation as it continues to unfold. “We are also exploring ways to support relief efforts in the affected communities. In times like these, our sense of community and resilience is our greatest strength. Let’s continue to stand together and support one another through this challenging time.”
In the past three years alone, NeighborWorks has funded more than $5 million in disaster response – not including disaster preparedness and climate resilience response, according to Colette Pozzo, vice president of Field Operations for NeighborWorks America. Since 2018, that number is more than $10 million.
Cormac Molloy, NeighborWorks’ director of Sustainability & Resilience, said recovery efforts often take years after a disaster of this magnitude. "While the road to recovery will be long for many people in Los Angeles County, NeighborWorks America stands ready to support our local and state affiliates, and those communities they serve,” he said. NeighborWorks offers specialized training in disaster response and preparedness and provided local housing counselors with specialized training following the 2018 Paradise Camp Fire, one of the deadliest in California history.
Little Tokyo and NHS of Los Angeles County have both updated their websites with resources for area residents, and NHS of LA has started a Wildfire Assistance Fund.
Lori Gay, CEO of NHS of LA, was quoted in a USA Today on Tuesday about the fire in Altadena, a diverse, working-class community. Some Altadena residents believe emergency responders were slower to arrive there than to nearby whiter communities like Pacific Palisades. While it hasn’t been proven, Gay told the newspaper, if it turns out to be true, it wouldn’t be new. “Part of what we do is advocate for equity. We already know what’s happened, and now it’s, how do we do extra, to make sure that communities that were disinvested from are not left unattended as we move ahead?”
Meanwhile, news organizations across the country have compiled resources for California residents covering everything from pet support to accommodations to clothing. There are also links for those from outside the region who want to lend support and help.
More Resources:
FEMA's Survivors' Road to Recovery
NeighborWorks America's Navigating the Road to Housing Recovery is available in both English and Spanish
NeighborWorks' courses in disaster relief and recovery