CORE's Wildfire Response: Phase I

CORE’s Wildfire Response: Phase 1

On January 7th, several devastating wildfires, fueled by unseasonably dry conditions and hurricane-force winds, erupted across Los Angeles County. These fires killed 29 people, destroyed more than 16,000 homes and structures, and at one point forced 180,000 people to evacuate – many of whom are still unable to return home. The damage and impact of these fires has changed our community forever.

CORE, which is proudly based in Los Angeles, immediately sprung to action and launched a comprehensive response within hours of the fires starting. In Phase 1 of our response, in the first two months after the fires, CORE focused on meeting people’s urgent needs and filling critical resource gaps. With the help of hundreds of dedicated and compassionate volunteers, our team quickly distributed tens of thousands of hygiene kits, N95 masks, and other resources across Los Angeles to protect people from the harmful smoke and ash that blanketed the region. At community events held throughout Los Angeles, CORE further distributed thousands of cases of water, hygiene kits, N95 masks, and feminine sanitary products, in addition to holding free respiratory checks by qualified healthcare workers.

In addition to these items, CORE also provided $1.7 million in cash assistance to vulnerable Angelenos impacted by the fires. Cash support is the most cost-effective way to help people after a disaster. While in-kind physical gifts can be helpful, cash assistance gives people flexibility and agency when it comes to getting what they need for themselves or their families.

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At the Disaster Recovery Centers in Brentwood and Pasadena, CORE supplied Wi-Fi, charging stations, and cellphone batteries so those evacuated could communicate with their loved ones and get critical, timely information and resources. CORE’s dedicated staff also helped people with vital resource navigation by assisting folks whose homes had been damaged or destroyed by filling out FEMA and other aid applications that would allow them to access the necessary funds to move forward.

At the Pasadena Shelter, where over a thousand found reprieve from the fires, CORE’s staff provided similar critical services, and connected with people who had been affected.

“My home might be gone, but at the shelter, CORE has brought such a sense of joy and hope. They went above and beyond and were just so kind,” said Glen, an Altadena resident who lost his home and possessions.

With a generous donation from Carrier, CORE distributed air purifiers to fire departments and residents across Los Angeles County, giving firefighters and community members a much-needed space free from harmful smoke and other toxic particulates. By reducing these particulates, we’re helping to decrease health risks and contributing to safer, more breathable air for first responders and Angelenos.

To further mitigate the effects of poor air quality caused by the debris and ash left from the fires, CORE funded organized cleanup fire brigades to clean up these materials. CORE partnered with a local Pasadena nonprofit, the National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON), to clean up and haul away tons of debris around a local park and school. Each truck full of cleaned-up debris represented a step forward and ensured the local community had one less thing to worry about.

Phase 2 of CORE’s response, which launched in mid-March, focuses on the long-term work needed to rebuild our community. Our current efforts include:

– Cash Assistance: Distributing $10 million in direct support to the most vulnerable Angelenos

– Resource Navigation & Disaster Case Management: Connecting people with local resources and helping them through the complex rebuilding process

– Debris Removal: Clearing multiple sites, including reservoirs in Altadena to help restore clean water access

– House Cleaning & Smoke Remediation: Providing expert cleaning services and hospital-grade air purifiers so people can safely return home

We understand that the impact of these fires will be felt for years to come. There is a long road ahead, and there is no one quick that will see everything return to normal overnight. But we are committed to being with these communities for the long haul and will help in any way we can. Together, we will see these communities thrive again.

If you’d like to stay up-to-date with our ongoing response to these wildfires, or would like to give to support this important work, please visit our LA Wildfire Response landing page.