Los Angeles Fires
27,000
Angelenos served
$2.8 million
in cash assistance
44,000
resources distributed
Support communities impacted by the Los Angeles fires
In January 2025, several wildfires swept across Los Angeles County. The largest were the Eaton Fire in Altadena and Pasadena, and the Palisades Fire along the coast. More than 16,000 structures were destroyed – including homes, schools, and businesses – leaving thousands of Angelenos without housing, jobs, or both. This is one of the worst disasters in California history, and it has changed our community forever.
In Phase 1 of our response, CORE focused on meeting people’s urgent needs and filling critical resource gaps. This included: providing $2.4 million in cash assistance, distributing 44,000 crucial items like hygiene kits and N95 masks, operating a child friendly space at the largest local shelter, and so much more – serving 25,000 people in need.
We are now in Phase 2 of our response, addressing the long-term challenges as we work to rebuild a stronger and more resilient Los Angeles. You can learn more about our comprehensive 5-year community recovery plan below.
Note: At the close of the response, contributions for the Los Angeles Fires will continue to create incredible impact and be reallocated to CORE’s Climate Resiliency Program that focuses on wildfire mitigation and preparedness. If you have trouble processing your donation, questions about your gift, or would like to cancel your recurring giving plan, please reach out to us at development@coreresponse.org.
5-Year Community Recovery Plan
CASH ASSISTANCE
With your support, CORE distributed $2.4 million in direct cash assistance to Angelenos in need during Phase 1. We are now in Phase 2 of our cash program, which is focused on providing the most vulnerable Altadena residents with money to cover three months of necessities.
Cash assistance is the most cost-effective way to help people throughout a crisis. It gives power and flexibility back to those who have actually been impacted, so they can meet their unique needs. It also provides the dignity of choice, which can mean so much after losing everything.
We are not currently accepting registrations for cash assistance at this time, as we are actively fundraising to reach our goal of $10 million. You can check back here for updates about this and other programs.
RESOURCE NAVIGATION & DISASTER CASE MANAGEMENT
In the wake of a disaster, figuring out next steps can be overwhelming. Through our Resource Navigation program, CORE provides immediate support, helping people secure resources like FEMA and other government aid, CalFresh, local food distributions, and more.
Our Disaster Case Management program guides people through the long-term recovery process, with case managers assigned to specific families for an average of two years. By forming these sustained relationships, CORE gains a clear understanding of each family’s unique needs and can help cut through the red tape to accelerate the rebuilding process.
Visit our resource hub to find out where CORE’s case management team is stationed.
DEBRIS REMOVAL
Even after three months, multiple sites in both Altadena and Pacific Palisades need debris removal, but don’t have the funds to start this work. CORE is focusing on the following:
Clearing debris after a wildfire is a complex operation, especially in urban areas. CORE works with trusted partners on debris removal projects, including Caterpillar and local contractors, to ensure we are following local, state, and federal regulations. We also perform our due diligence to verify the credentials of the contractors completing the projects. These experts are certified and trained to handle these complex sites, perform asbestos testing and abatement, and safely manage the disposal of hazardous fire debris. They also equip and enforce the use of protective gear, including P100 respirators with appropriate filters, disposable coveralls, gloves, and other PPE.
Before and after photos of the Rubio Cañon reservoirs in Altadena.
HOUSE CLEANING & REMEDIATION
Many people are still displaced by the fires, even if their homes didn’t burn down, due to severe smoke damage and exposure to toxic pollutants. This requires expert cleaning and smoke remediation services before they can return home safely. CORE is helping families return to smoke-damaged homes safely, with support from the National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON), Fire Poppy Project, and All Hands and Hearts. We are also distributing air purifiers in partnership with the City of Los Angeles.
The safety of our beneficiaries, staff, contractors, and volunteers is CORE’s utmost priority. Before beginning the cleaning and remediation process, a site survey is conducted to understand the specific needs of each household. We also use a certified lab to test surface ash and dust for asbestos, and we do not proceed if any ash they would be removing tests positive. Our Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)-certified Remediation Team Leads have undergone specialized training by a licensed contractor. Every team member completing this work wears personal protective equipment (PPE), including P-100 respirators, full-body coveralls, gloves, and eye protection.
REBUILDING & COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER
At the center of CORE’s long-term recovery plan is the creation of a one-stop-shop for free goods and services in Altadena where people can:
How You Can Make An Immediate Impact
Create a fundraiser to share why you’re passionate about supporting Angelenos. Use our social media toolkit to help create awareness of CORE’s response and raise critical funds for families in need.
Workplace Giving. Join our community of national and local partners by participating in a variety of initiatives, from corporate matching to volunteer opportunities. Learn more about opportunities specific to our fire response here.
Donate Goods. Many people have reached out asking to donate physical goods. Please note: Our storage space is limited, and it’s essential we prioritize the items most urgently needed. We kindly request that no donations are sent to our office without prior authorization. See our current needs and submit your in-kind donation request here.
Volunteer with us. CORE is on the ground supporting operations throughout LA County – and our volunteers have already dedicated 5,000 hours toward the response. Browse upcoming volunteer opportunities here. For more information, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator Clara Zervigon at clara.zervigon@coreresponse.org.
For more information about fundraising, donating goods, or workplace giving, please contact our VP of Development Tiffany Tse at tiffany.tse@coreresponse.org.
Field Stories
Alphonso, a near lifetime resident of Altadena, lost more than a home in the Eaton fire, he lost his community. In the six months since the fire, Alphonso has connected with CORE, who are helping him and his wife on their recovery journey.
After losing her home of 36 years in the Eaton Fire, Kathy is rebuilding her life one day at a time. Over the last six months, CORE’s holistic support has been crucial.
During a multi-week project, CORE partnered with Caterpillar to clear and haul away 92 metric tons of debris from the Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church that burned down in the Palisades Fire.
Our Partners
CORE’s dedicated staff and volunteers are on the ground every day, supporting community members as they get back on their feet. If you or someone you know has been impacted by these fires and are looking for support, please visit our Los Angeles Fires Resource Hub for more information. If you are a member of the media and would like to speak with one of our experts about our response, please contact CORE at press@coreresponse.org.
HIGHLIGHTS
GET TO KNOW US
GET INVOLVED
MEDIA
REGIONS
California, Georgia, Chicago, North Carolina, New Orleans, Puerto Rico, Kentucky, Navajo Nation, Washington, D.C., Hawaii
INTERNATIONAL
CORE is a charitable 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Federal tax ID: 27-1703237.
© 2024 | CORE – Community Organized Relief Effort | +1 (323) 934 4400
910 N Hill St Los Angeles, CA 90012
