L.A. Wildfire Survivors Receive Vital Cash Assistance During Recovery Efforts

Vital Assistance for Wildfire Survivors in Los Angeles

In the wake of devastating wildfires that swept through Los Angeles, many families have found themselves facing unimaginable losses. Thanks to a grant from the California Community Foundation's Wildfire Recovery Fund, the nonprofit organization Community Organized Relief Effort (CORE) has stepped in to provide critical cash assistance to survivors. With over $3 million directed towards immediate relief, CORE aims to facilitate a smoother recovery process for those affected.

For instance, Kate Sullivan, a 63-year-old fire survivor, narrates her journey of recovery. Her home in Altadena, destroyed by the Eaton fire, led her and her husband through prolonged uncertainty as they navigated living arrangements in various locations throughout L.A. Thankfully, upon learning about CORE’s services at the Altadena Disaster Recovery Center, she swiftly received a prepaid ATM card. This financial support enabled her to purchase furniture and essential items for their new rental house, which started the process of rebuilding their lives.

Sullivan recalls her emotional state during this challenging time. “I didn’t want to buy anything and I just couldn’t believe everything was really gone. I was just kind of shut down,” she explained. However, with CORE’s assistance, she began to regain her footing. She emphasized the importance of the funds, stating, “CORE helped our family get back on our feet. We were really in a tight spot.” The average aid of $760 per person for urgent needs made a significant difference in her recovery journey.

Alphonso Browne, 66, and his wife Celestine, also faced the aftermath of the fires, utilizing cash assistance to purchase groceries and gas while navigating disaster aid applications. Their sense of community and support was reignited through interactions with CORE staff during their shelter stay at the Pasadena Convention Center. Browne expressed, “The emotional and moral support they’ve given me is priceless.” He appreciated not just the financial aid but also the continuous guidance from their caseworker, ensuring they did not miss out on critical benefits.

Moreover, older residents like Julia Winter, 77, were also impacted. Julia had to evacuate her condo, which suffered smoke and ash damage. Thanks to CORE's cleanup efforts, she was able to return home without bearing any costs for remediation, which would have otherwise strained her finances significantly. “I did not pay a cent. I was just totally stunned and grateful,” she shared.

The relief efforts went beyond cash support, with CORE volunteers distributing essential hygiene kits, masks, meals, and even clothes to the families, demonstrating the organization’s comprehensive approach to crisis management. With a keen understanding of the pressing needs in the community, CORE leaders were prepared to act immediately, delivering aid efficiently and respectfully.

The second phase of CORE’s assistance focuses on extending support for the most vulnerable families, those unable to secure adequate housing following the fires. This phase promises an average of $7,500 per household over three months. While such aid will not resolve all the challenges these families face, it serves as a crucial step toward stability.

As the smoke has cleared, and the nation reflects on the resilience displayed by these communities, organizations like CORE exemplify the profound impact of philanthropic efforts in fostering recovery. Their work will undoubtedly help these families rebuild their lives while ensuring they are not alone in their struggle. As Sullivan concluded, determined to return to her roots, “We loved living here... We are coming back, and we are going to rebuild.”