Today, we mark one year since the devastating wildfires swept through Altadena, Pacific Palisades, and neighboring communities — fires that forever changed the landscape of our city and the lives of thousands of Angelenos.
On January 7, 2025, fierce Santa Ana winds fanned two infernos: the Eaton Fire in Altadena and the Palisades Fire along the coast. These blazes consumed homes, businesses and entire neighborhoods, forcing mass evacuations, and leaving deep physical and emotional scars on thousands of families. Together, the fires destroyed more than 16,000 structures and claimed precious lives.
At United Way of Greater Los Angeles, our first priority in that chaotic aftermath was to stand with those who were hurting most. Within a day of the fires’ ignition, we launched the Wildfire Response Fund — a dedicated resource to provide immediate relief and support long-term recovery for those whose lives and livelihoods were upended.
Because of the generosity of this community — neighbors, businesses, donors, and partners — more than 2,800 individual supporters and more than 90 corporate and foundation partners answered the call. Together we raised critical resources to support survivors, low-income households, people experiencing homelessness, community organizations on the frontlines, and impacted small businesses.
In Phase 1 of our Fund, we concentrated on urgent needs: food, shelter, case management, and support for families still reeling from displacement and loss. In Phase 2, we began investing in community-driven rebuilding initiatives — prioritizing locally-led organizations and recovery efforts shaped by those who live and work in the places most affected.
What we’ve learned this year is profound: disasters do not affect all communities equally. Altadena — a community rich in history, culture, and homeownership across generations — saw many working- and middle-class families displaced, grappling not just with physical loss but with the deep inequities that shape access to insurance, recovery capital, and long-term stability.
Yet, as we reflect, we also see courage in recovery. Families are beginning to rebuild. Local nonprofits and community leaders have stepped forward to support mental health, housing assistance, job placement, and financial navigation. Local businesses that once served as neighborhood hubs are finding ways to reopen their doors. These aren’t just early signs of reconstruction — they are expressions of resilience and hope.
Still, our work is far from done.
We also honor those we lost. We remember the neighbors who will never return home, the families forever altered, and the heroes who worked around the clock to protect lives. Their memory fuels our commitment.
To every partner, supporter, and neighbor — thank you for showing up with generosity and heart. To the many still in the difficult stages of recovery, know this: United Way of Greater Los Angeles stands with you for the long haul. We believe in a future where every family has the support they need to recover, rebuild, and thrive.
Together, we are building a more resilient, equitable Los Angeles.
