Fire Recovery & Community Resilience
Fire fund grants, rebuilding, and long term projections
In January 2025, a wave of catastrophic wildfires devastated communities across Los Angeles County, leaving families displaced, businesses destroyed, and neighborhoods forever changed. In moments like these, the Los Angeles Urban League does what it has done for more than a century: we show up, stand with community, and commit for the long term.
Throughout our history, the Los Angeles Urban League has supported recovery and healing during some of the region’s most defining crises, including the 1992 Los Angeles Uprising, the 1994 Northridge Earthquake, the COVID-19 pandemic, and now the 2025 wildfires. Each moment has reinforced a core truth: recovery is not immediate, and equity must be intentional.
In February 2025, Marc Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League, joined Cynthia Mitchell-Heard and local civic, financial, and community leaders to visit fire-impacted areas in Altadena and Pasadena. These site visits helped inform a long-term recovery strategy grounded in community needs, economic stability, and sustainable rebuilding.
Today, our work has transitioned from early emergency response to Recovery & Rebuild, a sustained effort focused on restoring stability, dignity, and opportunity. This includes workforce and economic recovery efforts, partnerships that strengthen community resilience, and long-term strategies that support individuals and families over time.
During the initial phases of recovery, the Los Angeles Urban League provided direct financial assistance to Eaton Fire survivors. While at this time, direct grant disbursements are no longer active, as additional funding becomes available, we will assess opportunities to provide future assistance.
The Los Angeles Urban League is deeply grateful for its philanthropic partners whose support made our recovery efforts possible: Amazon, BMO, California Community Foundation, Capitol Group, Community Build, Descendants Truth and Reconciliation Foundation, ENLA, First Citizens Bank, Lowes, Macy’s, The Miranda Family Foundation, and UPS.
Recovery does not happen on a fixed timeline. Rebuilding lives, livelihoods, and a true sense of community takes years, not months. The Los Angeles Urban League remains committed to walking alongside our neighbors in Altadena, Pasadena, and beyond for as long as it takes, ensuring that no community is left behind.
Honoring the Eaton Fire Anniversary
January 2025 – January 2026
This January marks a solemn anniversary for families and communities impacted by the Eaton Fire. This moment is not about milestones or metrics. It is a time to remember those who were lost, honor lives disrupted, and acknowledge the long and nonlinear path of recovery that continues for many.
For residents of Altadena, Pasadena, and surrounding neighborhoods, rebuilding has taken many forms. This includes securing stable housing, repairing or reconstructing homes, and navigating the complex realities of disaster recovery systems. For many, the emotional toll remains as present as the physical damage.
In January 2025, wildfires profoundly impacted communities across Los Angeles County, displacing families, disrupting livelihoods, and altering neighborhoods in lasting ways. For the Los Angeles Urban League, this moment called for presence, care, and a long-term commitment to community recovery.
Our approach to wildfire recovery is grounded in dignity, equity, and trust. We recognize that healing and rebuilding take time, and that recovery is neither immediate nor linear. Our role is to stand alongside impacted residents, listen deeply, and respond thoughtfully as communities continue to move forward.
The Los Angeles Urban League stands in solidarity with all those impacted by the Eaton Fire. We hold space for grief, resilience, and collective healing, and we remain committed to walking alongside our community for the long term.
THE LOS ANGELES URBAN LEAGUE
ENTREPRENEURSHIP CENTER
Resources for Businesses and Business Owners for this Wildfire Emergency
THE LOS ANGELES URBAN LEAGUE
DISASTER RECOVERY FUNDING
Immediate Assistance for those Affected by Wildfires
Black Altadena Households Disproportionately More Likely to be Victims of Eaton Fire Damage or Destruction
The Eaton Fire has inflicted disproportionate impacts on Altadena’s Black and Latino Communities. These are just some of the findings, according to a comprehensive data brief and study released three weeks after the Eaton Fire broke out. The encompassing report was composed jointly by the, UCLA Ralph J. Bunche Center for African American Studies, the UCLA Center for Neighborhood Knowledge and the UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute.
The fire that flattened more than 9400 homes in the Altadena, Pasadena and Sierra Madre communities, broke out during the early evening of January 7th. The report and study, that detailed the impacts caused by the fire, came out on January 28th. Here below are the links to the study and a follow-up report also authored by UCLA.
- LA Wildfires: Impacts on Altadena’s Black Community – UCLA Ralph J. Bunche Center for African American Studies
- Report Analysis & Follow Up – UCLA Newsroom – Altadena’s Black community disproportionately affected by Eaton Fire
OUTREACH
OBTAIN ASSISTANCE
If you or your family need help, please access these available services:
Federal Assistance
FEMA: Apply for assistance now. Federal assistance is available to eligible individuals and families affected by this disaster.
State Assistance
Resources for Californians Impacted by Los Angeles Fire. Essential resources and information you can access immediately.
Local Assistance
Los Angeles County Public Health Department: Protect your health from smoke, safely clean your home, and rebuild after a fire.