Now is the time to support the equitable recovery of communities affected by LA County wildfires
The Center for Disaster Philanthropy offers donors guidance for addressing the immediate and long-term needs of wildfire survivors
Washington, D.C. (Jan. 16, 2025) – As Los Angeles County wildfires continue to rage amid challenging weather conditions, each day brings more loss and devastation. We won’t know the fires’ full impact until firefighters douse the last flame. However, one thing is certain: Fire survivors and their communities face a long road to recovery.
This is why, amid the critical ongoing immediate relief work, the Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP) is asking donors to also support long-term recovery efforts to ensure survivors rebuild stronger and thrive.
“As Californians grapple with the immediate impacts of the wildfires, it’s tempting to focus solely on immediate relief efforts. But long-term recovery can’t wait,” wrote Patricia McIlreavy, CDP president and CEO, in a recent blog post. “Communities need sustained support to rebuild – not just homes but lives and infrastructure.”
Additionally, the wildfires have a disproportionate impact on communities of color, immigrants, lower-income residents and other marginalized populations, including those beyond the immediate vicinity of the fires. They face numerous obstacles to recovery, such as inadequate insurance coverage or capital to help rebuild homes, lack of transportation and mental health care, hazardous air and soil conditions, and language barriers to accessing recovery resources.
CDP offers the following guidance for donors as they explore ways to support communities affected by Los Angeles County wildfires:
- Cash is best. It is nimble and supports the local economy. Cash allows organizations to meet the specific needs of their communities.
- Support immediate and long-term needs, especially of marginalized communities. Seek out organizations and initiatives explicitly prioritizing at-risk communities and addressing root causes of inequities that make some residents more vulnerable during wildfires and other disasters.
- Take a holistic view of what communities need to rebuild stronger and be better prepared for the next disaster. The impact of the fires goes beyond destroyed homes and forests. Donors can help fund a range of vital programs, from mental health initiatives and livelihood programs to rebuilding community infrastructures such as schools and more.
- Partner with government and local organizations. The needs are immense and require our collective efforts to ensure no survivor is left behind.
Donors may support the equitable long-term recovery of communities devastated by the Los Angeles wildfires through the CDP California Wildfires Recovery Fund.
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CDP mobilizes philanthropy to strengthen communities’ ability to withstand disasters and recover equitably when they occur. It provides expert advice and educational resources, supports diverse coalitions and manages domestic and international disaster funds on behalf of corporations, foundations and individuals through targeted, holistic and localized grantmaking. Find out more at disasterphilanthropy.org and on X and LinkedIn.