In January 2025, Southern California experienced one of its most destructive wildfire seasons on record, with the Palisades and Eaton fires scorching tens of thousands of acres and displacing thousands of residents including one of our co-founders who lost his house, many colleagues in the music industry, as well as our family and friends. Our business address is no longer in Pasadena and has moved to Palm Desert as a direct result of the Eaton Fire. While headlines have faded, the work of rebuilding and healing continues across affected communities.
From Emergency Response to Long-Term Recovery
Initial disaster response — emergency shelter, food, and first aid — was critical in the early weeks of the crisis. Today, those same needs have evolved into long-term community rebuilding efforts, addressing housing stability, mental health support, legal and insurance challenges, and economic resilience for displaced families.
Nonprofits and recovery funds remain essential partners in this phase. Organizations like the California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund are directing resources into housing assistance, case management, and community partnerships to help neighborhoods transition from trauma toward stability. Meanwhile, groups such as the American Red Cross continue their long-term recovery programming, offering strategic grants that address housing, mental health, and social equity issues faced by fire survivors. The Salvation Army also continues to provide financial support and essential services to affected households well beyond the disaster’s peak.
Local and Community-Led Efforts
Smaller, locally focused funds — like the Eaton Fire Relief & Recovery Fund — direct donations to nonprofits working within specific neighborhoods, helping families rebuild their homes, restore livelihoods, and regain a sense of community identity. These grassroots efforts are often the bridge between broad philanthropic funding and individual recovery journeys. LA Works also has more community focused opportunities.
Looking Ahead
The road to full recovery is long. It includes not just rebuilding physical homes and infrastructure, but also restoring emotional well-being and community cohesion. Many wildfire survivors still face permitting hurdles, insurance delays, and housing insecurity months after the fires. Continued support from donors, volunteers, and organizations remains vital to sustaining the momentum of recovery. As communities rebuild, partnerships between local nonprofits, national organizations, and everyday donors help ensure that no one is left behind in the long pivot from crisis to resilience.
