IMPACT REPORT:
Southern California Wildfires
IMPACT REPORT:
Southern California Wildfires
A series of catastrophic, deadly wildfires.
A series of catastrophic, deadly wildfires.
With fast-moving fires engulfing the Greater Los Angeles Area, causing mass destruction and evacuations, EAF and our Fund Partners are responding immediately to ensure that direct financial assistance reaches impacted people and families quickly and efficiently.
Measurable relief.
Measurable relief.
Together with our Fund Partners, we are working tirelessly to ensure financial assistance reaches those in need.
Families helped
In financial assistance
Making a direct, positive impact.
Making a direct, positive impact.
In response to these wildfires, EAF launched a People First Fund for Southern California Wildfires. As with every disaster we respond to around the world, donations to this fund provide direct cash grants to those impacted and help cover self-identified essentials, from temporary shelter to food and clothing.
In addition to the financial assistance awarded through our 350+ employee relief funds, the launch of our latest People First Fund allows us to expand our reach and further our commitment to helping as many people in need as possible.
In their own words.
In their own words.
Below are some first-hand stories from individuals who received grants.
I live out here in L.A. and as you know, there have been multiple fires plaguing my city. I was affected by the Sunset Fire that started in Runyon Canyon and I got an evacuation notice. So my husband and I had to stay in a hotel downtown where his job was evacuated. On top of that, we had lost power in our apartment for over 12 hours and lost all of the food we bought the day before. So I applied for the grant to help restore the cost of the food and lodging.
After losing my food to the black out and the extra costs of staying at hotel to lodge my husband, two dogs and cat; I basically had no more money to get back anything I had lost. The grant put me back on my feet and helped get back the money for the hotel and I was able to replace all of my groceries lost during the blackout.
I just want to say thank you so much. It meant the world to me to be able to get financial help in a horrible situation. And I wish that no one ever has to shuffle through your belongings and decide what stays and what goes. It’s heartbreaking. And I’m so thankful that I had not lost anything. But without the help from all who donated, it would have been a long, hard road to recovering everything lost. So thank you, from the bottom of my heart. Thank you.
-Christian, Grant Recipient
"Our house burned down, and when you lose everything you have worked so hard for due to a major event like this, you are left with nothing but your next paycheck and your lives. Luckily, this grant allowed me to buy the necessities that our family needed to start all over again.
My family is forever grateful! It's amazing to have an organization that is there for people in their time of need. Without this relief fund and the people who donated, my family wouldn't have been able to get back on our feet as easily. We are truly blessed and very thankful. To those who made this grant possible THANK YOU SO MUCH! "
-Amber, Grant Recipient
"Due to the wildfires in southern California in early January of 2025, I was without power for three days. Having no power is surprisingly expensive, between needing to replace a fridge and freezer worth of food, to finding a place to recharge my phone and get a hot shower. The grant helped me get through a very difficult time without having to worry as much about the financial burden. Thank you so much for your support! Aside from the financial aspect of the fund, just knowing that there are people out there who want to help those in need brought me peace of mind in a rough time."
-Jonathan, Grant Recipient
"I applied for the grant because my grandmother’s house burnt down. We were left with absolutely nothing besides the clothes on our back and a few things we could take with us in the car. This grant helped us get some clothing, a hotel, and some food - it really did help my family in our time of need. Thank you for your help!! Me and my family really appreciate it."
-Mia, Grant Recipient
"Any money helps at the moment especially since our home burned down in the wildfires. We’re starting all over again and waiting to find a long term home. It’s made a huge difference and I’m so grateful. I’m so grateful that there are people out there who want to help in anyway they can. This tragedy has been such a heavy weight in our everyday lives and not knowing where you’re going to be living next in the long run until we can rebuild. This grant was such a blessing and I can’t thank you enough."
-Destiny, Grant Recipient
"We were among the first evacuees when the Eaton Canyon Fire started and were evacuated within 25 minutes of the fire breaking out. We were only able to bring are sleeping materials, a few clothing items and important items. After realizing the extent of the fire, we realized we would not be able to return to our house anytime soon.
The grant provided a sense of relief that assistance is available to buy essential items. It helped with the initial expenses of moving out and buying items we needed immediately. We are on a tight budget and will have to pay out of pocket expenses and having this additional financial aid relieved some of that stress.
This fund is beneficial because it shows the support and giving nature of organizations and people in time of need. One would never expect that you will need assistance until going through something catastrophic. Nice to know help is available when needed and not to be ashamed asking for help. Thanks for donating to the fund and providing support to people in need. Your giving nature is well appreciated."
-Jerome, Grant Recipient
"We experienced a total loss of our home in the Eaton fire. We will need all of the resources available to us as we plan our next steps. This will be a very long and uncertain road for us. We were able to purchase the basics as we try to get back to some semblance of normalcy. Not only did we need to purchase toiletries, household goods, but also needed to purchase clothes to go back to work. The first few days and weeks were a total blur. Receiving this financial aid as we figured out next steps made a huge difference. It was one less stressor to think about. We are very grateful for the fund as it provided great relief."
-Alma, Grant Recipient
"My home was destroyed in the Eaton fire in Altadena, CA along with my entire neighborhood. With this grant I will be able to buy essential and basic living items for my family and myself. I would like to send a message of thanks and gratitude. I've been an employee of my organization for over 25 years and this is the first time I've needed this kind of support. Thank you!"
-Michael, Grant Recipient
