The devastating fires that swept through Los Angeles County in January have left thousands grappling with the aftermath, searching for temporary housing, necessities, and long-term recovery solutions. In response, 211 LA has played a critical role in supporting the fire victims and coordinating resources for their recovery.
Temporary Housing for Thousands
Since the fires, 211 LA reported over 54,000 households have registered with its services for temporary housing assistance. This represents approximately 112,000 adults, 32,500 children, nearly 5,000 infants, and 37,000 pets, according to 211 LA Executive Director Maribel Marin, who highlighted the challenge of finding suitable placements for large, multigenerational families.
“In the Altadena and Eaton areas, we’re seeing households with higher numbers of family members. It’s challenging because you can’t necessarily find a place for all of them together,” she said.
According to Marin, many impacted families have been placed in hotels, with some hotel stays extended for up to two weeks and Airbnb accommodations for up to 60 days. However, Marin emphasized the need for long-term solutions.
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“The housing near the impacted areas is just full. Families with children in schools or other services in those areas face a shortage of options,” Marin said.
Coordinating Resources and Partnerships
Marin emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships in responding quickly to the crisis. “We partnered immediately with the nonprofit arms of Airbnb and Hilton. And of course, Red Cross is also a nonprofit, so it was really the nonprofits who came quickly to the table with resources,” she said.
These partnerships enabled 211 LA to offer temporary housing options, ensuring that families were not left in unsafe congregate shelters.
“If we can get people into hotels or Airbnb, it’s much better for families with multiple members, children, or seniors,” Marin said.
Addressing Additional Needs
Beyond providing housing assistance, 211 LA has organized to distribute essential materials such as clothing, food, and water while simultaneously gathering demographic data to better understand the needs of the impacted populations.
“Out the cases we’re currently reviewing, about half are from the Palisades fire, and half are from Eaton,” Marin shared.
The organization has identified a significant number of seniors and people with disabilities among the victims.
“We’re seeing a lot of people with fewer resources,” she said.
Marin said families with more resources have often managed to find temporary housing independently. The data collection effort aims to provide a clearer picture of the community’s needs and inform future support strategies.
Looking Ahead
As the recovery process continues, Marin emphasized the importance of staying adaptable and responsive.
“We know it’s going to take a while for people to get their houses rebuilt. In the meantime, we’re committed to stabilizing families and finding solutions that work for them,” she said.
