California Wildfire Relief
February 2021 – July 2026
All Hands and Hearts (AHAH) has been supporting wildfire-affected communities in California since early 2021, with previous programs in Butte County. Our current focus in Los Angeles County represents the latest phase of this ongoing commitment: an 12-month recovery effort responding to one of the most destructive wildfires in the state’s history. Our efforts are currently focused on smoke remediation for impacted homes, supporting local partners in donation distribution and building community capacity through training and collaboration. By working alongside trusted local organizations, we aim to ensure a coordinated, community-led recovery that lasts well beyond our time on the ground. Our efforts are currently focused on smoke remediation for impacted homes, supporting local partners in donation distribution and building community capacity through training and collaboration. By working alongside trusted local organizations, we aim to ensure a coordinated, community-led recovery that lasts well beyond our time on the ground.
Current Activities
In March, AHAH deepened recovery efforts in Los Angeles, working hand-in-hand with community members and local partners. We launched a smoke remediation pilot in collaboration with Fire Poppy Project, the National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON) and CORE—completing two home cleanups, five personal item sites and with many more underway. This work ensures that families return to homes free from toxic smoke and ash, particularly in vulnerable and underserved communities.
Our weekly volunteer support continues at Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) and 24LA’s warehouses, where we assist with donation intake and distribution. In partnership with 24LA, we helped reopen their Fire Relief Donation Center in Culver City, welcoming over 200 survivors and coordinating the relocation of 2.5 truckloads of donations from CBS Studios. Additionally, we’ve been providing direct financial assistance in collaboration with CORE to support those in need. Through these partnerships, we are supporting essential recovery needs while reinvesting in the local economy, spurring a more comprehensive feedback system of support and recovery.
While other organizations have scaled back, AHAH remains on the ground—committed to adapting and responding to the evolving needs of the community.
Los Angeles Wildfires
The Los Angeles Wildfires ignited on January 7, beginning with the Palisades Fire, which rapidly spread due to an extreme wind event. Just hours later, the Eaton Fire sparked, quickly intensifying the devastation. Both fires, along with several smaller blazes, tore through residential neighborhoods, local businesses and community centers, fueled by powerful Santa Ana winds and dangerously dry conditions. More than 50,000 acres burned, over 16,000 structures were destroyed and 28 lives were lost. At the peak of the crisis, more than 200,000 people were under evacuation orders, making this one of the most deadly and devastating wildfire events in California history.
Reina’s Story
“My name is Reina. I lived in Altadena in the ’70s and ’80s, and it holds so many memories — friends, family, even my wedding reception. Both homes I lived in burned, as did the Eaton Canyon Nature Center, where I knew the workers and their animals. The impact is indescribable. I have spoken to some of the other workers here from Eaton Canyon and Farnsworth Park, which was a landmark there. It was the only park with an open-seating theatre for the community, and now it’s burned down. Though I live 15 miles away, the winds shattered our windows. Losing a home is beyond words. Today, we’re feeding thousands of families. Thank you for standing with us and supporting our recovery.”
Program History
All Hands and Hearts ©2024
