Los Angeles Community Mobilizes After Historic Wildfires, 180,000 Evacuated

The January 2025 wildfires in Los Angeles displaced over 150,000 people and destroyed approximately 10,000 homes, marking a historic catastrophe for the city. In response, various initiatives have emerged to aid recovery, including Home Bank LA, which helps survivors by providing essential household items tailored to individual needs. Additionally, the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District launched the $4.25 million RESTORE Program to rebuild public parks and improve wildfire resilience across the region. Community efforts have also been prominent, with local artists and street vendors mobilizing to support those affected, highlighting the power of collective action during crises. Meanwhile, students from USC's Price School of Public Policy are actively participating in disaster response efforts, gaining hands-on experience in policy-making during emergencies. Overall, these responses showcase the resilience and solidarity of the Los Angeles community in the face of adversity.