One Year Later, Our Commitment to Dena Remains

One year ago today, wildfires swept across Los Angeles County, leaving unprecedented devastation in their wake. Across the region, 31 lives were lost, over 40,000 acres burned, and more than 150,000 people were forced to evacuate their homes. Economic losses are estimated between $250 to $275 billion, making this disaster one of the costliest in U.S. history.

Historically Black neighborhoods in Altadena and Pasadena, built on deep roots and lasting traditions of community, care, and love, were hit especially hard by the Eaton Fire and its aftermath. The Fire caused extensive loss and disruption—homes, businesses, schools, and places of worship destroyed; family heirlooms and cherished belongings completely lost; and the daily lives and routines that anchor stability for so many, upended. Beyond the tangible losses, we are just beginning to understand the long-term impact the Fire will have on the health of Black communities in these areas—from exposure to harmful toxins to the mental health consequences of a tragedy of this depth and breadth. 

Within a week of the fires, the Black Freedom Fund partnered with the California Community Foundation to launch the Black LA Relief and Recovery Fund (RRF) dedicated to a community-led and centered approach to equitable recovery. The data tells the story: Black communities are often hit hardest by crises like this, yet receive fewer resources and assistance during the recovery process than other groups. The Black LA Relief & Recovery Fund aims to stand in the gap by investing in community organizations with the expertise and relationships to meet the immediate and long-term needs of directly impacted residents. To date, the Fund has distributed over $3.6 million to 37 trusted organizations to organize direct aid delivery, stabilize families, offer trauma-informed care, and organize long-term recovery and accountability efforts.

While a tremendous amount of work has been done to support Dena residents over the last year, there is still so much that lies ahead for full recovery, healing, and restoration. Many families are still struggling to meet their basic needs and to protect their property from outside threats more interested in profits than people. In fact, in the year since the Eaton Fire, more than half of the properties sold in Altadena have gone to corporations, which will have serious consequences for the future of the community. BFF supports local leaders in implementing their own vision of restoration that is not dictated by predatory greed. 

We stand with Dena and remain in awe of their resilience and courage. In the coming weeks, we will release a report highlighting the impact of our RRF grantee partners, along with stories of transformation and hope. We are honored to resource their vital efforts and ask you to join us in investing in the future of Black Dena. Together, we can ensure a just recovery, relief, and rebuild alongside our communities.