Attachments
1. INTRODUCTION AND OPERATIONAL CONTEXT
Beginning on January 7, 2025, a total of 17 wildfires broke out across the metropolitan area of Los Angeles,
California. Among the most destructive were the Palisades Fire in the western Santa Monica Mountains and the Eaton Fire in the San Gabriel Valley (see Figure 1). The fires extended for 155 square kilometers (60 square miles) and an evacuation order was issued forapproximately 180,000 residents of residents.
Damages and losses are widespread as 29 people lost their lives, and 16,000 structures – including owned and rented homes, commercial buildings, and public infrastructure – were completely destroyed (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection [CAL FIRE], 2025). The Eaton and Palisades Fires now rank as the second and fourth most destructive wildfires in California’s history, respectively.
While the fires are now contained, their long-term effects on the economy and public health remain a major concern. The estimated economic losses range between US$250 billion to $275 billion1 , which will rank it as one of the costliest disasters in the history of the United States (AccuWeather, 2025). The aftermath is expected to drive up the cost of living, reduce household consumption, and negatively affect employment, resulting in lost tax revenue in the LA area (Semancik, 2025). In terms of health, early research suggests that airborne lead levels have risen above normal standards which pose a higher risk for individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, especially children and older adults (Tabuchi & Rojanasakul, 2025). Previous studies on wildfire exposure in California have also linked prolonged smoke inhalation to an increased likelihood of dementia diagnoses (Elser et al., 2025).
In response, CORE swiftly mobilized a multi-modality emergency assistance program, including cash assistance, in-kind assistance, case management support, and direct service delivery. To date, CORE has supported 383,349 individuals and provided over US$600,000 to 1,245 households. CORE provided cash assistance to enable eligible vulnerable households to meet their urgent needs. CORE has also distributed more than 44,000 emergency supplies, including N95 masks, hygiene kits, air purifiers, and menstrual kits. While supporting local evacuation shelters, CORE also set up and operated a safe, child-friendly space, where kids displaced by the fires could play while their guardians figured out next steps.
CORE conducted a rapid needs assessment, choosing to focus on the communities affected by the Eaton Fire specifically as they have historically been more vulnerable and significantly less affluent than those impacted by the Palisades Fire. This assessment will an ensure an evidence-based and well-targeted short- and long-term response that addresses the impact of the Eaton Fire and the needs of the affected populations. Through Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) collected over the phone and a desk review analysis, four sets of results are presented focusing on: 1) the damage and destruction from the wildfires; 2) the priority needs of affected communities; 3) targeting considerations to ensure that CORE’s assistance reaches those most impacted, vulnerable, and marginalized who are least likely to access assistance or receive sufficient assistance from other service providers; and 4) priority interventions.
First, damage to community infrastructure is widespread. Many homes were either destroyed or left uninhabitable, forcing families to seek temporary shelter. Second, priority needs include immediate housing assistance, livelihood support, and mental health services. Third, priority groups most impacted include older adults, undocumented immigrants and low-income families, with emphasis on historically marginalized racial and ethnic groups. Finally, efforts and resource allocation should prioritize the delivery of cash assistance for basic needs and within case management, housing assistance, small business recovery support for entrepreneurs including business grants, and livelihood recovery support for those who were engaged in informal or formal employment before the fires.