Disaster Relief: Habitat for Humanity Committed to Long-Term Recovery Following California Wildfires

In the wake of the recent wildfires that ravaged Southern California, Habitat for Humanity is working to provide critical support to communities affected by the disaster. Thousands of homes were damaged or destroyed, including those of Habitat homeowners. Habitat for Humanity remains committed to helping rebuild lives, homes, and entire neighborhoods as part of the long-term recovery effort.

Wildfire Response Teams and Long-Term Recovery Efforts

The wildfires that swept through California caused widespread destruction, displacing nearly 180,000 residents and families and leaving entire communities in ruins. Habitat for Humanity’s disaster response teams immediately responded to the scene and worked tirelessly to provide support to those affected. 

Habitat affiliates in Southern California, including the San Gabriel Valley and Greater Los Angeles chapters, are readily engaging in short and long-term disaster recovery efforts. Having previously helped rebuild more than 120 homes following the 2018 wildfires, these teams were able to work swiftly to assess the damage and deploy immediate relief. Habitat is particularly concerned about families whose damaged homes were either uninsured or underinsured.

According to San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity, many Habitat homes were among those destroyed. These homes were built for families who had worked tirelessly to achieve homeownership through Habitat’s affordable housing programs. These families, among many others, saw their lives turned upside down as the fires wiped out their homes, schools, and places of worship.

While the immediate response was crucial, Habitat's role extends far beyond these initial efforts. Habitat remains committed to long-term recovery, supporting the rebuilding of homes and communities and especially ensuring that families who were already facing hardships before the fires are supported during the recovery period.

As the recovery process unfolds, Habitat’s role will continue to grow. Teams on the ground will conduct assessments, coordinate with local authorities, and work directly with affected families to begin the rebuilding process. Habitat is dedicated to helping communities heal and rebuild not just physical homes but also the resilience and stability that families need to move forward with their lives.

Habitat’s Global Commitment to Disaster Relief

Habitat for Humanity’s work has always gone beyond building and repairing homes. At its core, Habitat is humanitarian, grounded in a commitment to serving the greater good and providing human welfare. Habitat’s mission extends to stepping up in times of crisis to provide support, especially in natural disaster relief. The long-term recovery following the wildfires in California was no exception. 

Adrienne Goolsby, Habitat for Humanity International’s senior vice president for the U.S. and Canada, expressed solidarity with those affected by the fires, saying, "Our prayers are with every person affected by the devastating wildfires in California, including those Habitat homeowners, staff, and volunteers who lost their homes. The trajectory of these families' lives was indelibly altered, and the recovery effort ahead is both daunting and essential."

Through shelter, Habitat empowers individuals and families to build and rebuild better lives for themselves. The wildfires in California were a stark reminder of the destructive power of natural disasters. 

Those who want to support the recovery efforts in California can donate to Habitat for Humanity’s disaster response fund at habitat.org. 

As Habitat’s teams continue to assess and support recovery, it is clear that the road ahead will be long, but with the help of donors and volunteers, communities in Southern California are on the path to rebuilding stronger than ever.

Learn more about Habitat’s response efforts.