CORE Opens The Hub in Altadena
CORE recently opened The Hub in Altadena for residents impacted by the Eaton Fire. The space will serve as a resource center for residents.
Los Angeles Fires
27,000
Angelenos served
$3.6 million
in cash assistance
44,000
resources distributed
Support communities impacted by the Los Angeles fires
In January 2025, the Eaton and Palisades Fires swept across Los Angeles County. More than 16,000 structures were destroyed – including homes, schools, and businesses – leaving thousands of Angelenos without housing, jobs, or both. This was one of the worst disasters in California history, and it has changed our community forever.
CORE mobilized immediately to meet people’s urgent needs and fill critical resource gaps. This included: providing $3.6 million in cash assistance, distributing 44,000 crucial items like hygiene kits and N95 masks, operating a child friendly space at the largest local shelter, removing 130+ tons of debris from community infrastructure, cleaning smoke-damaged homes, and so much more – serving 27,000 people in need.
One year later, we’re still here, working alongside community members to address long-term recovery needs and navigate the ongoing challenges of rebuilding in Los Angeles.
5-Year Community Recovery Plan
RESILIENT REBUILDING
CORE convenes trusted technical experts at The Hub to help survivors navigate rebuilding decisions, zoning and permitting requirements, insurance barriers, and contractor pathways. Through targeted fire-mitigation grants and technical guidance, CORE supports families in rebuilding safer, stronger homes that reduce future wildfire risk.
CASH ASSISTANCE
With your support, CORE has distributed $3.6 million in direct cash assistance to Angelenos in need.
In Phase 1 of our cash program, recipients used funds to meet their immediate needs, like groceries, gas, or even school supplies. Phase 2 focused on providing the most vulnerable Altadena residents with money to cover three months of necessities.
Cash assistance is the most cost-effective way to help people throughout a crisis. It gives power and flexibility back to those who have actually been impacted, so they can meet their unique needs. It also provides the dignity of choice, which can mean so much after losing everything.
RESOURCE NAVIGATION & DISASTER CASE MANAGEMENT
In the wake of a disaster, figuring out next steps can be overwhelming. In the first months of our response, CORE provided immediate support, helping people secure resources like FEMA and other government aid, CalFresh, local food distributions, and more.
Now, our Disaster Case Management program guides people through the long-term recovery process, with case managers assigned to specific families for an average of two years. By forming these sustained relationships, CORE gains a clear understanding of each family’s unique needs and can help cut through the red tape to accelerate the rebuilding process.
Residents visiting The Hub, which convenes local partners and experts to help navigate the rebuilding process.
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
CORE is partnering with the Climate Mental Health Network to conduct comprehensive assessments of wildfire survivors’ mental health needs, an area that has emerged as a critical priority as families face prolonged displacement and uncertainty.
Expanding into Altadena
NOW OPEN
2333 Lake Ave, Suite 2A, Altadena, CA 91001
The Hub, which opened its doors in October 2025, is a community space dedicated to helping Altadena residents navigate the rebuilding process. We bring together trusted partners to ensure people have the tools and resources needed for safe, equitable recovery.
COMING SUMMER 2026
Center for Community
2231 Lincoln Ave, Altadena, CA 91001
Opening in partnership with LA County and architect Shigeru Ban, CORE’s Center for Community will help impacted residents address the social and emotional toll of the Los Angeles fires, especially as many face prolonged displacement. This new space will offer mental health support, group activities, and opportunities for neighbors to reconnect.
Field Stories
Pacific Palisades Smoke Remediation
CORE was honored to be a part of an important project at the Casa Gateway apartment community in the Pacific Palisades, which saw 50 unites cleaned of smoke and ash damage. This critical work, allows families to return home and live in peace and safety.
LA Fires: Finding Home & Community Again After Tragedy
Alphonso, a near lifetime resident of Altadena, lost more than a home in the Eaton fire, he lost his community. In the six months since the fire, Alphonso has connected with CORE, who are helping him and his wife on their recovery journey.
In The News
‘A holistic approach’: CORE and partners launch SoCal FireFund to help families rebuild after fires
CORE leads debris removal at local Palisades church
Meet Betty, an Eaton Fire survivor who receives support from CORE at The Hub
Seniors return to apartments damaged by Palisades Fire
If you are a member of the media and would like to speak with one of our experts about our response, please contact CORE at [email protected].
Create a fundraiser to share why you’re passionate about supporting Angelenos.
Workplace Giving. Join our community of national and local partners by participating in a variety of initiatives, from corporate matching to volunteer opportunities. Learn more about opportunities specific to our fire response here.
Donate Goods. Many people have reached out asking to donate physical goods. Please note: Our storage space is limited, and it’s essential we prioritize the items most urgently needed. We kindly request that no donations are sent to our office without prior authorization. See our current needs and submit your in-kind donation request here.
For more information about fundraising, donating goods, or workplace giving, please contact our VP of Development Tiffany Tse at [email protected].
