"One LA" - A Collective, Coordinated and Strategic Solution to LA Wildfire Recovery, Community Resiliency and Rebuilding

Wildfire relief

Central LA East LA South LA West LA County of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a countywide benefit) City of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a citywide benefit) San Gabriel Valley Gateway Cities San Fernando Valley South Bay Long Beach Antelope Valley

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

The 2025 wildfire in Los Angeles County has underscored the escalating challenges of disaster response and systemic vulnerabilities due to fragmentation, coordination and communication. Between January 7 and 31, 14 wildfires (Eaton and Palisades)scorched 57,000+ acres, destroyed 18,000+ structures, and the evacuation of 200,000+ residents, and 30 fatalities.
Scope of the Crisis:
Economic and Social Impact: Property damage from the Palisades and Eaton fires is estimated between $28 billion and $53.8 billion. Business disruptions are $4.6 billion to $8.9 billion over a five-year period. Social loss, incalculable.
Infrastructure Strain: Efforts were hampered by inadequate communications and support response.
Housing and Homelessness: The destruction of homes and businesses has exacerbated multiple crisis'.
Lack of Communication and Coordination: Among nonprofits, their use of, and accountability for grant monies, coordination of volunteers, etc. has left many under and unserved.

This Initiative Will Address How Grass Roots Organizations in Affected Areas Can Drive Success Through:
Coordination and Leadership: Recovery efforts have faltered by fragmented leadership and window dressing by local, state, private, nonprofit, and federal agencies, leading to inefficiencies and delays in aid.

Informational Clarity: Aid has been delayed by lack of clear information, contact information, no intake forms to apply for relief, limited transparency in the process and more.

Staffing & Tool Shortfalls: Many organizations are understaffed, lacking processes and tools due to respond and support immediate relief and long term rebuilding.

Situational Exploitation: Organizations involved in relief efforts have come and gone, highlighting the need for oversight and accountability of who is receiving funds, why and impact.

Communication Failures: Limited use of shared technology to coordinate efforts glitch resulted in widespread confusion and highlighting the need for innovation.

Our approach that includes alignment of goals and efforts, resource sharing, enhanced tech including AI, streamlining processes, equitable funding practices, protecting vulnerable communities, and improving emergency communication systems, easy to use and affordable to operate for all. Collaborative efforts across nonprofits, government, community organizations, and the private sector are essential to bolster Los Angeles County's preparedness and response to future wildfires.

If our work is successful, Los Angeles County will emerge as a model of community resilience, where organizations and residents are empowered with the tools, information, and support needed to navigate crises effectively. By integrating real-time, coordinated efforts, all will have immediate access to critical resources during emergencies. This proactive approach aligns with the County's 2024–2030 Strategic Plan, emphasizing community engagement and equitable access to services. Los Angeles County
Furthermore, our efforts to centralize volunteer coordination and establish relief centers across the county will foster a culture of preparedness and mutual aid. By collaborating with local organizations and leveraging social media platforms for volunteer engagement, we aim to strengthen social bonds and ensure a swift, organized response to future disasters.
Our project will transform "A One Los Angeles County" more connected, informed, and resilient, better equipped for tomorrow.