AARP California Announces More Than $1.5 Million in Grants from AARP Foundation to Wildfire Recovery Efforts in Los Angeles

AARP California today announced that AARP Foundation has awarded $1,550,000 million in grants to local organizations providing relief and recovery assistance to those affected by the recent wildfires across the Los Angeles area, especially older adults.

“These donations will help older Californians recover and rebuild after the devastation caused by the Los Angeles wildfires,” said Nancy McPherson, AARP California State Director. “We are deeply grateful to AARP Foundation and its donors for stepping up during this critical time to support our community.”

In January, destructive wildfires tore through Los Angeles and Ventura counties, leaving thousands of homes, businesses, and community institutions in ruins. Older adults, often among the most vulnerable during disasters, have faced significant challenges in the aftermath. AARP Foundation’s grants will support organizations providing direct aid and essential services to help affected residents get back on their feet, including:

• Bet Tzedek Legal Services is providing essential legal assistance to seniors and wildfire-affected communities, including help with FEMA applications, homeownership protection, tenant rights, public benefits, small business aid, and document recovery.
  
• Pasadena Community Foundation is supporting wildfire recovery in three phases: immediate relief, stabilization, and long-term rebuilding, offering grants, rental and childcare assistance, mental health support, and the Altadena Builds Back Initiative to help residents return and rebuild.
  
• California Community Foundation is focusing on the most impacted and vulnerable groups, including food workers, individuals with disabilities, children, and older adults.
  
• Friends In Deed Pasadena (The FID Group) is expanding its Eviction Prevention and Rental Assistance program to help more seniors affected by income loss and offering housing location services to find affordable housing for displaced seniors in Pasadena and nearby areas.
  
• Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles is aiding uninsured and underinsured families through ReBUILD LA, a multi-year initiative focused on rebuilding homes and restoring stability after Southern California’s wildfires.
  
• Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County is providing free legal services to low-income individuals, seniors, and families impacted by the wildfires.

“The wildfires were a stark and heartbreaking reminder of who is most vulnerable during natural disasters. Older adults and people with disabilities account for nearly all of those who lost their lives,” said Claire Casey, President of AARP Foundation. “We are committed to supporting recovery efforts in these communities so they can emerge stronger and more resilient for everyone.”

To donate or learn more about AARP Foundation’s disaster relief effort, visit www.aarpfoundation.org/disasterrelief.