United Way Launches $1.8 Million Wildfire Recovery Fund for Pasadena and Altadena Communities

United Way of Greater Los Angeles is investing $1.8 million to support recovery efforts in Pasadena and Altadena following the devastating wildfires that struck in January. The funding will provide critical assistance to residents through a community-driven rebuilding approach that focuses on housing support, legal protections, and community healing.

“We are committed to supporting the long-term recovery from the wildfires disaster by funding a community-driven rebuilding approach,” said Elise Buik, President & CEO of United Way of Greater Los Angeles. The organization will work with six local community-based organizations to address the widespread impact of the fires.

The collaborative rebuilding effort will include targeted support such as pro-bono legal assistance, case management for elderly residents and small business owners, and tenant protection services. Participating local organizations include the NAACP Pasadena and other community groups focused on public benefits, mutual aid, and policy advocacy.

Key components of the recovery fund include:

• Legal protections for tenants
• Trauma-informed healing events
• Community mapping for future resilience
• Assistance for housing and economic recovery

The funding builds on the organization’s previous disaster response experience, with the Wildfire Response Fund launched within a day of the January 7 wildfires. Residents can benefit from multilingual legal workshops, disaster resource clinics, and support services for both renters and homeowners.

Interested community members can learn more about the recovery efforts through United Way of Greater Los Angeles, with additional support coming from the upcoming WalkUnitedLA event on July 20 at the Rose Bowl Stadium.