IN Crisis, Our Humanity Matters Most
We cannot control the winds or the flames, but we can control how we respond to those in need.
Let’s choose to respond with heartfelt generosity, sincere care, and presence.
Together, we can help rebuild what’s been lost — and more importantly, reminding people that they’re never alone in their struggle.
“In the course of looking deeply within ourselves, we may challenge notions that give comfort before the terrors of the world.”
Carl Sagan
Letter from Pasadena: Mimi Zeiger on the Los Angeles Wildfires -Azure
Rebuilding LA: Altadena architects talk after the fire -NOMA
Rebuilding After Fires, L.A. Neighbors Join Forces and Innovate -NYT
The Hidden Histories Lost in the Los Angeles Fires -The New Yorker
Learning from Park Planned Homes -LA Review of Books
His Modernist Ideas for LA Living Were Dismissed. Now, They Could Be a Blueprint for Rebuilding -Dwell
They Want to Rebuild. Can They Afford to Prevent the Next Fire, Too? -NYT
What Does the L.A. Midcentury Dream House Look Like in the Age of Fire -Dwell
Inside the Community Effort to Affordably and Beautifully Rebuild and New -Old Altadena -Dwell
The deep bonds on an Altadena street driving neighbors to rebuild -LA Times
The Altadena Residents Rebuilding by Moving Historic Homes Across Town -Dwell
How to defend a home from wildfire: UC Berkeley researchers’ lessons from infernos -The Mercury News
Architect coalition completes 200 rebuilding plans for Altadena residents displaced by fire -LAist
LAUSD approves $604 million plan to rebuild schools destroyed in Paisades Fire -LAist
Altadena residents can now use LA County-approved blueprints to rebuild homes -LAist
Prefab and catalog homes offer innovative, affordable options to rebuild Altadena -Afro LA
A group of Altadena homeowners is banding together to lower rebuilding costs -Minnesota Public Radio Marketplace
Six Months After the Fires: Stories Shared, Lessons Learned -LAist
In LA, A Photo Detective Reunites Wildfire Survivors with Lost Images -KQED
After Eaton Fire, tattoo artists turn loss into Altadena-inspired art -LAist
Steve Perry Auctioning Items from Personal Archives to Benefit Wildfire Victims -Rolling Stone
West Michigan cyclists undertake Grand Rapids-to-LA trip for wildfire relief -Spectrum News
Pappy Van Winkle 15-Year Single Barrel Auction Raises $800k for Wildfire Relief -Fred Minnick
Assessing harmful toxins in the wake of the Los Angeles wildfires -Harvard School of Public Health
Wildfire smoke takes heavy toll on kids’ lungs -Afro LA
California investigates State Farm over claims from Los Angeles fires -Cal Matters
Here’s how climate change is affecting your home insurance -LAist
Rebuilding LA: Altadena architects talk after the fire -Wallpaper*
You can now visit a landmark Richard Neutra house in Hollywood -Domus
In post-disaster cities like Los Angeles, we need new model homes and we need them now -Dezeen
LA Homeowners Begin to Rebuild After Devastating Wildfires -Spectrum News
USC students and Finn Bradley win FORT:LA design competition to reimagine historic buildings lost in the Los Angeles fires -The Architect’s Newspaper
As Los Angeles Burned, Architects Stepped Up -Archinect
What Does the LA Midcentury Dream House Look Like in the Age of Fire -Dwell
LA Fire Victims in Altadena Are Working to Rebuild Collectively -Bloomberg
After Wildfires, L.A.’s Clear Skies Conceal a ‘Toxic Soup’ -New York Times
Love and Fury: Los Angeles Fires Part 1 On Loss and Aspirations -FOR SCALE
LA Fires Live Updates -New York Times
As Fires Continue to Burn Around Los Angeles, Here Are Some Recovery Tips and Resources -RAND
FEMA Assistance is Available for Individuals Affected by the Wildfires in California -FEMA
FEMA Offers Recovery Tips for California Wildfire Survivors -FEMA
FEMA Encourages California Wildfire Survivors to Read Their Determination Letter Carefully -FEMA
Support and Resources for the CalArts Community -CalArts
LA Arts Community Fire Relief Fund Application for Artists and Arts Workers Emergency Funding Opens January 20 -Center for Cultural Innovation
Buy an Artwork to Support Victims of LA Fires -Hyperallergic
What (or who) sparked L.A. County wildfires? Here’s where investigations stand -Los Angeles Times
The Architecturally Important Homes Lost in the L.A. Fires—and What Happens Next -The Wall Street Journal
What We’re Watching Burn -Dwell
These Historic Homes & Buildings Were Destroyed in the LA Wildfires -Sunset
As Flames Consume Architectural Gems, a Hit to ‘Old California’-NY Times
The architectural ashes of the LA fires -Wallpaper*
Fires ‘threaten LA’s spectacular design legacy’ says Sam Lubell -Archinect
Lost in the Palisades Fire: The Keeler House, 1991 -Crosby Doe Associates
Altadena Elegy -The Architects Newspaper
Altadena couple loses two homes in one night in the Eaton fire -LA Times
The design legacy of Los Angeles that fell to the fires -The Seattle Times
In the beginning…these were the earliest modern tracts ever built in the United States -Eichler Network
Gregory Ain: Park Planned Homes (Altadena, Calif.) -AD&A Museum UC Santa Barbara
Images of Park Planned Homes designed by Gregory Ain in Altadena after the Eaton Fire -thelatemodern on threads.net
FEMA: America's buildings are woefully underprepared for natural disasters -Archinect
Calif. executive order clears path for rebuilding in LA County - Archinect
NEWS AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
“The fires, in their destructive rage, have highlighted the spectacular architectural legacy of Los Angeles — one that is often taken for granted, or even ignored.
They remind us that the city has long been one of the world’s great laboratories for residential architecture, and that its best buildings are vaunted pieces of art, and equally vulnerable to the ravages of nature”.
— The New York Times , SAM LUBELL , January 9 2025
Park Planned Homes, Altadena, CA 1945,
Julius Shulman, Photographer The continuing wildfires across Los Angeles have left all of California and our communities shaken to our core. In moments of such existential crisis, not only are we reminded, we have already witnessed, the altruism, determination and quiet strength that emerges when people come together to help one another.
This is a time to act with care, largesse and hope for the future. To offer what we can — whether that’s time, donations, or simply our presence. Every gesture, no matter how small, contributes to our collective and individual healing, reinvigoration and ability to rebuild with decency and integrity.
Together, We Rebuild: A Call to Compassion
“One cannot ask for a life, or two lives. One can only warrant the hope of an increasing potency in each man’s heart.”
Patti Smith
“Those who have suffered understand suffering and thereby extend their hand”
Patti Smith, Collected Lyrics, 1980-2015
Amplify Relief with Donation Matching
Compassion multiplies when we come together. For every dollar you give, a multitude of foundations will match your contribution to organizations providing wildfire relief across California.
Each of these trusted partners offers direct, tangible support to individuals and families affected by the wildfires:
California Community Foundation Wildfire Recovery Fund
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles
Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation
Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
Pasadena Community Foundation Eaton Canyon Fire Relief and Recovery Fund
United Way of Greater Los Angeles
Jewish Federation of Los Angeles
J. Paul Getty Trust - LA Arts Community Fire Relief Fund
With such donations, you are not just offering funds — you’re offering hope and the building blocks of resilience. Let’s make our contributions count and multiply together.
“A gift is not measured by its material value, but by the love and intention behind it.”
Lewis Hyde, The Gift
Sometimes, what people need most is a helping hand and an available ear.
Where you can volunteer to help those affected by L.A.’s fires - Los Angels Times
The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is calling for volunteers to help distribute food and essential supplies to those in need. Even a few hours of your time can have a profound impact on someone’s life.
Consider giving your time, energy, and presence. In times of crisis, our willingness to show up speaks volumes.
Give Your Time: Volunteer Locally
“True generosity is not measured by what we give, but by what we are willing to lose.”
Lewis Hyde, The Gift
Community Homes, Los Angeles, CA, 1948, Garret EkboConnection is a lifeline in difficult times.
A call, a message, or a thoughtful check-in can provide comfort to someone feeling overwhelmed or alone. Never underestimate the power of simply being there for another person.
These organizations are offering mental health services and resources:
LA County ACCESS Center 1-800-854-7771
988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline – call or text 988 or access the 988 Lifeline Chat
Jewish Federation of Los Angeles
LA County Department of Mental Health Resources
California Department of Public Health
Compassion is often found in the smallest of gestures. A moment of care can make all the difference in someone’s ability to move forward with dignity and confidence. These simple moments of connection remind us that in times of existential crisis, human kindness is profound - it is one of the most powerful forms of comfort. As we remind our friends, neighbors and even strangers that they’re not alone in their suffering and hardship. Your presence matters.
Reach Out to Someone Who May Be Struggling
“Sometimes the greatest gift is simply being present.”
Lewis Hyde, The Gift
Share Shelter: Emergency Housing Through Airbnb
For those who have been displaced, finding safe shelter is essential.
Airbnb.org is offering free emergency housing through their relief program. If you or someone you know needs shelter, visit their emergency relief page to find a welcoming place to stay.
Sharing this resource could make all the difference for someone searching for stability in uncertain times.
Often times a sense of security can be found with a roof over your head. Let’s ensure everyone has a secure place to call home, even if only temporarily.
"The truest form of charity is giving without expecting anything in return.”
Lewis Hyde, The Gift
