Recovering From the L.A. Wildfires: Rising From Ashes - An Original Documentary

Five months have passed since devastating wildfires swept through Southern California and destroyed thousands of businesses and homes.

The destruction was swift—but what followed was something far more enduring: a collective story of resilience, solidarity, and slow, steady recovery.

Since the flames subsided, families and business owners have faced difficult decisions about what comes next. Some are rebuilding. Others are relocating. All are holding onto hope.

One local resident, Eric Hernandez, shared what he found most remarkable:

“When there’s a fire or an incident, people come together. But I’m very proud of the way that people here in L.A. are helping each other.”

In the wake of disaster, Southern Californians have cleared debris, shared meals, offered jobs, and reminded each other that unity is the heart of healing.

I had the privilege of producing this story as flames were being extinguished—while smoke still lingered in the air.

You can hear the full documentary on our What’s What podcast or by clicking above. Thank you for listening.

Direct Relief & Emergency Aid

• California Community Foundation – Wildfire Relief Fund
  Supports intermediate and long-term recovery efforts, including rebuilding homes, providing mental health services, and assisting displaced families.
• United Way of Greater Los Angeles – Disaster Relief
  Helps provide shelter, financial assistance, and food to individuals and families affected by the wildfires.
• American Red Cross of Los Angeles
  Offers shelter, meals, and emergency supplies to evacuees and helps families start the recovery process.
   

Support for Small Businesses

• Rebuild SoCal Partnership – Small Business Grants
  Provides recovery grants and logistical support to business owners impacted by the fires.
• Los Angeles Chamber Foundation – Fire Recovery Support
  Offers legal aid, loan application assistance, and fundraising coordination for affected entrepreneurs.

Community Mutual Aid & Local Funds

• People’s Fire Fund LA (Mutual Aid)
  A grassroots fund directly distributing cash assistance to families and undocumented workers affected by the fires.
• LA Food Bank – Emergency Response Program
  Donate or volunteer to help distribute meals to fire victims and displaced families.
   

Volunteer & Advocacy Opportunities

• Team Rubicon
  Volunteer-based disaster response organization helping with debris removal and rebuilding.
• LA Works – Wildfire Relief Volunteer Hub
  Centralized platform for local volunteer opportunities ranging from logistics to direct relief.
   

Mental Health & Emotional Support

CalHOPE – Wildfire Recovery Support Line
Offers free, trauma-informed counseling for anyone experiencing stress related to the wildfires.
1-833-317-HOPE

The individuals interviewed for this project include:

Matt and Anya Schoedorf - Cafe De Leche

Sipoo Shelene Hearring - Two Dragons Martial Arts Studio

Pablo Alvorado - National Day Laborer Organizing Network

Eric Hernandez - Napa County Fire Department

Tyler Tomlinson - Grass Valley Fire Department

Vanessa Pellegrini - Vittorio’s Restaurant 

Mark Wain - Caffe Luxxe