The devastating fires in L.A. County have brought widespread destruction, forcing residents to evacuate and leaving many without homes.
As smoke and flames continue to consume the region, government officials and industry professionals are rallying to provide resources and relief.
Among those leading the charge are real estate professionals, who are stepping up in unprecedented ways to support the community during this crisis. Here’s how federal, state, and local leaders—along with the real estate industry—are working together to address the needs of those impacted by the firestorm.
National and State Leaders Mobilize Resources
Federal Government Response
President Biden wasted no time addressing the crisis, pledging full federal support during a briefing in Santa Monica.
Key federal resources include:
- Two Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System units deployed from the California and Nevada National Guards.
- 10 Navy helicopters with water buckets en route from San Diego.
President Biden publicly expressed his commitment to doing “anything and everything for as long as it takes to contain these fires.”
State Efforts
California Governor Gavin Newsom activated the National Guard, deploying 200 personnel to assist with evacuations and firefighting efforts. Col. Brian Hill confirmed these reinforcements were already in action.
Firefighters and Nonprofits Answer the Call
Firefighter Reinforcements
Firefighters are traveling to L.A. County from across Southern California, Northern California, Phoenix, and Oregon. These reinforcements are critical as resources and emergency response personnel are both stretched thin.
Airbnb.org and 211 LA
- Airbnb.org, the nonprofit branch of Airbnb, has partnered with 211 LA to provide free temporary housing for displaced residents in affected areas, including Malibu, Pacific Palisades, and Pasadena.
- Residents can request housing through an intake form, with stays funded by Airbnb.org and generous hosts offering homes for free or at a discount.
- Over the years, Airbnb.org has provided more than 1.6 million nights of emergency stays to over 250,000 people.
How Real Estate Professionals Are Supporting the Community
As the fires rage on, local real estate professionals are stepping up to offer meaningful support to those who’ve been displaced. From emergency housing to essential resources, here’s how they’re making a difference:
The Agency
- Hosted an emergency meeting to coordinate relief efforts for clients, agents, and the broader community.
- CEO Mauricio Umansky shared, “These fires have impacted everyone in some way… The Agency is actively reaching out to provide support where we can.”
Brokerages Providing Shelter
- Compass: Making their Santa Monica Main Street office available for agents needing workspace or refuge.
- Pardee Properties: Leveraging networks to locate staged or furnished homes for short-term leases while offering essentials like transportation, food, and clothing.
As for individual efforts by real estate professionals, Shelton Wilder of Christie’s International Real Estate Southern California evacuated her Brentwood home and is helping six clients find housing.
Wilder is collaborating with a network of 25 agents using a shared Google Docs list of available furnished properties.
Speaking of the emotional toll, Wilder said, “It’s really apocalyptic out there… People are in shock, and we don’t know what to do.”
Michael Nourmand (Nourmand & Associates) is assisting clients with temporary housing amidst the challenges of rising property insurance rates and other market pressures. He commented: “This is definitely the worst natural disaster of my lifetime.”
Rising to the Occasion
The L.A. County fires are a stark reminder of how quickly disaster can strike, disrupting lives and livelihoods. Yet, amidst the devastation, the resilience of the community is shining through.
From federal and state leaders to real estate professionals and nonprofits, folks in the affected area and across the U.S. are stepping up to help those in need. Whether through emergency housing, financial aid, or simply offering refuge, these efforts demonstrate the power of collective action.
For anyone looking to contribute, consider offering your home through Airbnb.org or supporting local real estate professionals coordinating relief efforts.
