While the New Year brings with it renewed opportunities, hope and joy for many, members of our Southern California community have experienced life changing devastation as a result of the recent Wildfires. From the Pacific Palisades to the Eaton Fire, it is estimated that more than 42,000 acres have burned, with over 12,000 structures damaged or lost. These structures included homes, schools, businesses, and places of worship, to name a few.
Within Lanterman Regional Center’s community, approximately 518 individuals and families, including 31 licensed residential homes were evacuated during the first week of the fires. Currently, just under half of the evacuated individuals and families, and eight licensed residential homes, continue to be evacuated. Twelve of our families have experienced total loss of their homes. Of our staff, 14 members were evacuated, and one of our staff lost her home. However, we also know that among the people we support, our provider agencies, and their DSP staff, many more people have experienced devastating losses within their immediate and extended families. We have not received any reports of personal injuries or deaths within our community, for which we are very grateful. Nevertheless, we realize the psychological and emotional toll that these wildfires have taken on many of our community members will have a lasting impact. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers – and most importantly, our support – goes out to our community during this time of need.
In the midst of these tragic events, our staff at Lanterman Regional Center have continued to work tirelessly and without pause to ensure the health and safety of those that we support. Our service coordinators, managers, and directors have placed thousands of calls since January 6, 2025, reaching out to each and every one of the individuals, families and service providers impacted by the fires or near the fire areas. Our Center has worked closely with local emergency resources, including the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and the City of Los Angeles, Department of Disability as well as our healthcare partners to track, coordinate and connect individuals and families with emergency resources, housing and medical equipment. Our Koch-Young Resource Center Information and Resource Specialists dedicated all of their time on researching, contacting and connecting with local emergency and community resources, while ensuring that our staff and families received up-to-date information on where to get immediate assistance. The outpouring of love, support and kindness that we have experienced during these past two trying weeks demonstrates the strength of our community when we come together to support those in need. We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts and know that we still have work to do.
As our staff continue to provide ongoing and enhanced case management for those both directly and indirectly impacted by the wildfires, Lanterman Regional Center has also established a Fire Relief Fund to expand our reach in helping our community. The funds collected through this donation platform will be used directly towards providing relief and assistance and to help cover immediate needs such as temporary housing, clothing, and other essentials as our community begins to rebuild their lives. For those who are able to, we ask for your support to the Fire Relief Fund to help us continue to help our community.
View more information about the Fire Relief Fund and make a donation
Finally, if you or someone you know supported by Lanterman Regional Center has any specific or immediate needs, contact your service coordinator. If you are unable to reach your service coordinator, contact our main office at 213.383.1300, press 0 and ask to speak with the Officer of the Day. For after-hours assistance, call our main office at 213.383.1300 and follow the prompts to leave a message for the on-call manager.
Thank you, and please, stay safe.