LA Fire Recovery: Red Cross and HCRN Lead Ongoing Cleanup Efforts

August 01, 2025

Lady in blue shirt and gloves clearning metal railing

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Group of 8 people wearing blue tee shirts and white protective jump suits standing in front of house railing

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Lady in blue tee shirt puting on a white protective jumpsuit

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Group photo of 17 people wearing mostly blue tee shirts stand in front of a large truck that reads "Hope City Disaster Resource Village" on the side

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Young lady wearing a white protective jump suit cleans a ceiling with a sponge

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Group of six people clearning up fire debris in the backyard of a home with a view of the ocean

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By Mimi Teller/American Red Cross

Since the devastating LA wildfires in January, the American Red Cross has partnered with the Hope Crisis Response Network (HCRN) to support a wide-scale cleanup and restoration effort in the hard-hit communities of Altadena and Pacific Palisades. Recognizing the challenges residents face—from debris to ash and smoke damage—the Red Cross provided a grant to bolster HCRN’s capacity to lead these essential efforts. The funding has helped HCRN expand outreach, purchase supplies, and coordinate projects focused on improving safety, health, and overall quality of life in the affected neighborhoods.

Nearly every Saturday this summer, Red Cross volunteers have joined HCRN teams to clear fire debris and smoke damage in and around homes throughout the burn zones. The transformation happening week by week is a testament to the power of teamwork. For many residents, these efforts have brought more than just a cleaner environment—they’ve restored a sense of community pride and hope.

“It was heartbreaking to see the wildfires happen and I wanted to do something useful; to make a difference in someone’s life,” shared Red Cross volunteer Cheyenne Prescott, who spent a day helping clean ash and smoke damage. “The day itself was hard work—we were sweating, it was hot but I felt fulfilled the entire time. There was joy in every action, especially working with such a great group of people to help a family return to their home. I’m grateful I had the opportunity. It felt great to be part of such a meaningful cause.”

This collaboration highlights the vital role of partnerships in long-term recovery. The Red Cross grant has amplified HCRN’s impact, while volunteers bring hands-on support, energy, and compassion to every site.

Both organizations remain committed to sustaining this momentum—working together to ensure these communities not only recover but thrive.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.