SoCal Fire Fund From CAA and Sean Penn’s CORE Raises $5.9 Million to Support Wildfire Victims

So far, more than 5,000 individuals and families have received support from the EIF and LAUSD organization

A fire fighting helicopter drops water as the Palisades fire grows near the Mandeville Canyon neighborhood and Encino, California, on January 11, 2025. The Palisades Fire, the largest of the Los Angeles fires, spread toward previously untouched neighborhoods January 11, forcing new evacuations and dimming hopes that the disaster was coming under control. Across the city, at least 11 people have died as multiple fires have ripped through residential areas since January 7, razing thousands of homes in destruction that US President Joe Biden likened to a "war scene." (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP)

The SoCal Fire Fund has raised $5.9 million to support victims of the Los Angeles wildfires since the January devastation. The relief and recovery effort was launched by the CAA Foundation, Sean Penn and Ann Lee’s nonprofit Community Organized Relief Effort and the Los Angeles Unified School District.

“We are deeply grateful for the incredible generosity of our donors who have helped us raise more than $5 million to directly support impacted individuals and families,” Natalie Tran, executive director of the CAA Foundation, said on Wednesday. “Each dollar raised supports a holistic approach to recovery, one that will be alongside our neighbors as they navigate the long and complicated road ahead.”

The SoCal Fire Fund is orchestrated by the Entertainment Industry Foundation and serves as a support reserve that provides a number of resources, including financial assistance, case management and mental health services to those who were affected by the natural disasters. Per a release, so far, more than 5,000 individuals and families have received support.

“CORE knows that survivors need a range of committed support over the next few years. Partnering with CAA Foundation, LAUSD Education Foundation and EIF enables this,” CORE co-founder and CEO Lee shared. “The immediate impacts are clear — delivering over $1 million in cash, helping our most vulnerable families navigate a complex recovery process and getting people home as quickly as possible. We are there for these families from the beginning and will be with them through their new beginnings.” 

In another statement, Sara Mooney, interim executive director of the LAUSD Education Foundation, said the relief efforts have made a crucial and positive impact on the lives of students and staff members.

“Schools are the heartbeat of a community. After the devastating fires across our region, SoCal Fire Fund investment is making a direct impact in the lives of educators, students, and families,” she said. “We have been able to revitalize classrooms, celebrate our communities’ resilience and support our dedicated educators whose lives have been impacted. We are privileged to stand alongside partners like CORE, EIF and the CAA Foundation in our collective service to those who need it the most.”

The SoCal Fire Fund remains open for donations.

The Palisades and Eaton fires that caused most of the destruction in the Los Angeles area are both 100% contained after the initial Jan. 7 flare-ups that terrorized and devastated tens of thousands of residents who suddenly have nowhere to live.

The total economic loss is estimated at $250 billion or more, easily among the costliest natural disasters in U.S. history, with at least 29 deaths reported and nearly 40,000 acres burned. The Palisades fire burned 23,448 acres and destroyed more than 6,800 structures; the Eaton fire claimed 14,021 acres and 9,400 structures.

Another 2,400 acres were claimed by smaller blazes in the area, including the Hurst, Kenneth, Auto, Sunset, Woodley, Lidia and Archer fires. Federal officials said nearly 150,000 people have applied for emergency funds.




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