Following the devastating wildfires in January, thousands of people in Los Angeles lost their homes, memories, and their sense of safety overnight. In the months since, survivors have faced the exhausting challenge of rebuilding their lives—securing housing, navigating bureaucratic hurdles, and coping with emotional turmoil—all while continuing to work and care for their families.
In response, Didi Hirsch launched the Wildfire Recovery Program to provide free, trauma-informed therapy, support groups, and community outreach with the goal of helping survivors heal and rebuild their lives.
“[All of us] wanted to do something for what felt like a very helpless situation,” says Shoshana, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Assistant Program Director with Didi Hirsch. Growing up visiting her grandparents in the Palisades, the impact of the fires hit close to home. “When this opportunity came up to provide our services to survivors, it felt like what I was called to do.”
Since then, nearly 150 individuals have accessed free therapy, and more than 5,000 people have taken part in our outreach, training, and other support services. Shoshana shared that survivors are overwhelmed, grappling with anxiety and decision fatigue while facing the realization of a long road ahead. Many don’t want to rebuild; they want their old life back. “In the beginning, people were in crisis mode,” says Shoshana. “Now they’re more stable, but the grief is coming up. The reality has set in.”
Our clients range from new parents and families to elders, many of whom are facing financial hardship. For many of our clients, therapy gives them a steady space to process what they’ve been through and regain a sense of control as they move forward.
These programs wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our funders helping Didi Hirsch to expand our wildfire recovery services well into the future. This means more survivors can access trauma-informed care and have support every step of the way.
Life can change in an instant. Didi Hirsch is deeply committed to this work and our community—helping wildfire survivors pick up the emotional pieces as they take steps toward rebuilding their lives. Learn more about our Wildfire Recovery Program here.
