5 minute read
Blog Title "After the Fires: Rebuilding Safety and Connection"
Image by McGill Library on Unsplash
Blog Title "After the Fires: Rebuilding Safety and Connection"
Image by McGill Library on Unsplash
Everyone I’ve spoken to in LA over the past week and a half has been deeply impacted by the devastating fires. Whether it’s the loss of their own home or the pain of seeing a friend, family member, colleague, or neighbor affected, the ripple of grief touches us all.

The scale of destruction is staggering: cherished homes, sacred belongings, schools, spiritual centers, and entire neighborhoods have been reduced to ash. Tragically, lives have also been lost, adding an even greater weight to this heartbreak. For so many, even the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the ground we stand on no longer feel safe.

I lived in LA for nearly 20 years before moving to Portland, and my heart remains deeply connected to this community. Many of my friends, colleagues, and clients are still there—some displaced, some waiting to return, and others beginning the long and arduous process of cleaning soot and ash from homes that were spared.

How do you begin to recover from something so incomprehensible? Fires are still burning, the air still heavy with smoke, and the ground beneath many of you still feels unsteady. It’s no wonder it feels incomprehensible—how could we possibly make sense of such profound loss?

Grieving the magnitude of this tragedy will require time, compassion, and the steadfast support of a caring community. It’s okay not to have answers right now. It’s okay to feel lost in the enormity of it all. As we move forward, let’s remind ourselves to take one step at a time and lean on one another when the weight feels too heavy to bear alone.

For now, we sit with the feelings of despair. We honor the depth of our grief. And we begin to ask: How do we care for one another, especially our children, as they navigate the loss of safety, homes, loved ones, and a sense of normalcy? How do we extend comfort to those watching from afar, filled with worry for their friends and family—or with fears that something similar could happen in their own community?

In the aftermath of trauma, we start with the basics:

Nutrition, hydration, shelter, rest: These essentials are the first steps toward reconnecting with your body and finding an internal sense of safety again. If you or someone you know has been displaced or lacks access to these basics, please know there are local resources available to help. I encourage you to reach out for support.

Once these survival needs are met, consider next steps to encourage healing and recovery:

Movement

Simple physical activities can ground us and help restore a sense of strength and stability. Gentle stretches or standing in Mountain Pose with feet firmly planted can be grounding, even amidst uncertainty.

Routine and Predictability

In times of upheaval, creating a sense of rhythm—even in small ways—can be comforting. Plan each day, even if plans must change. Where will you stay today? What will you eat for lunch? Where will you sleep tonight? Small routines provide a sense of safety for both children and adults.

Creative Expression

Children, especially, may struggle to put their feelings into words. Encourage them to draw, paint, or write to process their experiences. Creative outlets can help make sense of emotions and tell the story of what’s happened.

Resourcing

Mr. Rogers gently reminded us to “look for the helpers,” and those helpers are everywhere: firefighters, first responders, doctors, volunteers, neighbors, friends, and even strangers. Take a moment each day to notice who or what is helping you through. These small reminders of care and connection can serve as an anchor, offering support and comfort during difficult times.

Building a Bridge

The present moment may feel overwhelming, but it’s important to hold onto hope for the future. The neighborhoods and communities that were destroyed will rebuild—stronger, more connected, and more resilient than before.

On the other side of trauma lies the opportunity for growth—including a deeper sense of compassion, greater wisdom, and stronger connections with those around us. Healing takes time, but the strength, courage, and resilience of this community will shape the path forward. Holding on to this hope can make the present moment a little more bearable.

My heart is with everyone impacted by the fires. Below, you’ll find resources to help meet immediate needs and support recovery. Please take time each day to grieve, connect with loved ones, and find moments of stillness amidst the turmoil.

With kindness and support,

Noelle

Resources for Los Angeles Families Affected by the Fires

Shelter Information

  • Find Nearby Shelters: Text “SHELTER” followed by your ZIP code to 43362.

Government Assistance

  • California Wildfire Resources: Visit CA.gov/LAfires for disaster assistance and insurance claim resources for individuals and business owners.
  • FEMA Assistance:
    • One-time $770 payment for immediate needs (food, supplies).
    • Grants for home repairs, car damage, medical bills, or funeral costs.
    • Apply at www.disasterassistance.gov or call 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362).

Disaster Resource Centers

  • Westside Location:
    UCLA Research Park West
    10850 West Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
  • Eastside Location:
    Pasadena City College Community Education Center
    3035 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91107

Centers are open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week and provide support for lost documents, disaster relief, mental health counseling, and other services.


Mental Health Support

  • Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health:
    • 24/7 Help Line: Call 1-800-854-7771 for immediate assistance.
    • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial or text 988 for confidential support.
    • Disaster Distress Helpline: Call 1-800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746 for crisis counseling.
  • LACPA (Los Angeles County Psychological Association): Curated mental health resources.

Volunteer and Donation Opportunities


Other Support Services

  • Teladoc Health: Free, 24/7 virtual medical care for Southern California residents and first responders.

The vision you hold for your family is within reach.

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