After the Fires, LA Will Rebuild. Travelers Can Volunteer to Help

The recent Los Angeles wildfires have left widespread devastation in their wake, destroying homes, businesses, and vast stretches of land. Thousands of residents have been displaced, with entire communities reduced to ash and critical infrastructure severely damaged. The environmental toll is equally severe, with wildlife habitats lost and both water sources and air quality compromised. Now, more than ever, affected families and businesses need support to rebuild their lives. Emergency aid, housing assistance, and long-term recovery efforts are essential to restoring these communities. Donations, volunteer efforts, and government aid will play a crucial role in helping survivors recover and rebuild stronger, more resilient homes and infrastructure. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles is a leading player in coordinating volunteer efforts in the area and working to rebuild via its ReBUILD LA initiative. If you’re planning a trip to Los Angeles, you can help – even if you have only a few hours to give. Matador spoke with Erin Rank, CEO of the organization, about current needs and how to get involved.

An overview of the current need for volunteer help in Los Angeles

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Volunteer efforts to support Los Angeles communities affected by the January 2025 wildfires commenced almost immediately after the fires ignited in early January. Local residents, organizations, and even celebrities mobilized to provide aid. For instance, chef Daniel Shemtob, despite losing his own home, partnered with World Central Kitchen to prepare meals for those affected and first responders. Community hubs like All Power Books transformed into emergency supply centers, coordinating volunteer efforts to deliver resources to survivors and frontline workers, according to a report in The Guardian.

As of mid-February 2025, significant progress has been made in relief and rebuilding efforts. Benefit events, such as the FireAid concert on January 30, 2025, raised substantial funds to support those affected by the fires. Additionally, organizations like the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank have distributed thousands of food packages to displaced families, with the help of over a thousand volunteers. However, the road to full recovery is ongoing, and continued support remains essential to rebuild and restore the affected communities.

“The need for rebuilding efforts is urgent,” Rank told Matador via email. “Entire communities have been displaced, and many families have lost everything. Our focus is on providing safe, stable housing for those impacted, whether through rebuilding homes, assisting with critical repairs, or supporting families in need of temporary shelter solutions.”

How travelers can get involved while in the area

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Rebuilding after the wildfires will be a tremendous ongoing effort over the next several years. This means that if you have plans to visit Los Angeles at any point in 2025, there will likely be on-the-ground help needed, even if you only have a small amount of time to give.

“In the coming weeks, we need volunteers to assist with wildfire recovery efforts, including distribution events, home repairs, and rebuilding projects,” Rank says. “Skilled volunteers such as carpenters, electricians, and general contractors are needed, but there are also plenty of opportunities for those without construction experience.”

Travelers visiting the area can sign up in advance to be notified of current and ongoing volunteer needs via a dedicated form. Rank notes that those without construction experience can help with donation sorting, supply distribution, and community outreach to connect affected families with vital resources.

“Every helping hand makes a difference in getting families back on their feet,” Rank says.

The group LA Works also posts volunteer opportunities that are readily available. For those unable to donate time, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles is accepting donations to help fund its wildfire rebuilding efforts via a Fundraise page.

Why rebuilding after the LA wildfires will be such a challenge

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Rank notes that wildfires create specific challenges beyond the immediate destruction. In this case entire neighborhoods were destroyed, displacing communities of people and leaving them in some cases with nothing left.

“The toxic debris and air quality issues also make cleanup and rebuilding more complex and hazardous,” Rank says.

Another major factor facing the Los Angeles area is the ongoing housing crises, already at height even before the fires. As many of the damaged neighborhoods are in wealthier enclaves, the displaced families are likely to drive up rent prices even further, making finding a home more difficult for those less fortunate.

“Additionally, in California, the ongoing housing crisis means that finding temporary shelter for displaced families is especially difficult,” Rank says. “The scale of rebuilding is enormous, and long-term solutions are critical to ensuring these families don’t just recover but thrive.”

Despite the rough road ahead, Rank and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles remain positive that the city can and will rebuild, resulting in neighborhoods more resilient than they were before.

“People should know that recovery will take time, and sustained support is crucial,” Rank says. “Whether through volunteering, donating, or spreading awareness, every action helps ensure that families can return home stronger than before.”