L.A. Wildfires: Relief Resources & Solidarity
Dear ERI Friends and Allies,
This week has been heartbreaking for so many across Los Angeles County and beyond. As with many of your families and organizations, some members of our team have been directly impacted. Please know that our thoughts are with you. No words can truly capture the depth of the grief, shock, and uncertainty you may be feeling—nor the importance of community, generosity, and acts of kindness big and small that you may be offering or receiving right now.
As we witness communities grappling with environmental devastation and displacement, we are reminded of how deeply these crises are rooted in the systemic inequalities that shape our world. While some may be fortunate enough to feel safe, others are enduring unimaginable hardships including the loss of homes and livelihoods—and many may face an especially difficult path to recovery because of a lack of wealth, status, and access.
These moments of crisis lay bare the urgent need for both community care and collective action. They remind us why our commitment to racial, environmental, and economic justice matters so deeply. We remain steadfast in our dedication to supporting affected communities—through research, storytelling that uplifts their voices, and partnerships with advocates and movement leaders working toward transformative change.
The road ahead will be challenging, but we are not without hope. Together, we can embrace our hardest-hit communities, rebuild the physical structures lost, and reinvent the systems that have long failed to protect the most vulnerable among us. We envision a future that is just, resilient, and grounded in the strength and courage of those most impacted.
Please, take care of yourselves and one another during these incredibly difficult times. For those seeking ways to offer or receive support, we’ve included resources that may be of help in the days ahead.
With solidarity and compassion,
Manuel Pastor and the ERI Team