18 Months Later: Although Rebuilding Rises, Safety Remains Uncertain

The Pasadena Star-News, citing the Department of Angels’ 18-month Community Voices: LA Fire Recovery Report, reports that visible rebuilding in Altadena and Pacific Palisades masks a much slower recovery for many survivors still blocked by insurance, financing, and other barriers. Based on responses from more than 2,000 survivors, the report found

• Two-thirds of survivors remain displaced 18 months after the Eaton and Palisades fires.
• Nearly half have depleted savings or taken on debt.
• 1 in 5 has delayed repairs or rebuilding because of financial and recovery barriers.
• The typical homeowner faces an estimated $500,000 rebuilding gap.
• Total-loss homeowners report a median $600,000 insurance shortfall.
• Total-loss homeowners are paying a median $1,500 more per month for housing.
• One third of standing-home households remain displaced.
• Displaced standing-home survivors report high rates of insurance denials, financial hardship, and worsening mental health.
• Only 35% of standing-home survivors report indoor contamination testing, unchanged since December.
• 28% of residents already living in standing homes still want soil testing but have not received it.

The findings suggest that some residents are returning before their homes and soil have been fully tested, remediated, and independently cleared.

Action: Read the new recovery report from Department of Angels.
Pasadena Star News