EFC Advocacy Committee & Dena Rise Up Secure $15M CARE Fund for Eaton Fire Recovery

The CARE Fund has officially been signed into law, securing $15 million in state funding to help Eaton Fire survivors rebuild and prevent displacement in Altadena. The funding follows months of advocacy by Dena Rise Up and the Eaton Fire Collaborative Advocacy Committee, which organized survivors, built community support, met with lawmakers, and traveled to Sacramento to press for the fund’s inclusion in California’s 2026–27 state budget, while also supporting EFRU’s successful push for AB 1642. A September 1 Colorado Boulevard report confirmed that the CARE Fund was included in AB 113, and on September 18, the Governor’s Office announced that Governor Newsom had signed AB 113, the Budget Act of 2026, into law, formally enacting the appropriation. A September 26 LA Sentinel op-ed by A Resilient Tomorrow Co-Executive Director Sam James, highlights the severe financial pressures still facing survivors and describes the CARE Fund as an equity-focused, long-term anti-displacement initiative intended to help vulnerable Altadena households remain in the community. The fund will provide rebuilding-gap assistance for households at risk of displacement while also supporting land acquisition for permanent affordable housing through a community land trust. Listen to the podcast LA Rising to hear the trip Dena Rise Up residents took to Sacramento mid August to advocate for the passing of the Care Fund and AB 1642.

Colorado Boulevard | Governor Newsom September 18 Legislative Update | LA Sentinel | LA Rising