New Survey Reveals Continued Displacement, Financial Hardship, and Unmet Remediation Needs

The Department of Angels has released its new Community Voices report, surveying 2,150 adults from Eaton and Palisades fire-affected communities. Only 1% of respondents whose homes were total losses reported returning. Among standing-home survivors, approximately one-third remain displaced, while 20% report needing remediation they have not received. Among those with standing but damaged homes, 32% report stalled or unstarted repairs or remediation, with insurance delays, insufficient payouts, and high out-of-pocket costs creating significant barriers. Additionally, 28% of households relying on displacement coverage report exhausting those benefits.

EFRU is also concerned that many standing-home survivors who have returned home did so without comprehensive contaminant testing and may be unaware of hazardous lead, asbestos, or other wildfire residues remaining in their homes. Returning home does not necessarily mean a home has been verified safe for occupancy. The findings underscore the urgent need for proper testing, remediation, and insurance accountability to ensure a safe recovery.

Action: Read the Department of Angels Full Report.

Read more: Pasadena Star-News Article