In response to the fires sweeping across parts of Southern California, including the city of Los Angeles, this week, evacuations and emergency operations are underway at many LeadingAge member communities.

By the end of January 8, all residents had evacuated from La Pintoresca, an affordable community in Pasadena managed by CARING Housing Ministries, a Front Porch partner. Front Porch also reported that close to 100 residents have voluntarily evacuated from Villa Gardens, its continuing care retirement community in Pasadena, making it easier for affected staff to care for those who remained.

It is a “harrowing time,” said Sean Kelly, Front Porch CEO, with “so many staff also displaced and several already having lost homes.”

Residents and staff at other LeadingAge members with affordable housing communities in Santa Monica have evacuated; some reports of power outages are reported and still other providers are on evacuation alert.

“Many of our members in LA County and surrounding areas are deeply impacted by the wildfires,” said Jeannee Parker Martin, president and CEO of LeadingAge California, in an email. Earlier this week her team issued a Mutual Aid Alert, seeking access to independent and assisted living housing, nursing home beds for displaced older adults, and furniture and other emergency supplies to support residents and staff in need. Thanks to the generosity of members, she said, many residents have moved to temporary shelters and accommodations. In addition, business partner members have stepped up with offers of food and supplies. “We are grateful for all of this support on behalf of our members,” Martin said.

However, as the fires continue to rage, LeadingAge California staff efforts to understand the breadth and depth of need continue. “To date, we have heard of no deaths,” Parker Martin shared late on Wednesday January 8, “but we have heard of major devastation, displaced staff, loss of homes, and other horrors created by the fires. We know this is not over, and that many member organizations will need support in the days and weeks ahead.”

From LeadingAge’s national offices in Washington, DC, President and CEO Katie Smith Sloan said, “On behalf of the LeadingAge family—residents and staff in communities across the U.S.—our hearts go out to those affected by the California wildfires. Supporting one another in times of need is a LeadingAge value, a guiding principle, and, as we have during hurricanes and other natural disasters, we’re reaching out to help.”

Please consider making a donation to the LeadingAge Disaster Relief Fund to help offset the unavoidable costs fellow LeadingAge members face as they attempt to return to normal.