Wildfires Expose Safety, Logistical Risks for LA County’s Unhoused
Originally reported by Aaron Schrank for LAist, the story examines the heightened risks facing people experiencing homelessness during the Los Angeles County wildfires and the challenges service providers face in reaching people with timely information, resources, and support.
As wildfires affected communities across Los Angeles County in January 2025, people experiencing homelessness faced added risks from hazardous air quality, limited access to emergency information, and the difficulty of evacuating from areas threatened by fire.
LAist spoke with service providers and advocates about efforts to reach people living outdoors and connect them with resources during the emergency. St. Joseph Center President and CEO Dr. Ryan J. Smith described the challenge of responding to widespread needs as conditions continued to change.
The reporting also examines the broader logistical challenges of emergency response for people experiencing homelessness, including transportation, access to shelters and health resources, and reaching people who may be dispersed across large areas.
The reporting also examines the broader logistical challenges of emergency response for people experiencing homelessness, including transportation, access to shelters and health resources, and reaching people who may be dispersed across large areas.
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