A disaster recovery coalition serving communities scarred by the Palisades Fires has received a new grant from the American Red Cross to expand long-term help for families still working to rebuild, the group announced.
The Malibu Community Long Term Recovery Group said the funding will support disaster recovery and unmet needs services for individuals and families in Malibu, Topanga and Pacific Palisades who were displaced from their homes or otherwise affected by the fires.
The coalition, established in April 2025 by the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu, brings together nonprofits, government agencies, businesses and community partners to coordinate resources and support survivors through what its leaders describe as a recovery measured in months and years rather than weeks.
"Recovery is a long journey, and partnerships like this ensure that survivors continue to receive the support, resources and advocacy they need every step of the way," said Shannon Dunn, executive director of the recovery group.
The grant builds on the disaster case management program run by the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu, which has served more than 2,550 individuals and provided over 24,000 hours of casework and care coordination. The club has also distributed $3.5 million in donated goods and $3.3 million in cash assistance to wildfire survivors, according to the organization.
Kasey Earnest, chief executive officer of the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu, said the club was honored to expand its work with the Red Cross and grateful to the California Community Foundation, which is serving as the coalition's fiscal sponsor.
"We're honored to expand our partnership with the American Red Cross as we continue walking alongside our community throughout the long-term recovery process," Earnest said.
For many survivors, the hardest stretch of recovery may still lie ahead. Jacquelyn Clites, regional chief executive officer of the Red Cross Los Angeles Region, said housing remains the central challenge as families move deeper into the rebuilding process.
"Each individual's recovery is unique, but the ongoing needs related to housing, whether that be temporary housing costs, or repair or rebuild needs, has been a significant obstacle at this stage," Clites said.
She also warned that survivors' well-being can suffer as public attention fades.
"We recognize this stage of the recovery may be especially difficult for those affected," Clites said. "As public attention on the recovery wanes, the need continues and the mental health of survivors can suffer as a result."
The new partnership is part of the national Red Cross Long-Term Recovery Program, which supports individual and household recovery while addressing broader community needs after a disaster. Amanda Ree, director of wildfire long-term recovery at the American Red Cross, said the collaboration would help sustain critical work in the communities hit by the fires.
"Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we're able to continue supporting the communities affected by wildfire, and working alongside trusted partners like these will ensure that important work continues in the days and weeks to come," Ree said.
Clites said the Red Cross grant was one of several awarded to community organizations providing recovery services to families affected by the Palisades and Eaton Fires. A full list of grantees is available at RedCross.org/CAFireGrants.
"The Red Cross is here to provide support as recovery continues," Clites said.
Community members seeking more information about the grant, the Boys & Girls Club's activities or how to access services can reach Ashley Proud and Crystal Edwards on the recovery group's team.
The Boys & Girls Club of Malibu describes itself as a trusted community anchor offering long-term disaster recovery services, no-cost mental health and wellness services, and youth enrichment programs. More information is available at www.bgcmalibu.org.
The American Red Cross, a nonprofit that relies on volunteers and public donations, shelters and feeds disaster victims, supplies about 40% of the nation's blood and supports military members, veterans and their families, among other services.