“We Lost Everything”: Older Wildfire Survivors Face an Uncertain Future
Our work with fire-impacted communities has made a new reality clear: Older survivors—those 65 and older—are facing some of the greatest challenges in rebuilding their lives after the megafires.
The disaster upended the sense of security for many seniors, forcing painful decisions about where and how to live. Some are battling insurance companies and bureaucratic red tape. Others are still struggling to find temporary housing more than ten weeks after the fire. Most are simply exhausted.
“We’ve lived in our home for 40 years, and now we’re being told it’ll be years before we can move back—if we can afford to. I don’t have years to wait.” — David, 73, Displaced Homeowner, Pacific Palisades
To better understand the needs of older survivors, the Department of Angels analyzed thousands of responses from wildfire survivors across LA County. The results are clear: Without intervention, many older Angelenos will be permanently displaced.
Older Survivors Are More Vulnerable Than Ever
For most survivors, age 65 is the turning point where disaster recovery becomes significantly harder. Unlike younger survivors, older residents face unique obstacles:
Fixed incomes make it impossible for many to afford skyrocketing rent or out-of-pocket rebuilding costs.
Mobility limitations make navigating disaster aid, temporary housing, and relocation especially difficult.
Digital barriers leave many struggling to access FEMA aid, insurance portals, and government resources that are primarily online.
“I don’t use computers much, and everything is online. I called the insurance company five times before someone finally explained how to file a claim.” — Patricia, 78, Displaced Renter, Altadena
Homeowners vs. Renters: Two Crises, One Urgent Need
Similar to trends we’ve seen in the overall fire survivor community, homeowners or renters face different struggles:
Older homeowners are tangled in insurance battles, debris removal confusion, rebuilding delays, and financial uncertainty. Some fear their homes will be uninsurable in the future. In addition, we have found several hundred fire survivors with reverse mortgages, which further complicates recovery.
Older renters face extreme challenges leasing temporary or permanent housing without great credit and income at least 3 times the advertised rent. With the high cost of housing in the region, those on fixed incomes cannot qualify for most available rental housing. Additionally, without insurance, many have no financial cushion.
“We’re sleeping on my daughter’s couch, but that’s not a real solution. The apartments we can afford are gone, and the ones left are too expensive. What are we supposed to do?” — Helen, 70, Displaced Renter, Pasadena
Older Survivors Are Less Likely to Rebuild
Compared to younger survivors, older residents are significantly less likely to want to rebuild. Many fear the financial burden, bureaucratic delays, or simply the emotional toll.
In Altadena, many older renters and lower-income homeowners want to leave permanently, citing rising costs and lack of support.
In Pacific Palisades, older homeowners want to rebuild but feel trapped by insurance denials and endless red tape.
“I just don’t have it in me to start over at 72. I’d rather find a place I can afford and live in peace.” — Joseph, 72, Displaced Homeowner, Altadena
How Older Survivors Are Getting Left Behind
Older survivors rely far more on word-of-mouth, printed materials, and in-person meetings to get information about recovery. Many are struggling to navigate online resources, leading to missed deadlines and lost financial support.
Altadena respondents trust churches and senior centers for information.
Palisades respondents rely on insurance agents and legal advisors.
“No one tells you anything unless you know where to look. And I don’t know where to look.” — Margaret, 80, Displaced Senior, Pasadena
If we want an equitable recovery, we need to meet older survivors where they are—through direct outreach, phone hotlines, and printed guides available at senior centers, libraries, and places of worship.
What Needs to Happen Now
To prevent widespread displacement among older wildfire survivors, policymakers, community organizations, and philanthropy must act immediately.
Emergency Housing & Rental Assistance — Expanded temporary or permanent housing options specifically designated for seniors are urgently needed. These options must be easy to lease and should include rental assistance to bridge the gap over the next 2-5 years.
Direct, Senior-Friendly Communication — Recovery resources must be available in print, over the phone, and in person.
Disaster Recovery Navigators — Trained caseworkers should help seniors apply for FEMA, insurance claims, and housing aid. Caseworkers knowledgeable of mortgage issues and specifically reverse mortgages.
Faster Insurance & Rebuilding Approvals — Older homeowners can’t afford endless delays in getting their homes back.
Mental Health & Trauma Support — Losing a home is devastating. Older survivors need emotional and psychological support to endure their recovery
This Is a Defining Moment
Disasters don’t just sweep away homes. They can sweep away whole communities—often in ways that push out the most vulnerable.
One of our most important roles at the Department of Angels is to make sure no survivors are forgotten in the recovery process. This includes seniors, who have unique needs that must be prioritized, and deserve to stay in the communities they’ve called home for so many years. and to be made whole.
This crisis is an opportunity to rethink how we support aging communities after a disaster. If we get this right, we won’t just rebuild homes—we’ll rebuild security, dignity, and community.
But we have to act now.