Real estate professionals aren’t just in the business of helping people buy and sell homes. They are guardians of the very idea of home, writes coach Darryl Davis.
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The wildfires raging across California are much more than just a natural disaster. It is a full-blown housing and humanitarian crisis. Not only have families been left homeless overnight, but entire communities have been reduced to ashes, and the very concept of home as we know it is under siege.
As real estate professionals, we don’t just help people buy and sell homes. We are the very guardians of the concept of home. Now, more than ever, it’s time to step up and make a difference.
The devastation that can be seen at a glance
As of January 16, 2025, wildfires in Southern California have caused significant damage.
These statistics highlight the serious impact bushfires have on individuals and communities, and highlight the urgent need for support and recovery efforts.
This is not just a California challenge, but a call to action for the entire real estate community. Whether you live in Los Angeles or elsewhere in the country, there are steps you can take to support those affected and help rebuild what was lost.
how we can help
1. Airbnb.org’s Free Home Rentals: Airbnb.org is stepping up by providing free temporary housing to wildfire victims. As real estate agents, we can strengthen this effort by:
Donate to Airbnb.org to help fund emergency housing for displaced families. Every dollar counts. Spread the word: Share Airbnb.org programs with your networks and social media. Use your voice to inspire action. Visit Airbnb.org to learn more and contribute.
2. Share important resources. Assist those affected by directing them to the next critical service.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Financial assistance for food, water, and temporary housing. Apply online at disasterassistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362. California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES): Information about evacuation and wildfire recovery services. Visit wildfirerecovery.caloes.ca.gov. California Wildfire Recovery Resources: Comprehensive disaster recovery information is available at usa.gov/california-wildfires. California Department of Social Services (CDSS): Assisting in locating evacuated residents and replacing important documents. Visit cdss.ca.gov/disaster-help-center. CAL FIRE: Post-Wildfire Recovery Assistance and Programs. For more information, visit readyforwildfire.org. California Community Foundation Wildfire Recovery Fund: Supports long-term recovery efforts. Donate at calfund.org. Direct Relief: Provide masks, vehicles, and funds to support firefighters and recovery. For more information, please visit directrelief.org.
3. Provide mental health support. Recovery is not only physical, but also emotional. The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health has resources available to assist people dealing with trauma. Please share these with your clients and community so no one faces this alone. Click here for more information.
Intermediary relief activities
Anywhere: The Anywhere Gives Charitable Foundation has established the Anywhere Disaster Relief Fund (ADRF) to support employee families, franchisees, and independent distributors. Any employee or affiliated agency can apply for a grant here. Please donate here. Keller Williams: Keller Williams Cares provides emergency grants to KW employees and their families for health, housing and transportation needs. Please apply here. Agents: The brokerage has launched the Giveback Home LA Fire Relief Fundraiser to support staff and agents. Please donate here. The agency’s donation and resource center is also collecting essential supplies and providing temporary housing resources for affected families. Hilton & Hyland, Paul Salazar Group: This group supports the network with resources for temporary housing, transportation, and essentials, including Los Angeles Furnished Finder Monthly Furnished Rentals and the California Community Foundation Wildfire Recovery Fund. are. Douglas Elliman: Douglas Elliman will host a Wildfire Recovery Zoom Panel to discuss next steps on Friday, January 19th at 12:00 p.m. The brokerage has also launched a fundraiser for the American Red Cross to provide needed resources to wildfire victims. Pardee Properties: Pardee Properties has created a list of more than 3,400 vacant, temporary or furnished homes for displaced residents, as well as a form to track donations of support and resources. The management team is also coordinating transportation to safe locations and delivering food, clothing, and hygiene products. California Association of Realtors (CAR): CAR has committed $600,000 to wildfire relief, including $300,000 to the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) and $300,000 to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) Assigned to Relief Foundation. Affected members of the real estate agent community can apply for assistance here.
A mission with purpose and passion
As real estate professionals, we have a unique relationship with the concept of housing. It’s more than just walls and a roof; it’s a place where memories are made, people find safety, and communities grow. Wildfires have struck at the heart of this concept, but we have the power to recover. Here’s how:
Volunteer your time for local recovery efforts. Open your office as a resource center for displaced people. We work with local organizations to provide housing solutions and support.
Together we can rebuild
The resilience of our community depends on the collective efforts of individuals like you. By taking action, sharing resources, and speaking out, we not only help families recover, but also demonstrate what it means to be a real estate professional with heart and purpose. That’s it.
Let’s show the world what happens when we come together to protect the idea of home. Start by visiting Airbnb.org and the resources listed above. Together, we can rebuild lives and restore hope, one house at a time.
#RealEstateResponsibility #HelpRebuildHome #CaliforniaWildfireRelief
