Los Angeles, CA – As the wildfires continue to rage in Southern California, over 90,000 people are struggling to find temporary shelter, exacerbating the housing shortage in one of America’s most expensive cities. Displaced residents are being forced to share beds, couches, and even cars with family and friends as they search for a place to call home.
The hunt for longer-term housing has sparked bidding wars in some neighborhoods, with real estate agents reporting 1,000 applicants for a single rental listing. In Pasadena, a family who lost their home in the Eaton fire is facing eviction from their emergency short-term rental due to a higher-paying tenant.
Evacuees like Lila King, 75, are experiencing the harsh realities of displacement. Ms. King has been staying in her vehicle with her son since they were displaced by the fire, and is struggling to find food and shelter due to her recent surgery. She said, “We’re trying to get some help to get a place, I’m worried.”
The American Red Cross and other agencies have opened eight shelters in Los Angeles County, but many evacuees are finding it difficult to access them. Some are forced to sleep on the floor or share cramped spaces with others.
As the situation continues to deteriorate, residents like Nic Arnzen, vice chairman of the town council of Altadena, are facing a daunting task. Nearly all of Altadena’s 45,000 residents were displaced, and many are struggling to find safe and affordable housing.
Price gouging on rental housing is prohibited in California under an emergency declaration, but many listings have seen significant price increases since the fires started. The Colemans, who lost their home in Altadena, are waiting for the fire risk to abate before re-entering their neighborhood. They said, “We’re just going to wait it out.”
As the wildfires continue to ravage Southern California, evacuees like Ms. King and the Colemans are fighting to find a way to rebuild their lives amidst the chaos and uncertainty.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/13/us/la-fires-evacuations-housing-shelter.html