27 Dead and Thousands Displaced: California Residents Struggle to Find Housing After Wildfires

Thousands of California residents are facing fierce competition to find affordable housing after losing their homes in some of the most devastating wildfires in the state’s history.

According to Reuters, the fires have claimed the lives of at least 27 people as of last Friday and destroyed more than 10,000 buildings in residential areas in Pacific Palisades and Altadena.

Following the wildfires, rents have soared, and uncertainty surrounds insurance compensation, leaving many displaced individuals in a precarious situation.

Residents of Los Angeles have expressed the pain of being uprooted from their neighborhoods and the significant challenge of determining their families’ futures.

A Rental Frenzy

John Adolf, 48, his wife, their two young children, and their two dogs have been staying with friends since fleeing their home in Altadena a week ago. Their house, located near Angeles National Forest, was destroyed by the Eaton Fire after six years of residence.

“We thank God that we are safe, but we don’t know what lies ahead,” Adolf told Reuters. “We (my wife and I) are lucky because we’re still working here. I know people who lost their livelihoods and have to start from scratch. We’re still working.”

John and his wife Christine, both born and raised in Los Angeles, do not plan to leave the area permanently “unless they are forced to.”

For now, the family is relieved to stay with friends, but they know it is not a long-term solution. They have already begun searching for rental apartments.

“We have two kids and two large dogs… We need something stable for the children,” Adolf explained.

However, when they went to view a rental home, six other families were already lined up ahead of them.

“This is madness, no doubt about it. Things are completely out of control,” Adolf added.

Although their home was insured, Adolf is concerned that rising construction costs and new insurance premiums may push them out of their neighborhood.

“We don’t know if we’ll be able to rebuild,” he admitted.

He also mentioned having no idea how long it will take authorities to clear the debris before they can rebuild. “We really want to stay, but who knows? We just don’t know,” he concluded, as reported by Reuters.