Statement from CalHHS Secretary Kim Johnson
One year ago, the Eaton, Palisades and other southern California fires forever changed lives, neighborhoods, and communities. We remember those we lost, the families who lost homes, the children whose schools were disrupted, the older adults and people with disabilities who faced unique challenges, and the frontline workers and neighbors who stepped up in extraordinary ways.
Over the past year, California has made meaningful progress in recovery. Through the work of the California Health and Human Services Agency (CalHHS) and our partner departments, families have accessed food, housing, health care, and behavioral health services during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Children, youth, caregivers and families have connected to free, timely mental health support through platforms like BrightLife Kids and Soluna. Thousands of older adults have received disaster recovery information and resources, warm-line support, and preparedness resources in multiple languages. Community-based organizations have helped families secure temporary housing, replace vital documents, and regain a sense of stability. Child care, health care and substance use treatment providers have reopened or relocated so care could continue.
At the same time, we know that milestones like this can be painful reminders, and that recovery isn’t always linear. For many families, the work of rebuilding emotionally, physically, and financially is still underway. That reality demands continued attention, compassion, and action.
This is especially true for older adults and people with disabilities, who are often disproportionately impacted by wildfire due to mobility limitations, chronic health conditions, and social isolation. Over the past year we have taken steps to strengthen the systems and supports that serve this growing population, informed by ongoing engagement with people with lived experience and community partners. This includes strengthening emergency response processes and improving coordination across care settings while expanding outreach that encourages neighbors, families, and community networks to support each other during recovery.
Our commitment is clear: recovery does not end when the headlines fade. Every family impacted by these fires deserves ongoing support, whether they need mental health care, help caring for a loved one, access to benefits, or assistance preparing for the future. CalHHS will continue working alongside state and local partners, community organizations, and residents to meet people where they are and to strengthen resilience for the long term.
As we mark this one-year milestone, we honor the strength of those affected and reaffirm our responsibility to one another. Together, we will keep showing up because recovery is not just about rebuilding structures, it’s about supporting people, families, and communities for as long as it takes.