Pacific Palisades, March 18, 2025 – In the aftermath of the devastating Palisades Fire, relief efforts continue at the Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC), providing critical support to wildfire survivors. The event, hosted at American Legion Palisades Post 283, located at 15247 La Cruz Dr, Pacific Palisades, runs through Saturday, March 22, with services available from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. The MARC brings together multiple disaster relief organizations, including the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, FEMA, and local nonprofits, to ensure that affected residents receive financial aid, housing assistance, food, medical care, mental health support, and essential supplies.
Mimi Teller of the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region emphasized the collaborative effort behind the event, stating, "We have what's called a MARC, a Multi-Agency Resource Center. While the Red Cross is hosting it, all the people participating are from our partners throughout the Los Angeles area. We have the Small Business Administration, Habitat for Humanity, the Salvation Army, World Central Kitchen, and so many more partners that help us bring relief, support, and hope to the communities who have been affected." Teller encouraged residents to check their notifications if they were directly impacted by the wildfires and advised that those in need of assistance could visit redcross.org for more information.
Residents impacted by the wildfires can access immediate relief at the MARC, which offers financial assistance, grants, insurance claim support, temporary housing resources, home repair guidance, food distribution, medical and mental health care, mobile clinics, stress relief support, debris removal guidance, cleanup kits, tools, protective gear, and air purifiers. The MARC is a vital resource for those rebuilding their lives after the fire that burned more than 23,448 acres, destroyed 6,837 structures, and resulted in 12 fatalities, forcing the evacuation of over 100,000 residents across Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and surrounding areas.
Representatives from ToolBank Disaster Services were on-site providing free disaster cleanup buckets filled with essential tools, including hammers, screwdrivers, and gloves, to assist residents recovering their properties. Art Garciacano, West Coast Territory Manager for ToolBank, encouraged residents to take advantage of their tool-lending program, which provides resources for asset recovery and property restoration.
The Salvation Army has been actively providing financial assistance, non-perishable goods, and air purifiers to families affected by the fires. Captain Becky Helms of the Salvation Army Pasadena Tabernacle emphasized the organization's commitment to long-term recovery efforts and urged those in need to visit socal.salvationarmy.org for additional resources, donations, or volunteer opportunities. Captain James Fleming of the Salvation Army Santa Monica Corps highlighted the emotional and spiritual support available for survivors, stating, "We're here to pray with them, give them encouragement, and provide whatever support they need."
Local chapters of Hope Worldwide have also stepped up to assist in relief efforts. Volunteers have been helping survivors navigate available resources, transport supplies, and provide on-site support. Ingrid Levine, Chapter Relations Manager for Hope Worldwide, emphasized the importance of community-driven recovery efforts and thanked volunteers for their dedication.
At the American Legion Post 283, Joe Ramirez, Commander of the American Legion Post 283, underscored the Legion’s role in disaster response, reminding veterans that additional resources and services are available through the post. He encouraged both wildfire survivors and veterans in need of assistance to visit alpost283.com for more information.
Residents seeking assistance should visit the Multi-Agency Resource Center at American Legion Palisades Post 283 and bring a photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, along with proof of address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or insurance claim. Those unable to attend can visit redcross.org or socal.salvationarmy.org to access resources remotely.
Community members looking to support relief efforts can help by donating to organizations such as the Salvation Army, Red Cross, and Hope Worldwide, volunteering at resource centers, or spreading awareness about available aid. For updates on relief efforts, visit redcross.org, socal.salvationarmy.org, or alpost283.com.
Participating Organizations and Their Services
Credits: Video by Fabian with supplemental footage courtesy of The Salvation Army / Julie Allen. Photo credit: Julie Allen (The Salvation Army).
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