Los Angeles Wildfires Disaster Relief
January 22:
Bringing “Light in the Darkness”
to Pacific Palisades
Written By Ida Eva Zielinska
Published #76 | Spring 2025 Issue
West Los Angeles Service Center Director Flora Yeh (right), who also lost her home in the Palisades Fire, assists Anna Wei with check-in at the distribution on January 22, 2025. Photo/Jaime Puerta
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On January 22, Palisades Fire survivors arrived at the West Los Angeles Service Center for a second disaster relief distribution, bringing their stories and troubles. “I didn’t know the fire would come down so fast until the policeman knocked on the door to tell me to leave. So, I just grabbed my purse, cellphone, and a few changes of clothes, that’s all,” 91-year-old Anna Wei shared. Receiving Tzu Chi’s aid, which included an eco-blanket, she said, “This blanket is really God sent because I don’t have furniture or anything, so… At least I can sleep on the floor with the blanket and have some food. Yeah, it’s wonderful. I’m so happy to find this place.”
Each care recipient had their own unique situation to deal with, yet all were cognizant of how challenging the recovery in the aftermath of this catastrophe would be. Manuel Rodriguez and Maria Cisneros, who only spoke Spanish and were assisted by an interpreter, described how they narrowly escaped the Palisades Fire. “We almost burned inside the house. One more minute and the fire could have gotten us in our car,” Rodrigues recounted.
Currently, the couple was staying in a shelter, unable to find a place to rent. “We lived in a property that we were renting, and there, everything was lost. Job… equipment… house…” Rodriguez explained, and Cisneros added, “We were left with nothing.” In effect, they were starting over from zero, as Rodriguez said, and the cash card from Tzu Chi would give them a head start on their most urgent needs.
This organization is the first to help us with money. We thank you with all our hearts. And I really hope to repay all this.
Leyla Howkin told Tzu Chi volunteers tearfully, “Forty years of my life, I lived in Malibu. I never thought it would hit me, but it did.” Susan Chen, who processed a cash card for Howkins, did her best to uplift her spirit, as did everyone serving at the distribution, and the moral support made a difference, as Howkins shared before leaving.
I was so touched by their kindness, by their generosity, by the love they're giving us, by their heart; the only light I have seen in this entire darkness.
As for Chen, being there and helping felt like a blessing since it filled her heart with joy. “I’m so happy I can be here to help them, at least even a little bit.”
