As one of the most devastating wildfires in Los Angeles history ravages thousands of homes, the real estate community has stepped up as a pivotal force in disaster relief. Real estate agents and brokers are working tirelessly to support wildfire victims, offering emergency housing solutions and spearheading relief initiatives during an unprecedented housing crisis.

With over 10,000 homes and structures reduced to ash and more than 60 square miles engulfed in flames, the ongoing wildfires have intensified the region’s already critical housing shortage. “We were grappling with a housing crisis before,” remarked Tamara Suminski, co-owner of Beach Real Estate Group in Manhattan Beach, California. “Now, the challenge is addressing both immediate and long-term housing needs.”

Real estate professionals are working against the clock, finding temporary housing for displaced families. In some cases, agents have opened their own homes to help evacuees. Additionally, they're organizing emergency response efforts, from packing hygiene kits to coordinating donations for fire relief.

Efforts like these are crucial, as the wildfires continue to fuel concerns over California’s ongoing insurance crisis, leaving many families uncertain about how to rebuild. Evacuees face weeks—or months—of waiting to learn what their homeowners’ policies will cover.

Organizations within the real estate sector, such as SHE IS HOPE LA, are at the forefront of community support. Tisha Janigian, a broker-owner of SHE IS HOPE Realty, has transformed her office into a coordination hub, overseeing acts like collection drives for wildfire victims. From organizing donations to arranging partnerships with nonprofit food pantries and housing organizations, Janigian and her volunteers are delivering actionable resources to evacuees.

“We’re trying to guide families in survival mode while preparing them for the longer-term reality of rebuilding their lives,” said Janigian. In collaboration with local shelters and city officials, SHE IS HOPE LA is addressing the increasing demand for both short-term housing and sustainable housing solutions.

Many within the real estate community are finding themselves victims of the wildfires while continuing to serve others. Alexandra Pfeifer, an agent with Sotheby’s International Realty, lost her Pacific Palisades home during the disaster. Despite her personal loss, Pfeifer remains focused on helping her clients secure alternative housing in a tight residential real estate market. “We’ve lost entire neighborhoods, and the lack of inventory makes every available home critical,” Pfeifer explained.

Brokerages like Keller Williams Realty have also mobilized their networks, offering housing assistance via their “Adopt-a-Agent” program, matching displaced agents with industry peers willing to offer housing and other resources.

The broader real estate sector is amplifying its financial relief efforts. The California Association of REALTORS® (CAR), for example, is collecting donations to provide housing assistance and grants to its members and staff affected by the disaster. The REALTORS® Relief Foundation, too, has dedicated its proceeds to offering disaster relief, ensuring every dollar supports wildfire responders and victims.

“The road to recovery will be long,” noted CAR President Heather Ozur, “but the resilience of this community and its ability to mobilize resources is inspiring.”

As Los Angeles residents navigate this crisis, the collaboration between real estate professionals and local communities underscores the sector’s resolve. Agents, brokers, and associations are proving that even amidst toxic air, burned landscapes, and disrupted lives, community ingenuity and commitment can shine through.

While the fires are still active, many in the real estate industry emphasize that the need for donations, supplies, and effort will extend far beyond the immediate disaster period. “Supporting wildfire responders and victims isn’t a short-term project,” said Suminski. “We need to commit to long-term rebuilding.”

For those looking to aid wildfire victims, donating goods, funds, or time to organizations like SHE IS HOPE LA or the REALTORS® Relief Foundation offers much-needed evacuee resources.

The Los Angeles wildfires highlight the multifaceted role of real estate professionals—not only as market experts but as vital drivers of disaster assistance and recovery.