A new survey finds that the majority of residents displaced by January’s Palisades Fire in California remain in temporary housing, with many expecting to move again in the coming months as recovery efforts lag.
According to the Los Angeles Times, the Department of Angels surveyed 2,300 fire-impacted residents across Los Angeles County and found that 75 percent of surveyed Pacific Palisades residents and 67 percent of surveyed Altadena residents are still not in permanent homes.
Frequent Moves and Ongoing Instability
The Times reports that residents whose homes were completely destroyed have struggled to secure stable housing, but those whose properties sustained structural, smoke, or ash damage are often forced to relocate more frequently.
For residents who lost their homes in Altadena, Pacific Palisades, Pasadena, and Malibu 22% expected to move again within the next six to twelve months and 9% expected to move within just a few months.
Among residents dealing with structural or smoke/ash damage 19% expected to move within the next few months and 18% believed they would have to move within a year.
Federal Relief Funding Conversations Delayed
Fox News reported that one individual familiar with the recovery efforts said the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has access to Community Development Block Grant–Disaster Relief funding that could potentially support rebuilding and infrastructure reinvestment. However, planned meetings to discuss that funding were delayed due to the recent government shutdown.
Fire Victims Testify Before Senators
During a Senate hearing Thursday, Sens. Ron Johnson (R-WI) and Rick Scott (R-FL) heard testimony from victims of the fire, according to Breitbart News’s Warner Todd Huston. Among those who spoke was The Hills reality star Spencer Pratt, who has become a visible advocate for displaced families.
“By the grace of God, my family survived,” Pratt said. “My family has not lost our hope, but we did lose our home and everything we own in the Palisades fire.” Pratt testified while wearing a hat reading, “Newsome will never be president.”
Political Scrutiny on Gov. Newsom’s Response
Breitbart News reported that California Gov. Gavin Newsom has attempted to shift attention away from the Pacific Palisades fire, which the outlet said destroyed 7,000 structures and killed 12 people in the Pacific Palisades and Malibu areas alone.
Sen. Johnson has previously suggested the Senate could issue a subpoena to Newsom to explain “state and local failures during the Palisades Fire.”
Ongoing Uncertainty for Thousands
Months after the disaster, the survey reveals that thousands of residents remain displaced, navigating repeated moves and waiting for clarity on long-term recovery resources. With federal funding discussions stalled and political tensions rising, fire victims say they are still searching for stability—and for answers.
READ NEXT: Authorities Make Arrest In Deadly Palisades Fire
