CORE and Anthem Blue Cross: Partnering for Wildfire Relief and Recovery in Los Angeles

When devastating wildfires swept through Los Angeles County earlier this year, thousands of families were left facing unimaginable loss. Homes were destroyed, communities displaced, and survivors left grappling with how to start again. In response, Anthem Blue Cross and its philanthropic arm, the Anthem Blue Cross Foundation, launched a $10 million wildfire relief initiative in January 2025 to help communities respond, recover, and rebuild.

Anthem has been directing funds to local organizations leading on-the-ground efforts, including CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort). CORE has been on the front lines since the fires began, ensuring survivors receive critical aid at their most vulnerable moments. With $1 million in support from Anthem, CORE has been able to deliver both immediate relief and long-term recovery support for families most impacted by the LA wildfires.

Immediate Relief in the Midst of Crisis

In the days and weeks following the fires, Anthem’s support helped CORE get urgent resources to thousands of survivors, including direct cash assistance totaling more than $2.4 million. Survivors received an average of $760 per person, helping cover essentials like food, clothing, and temporary shelter.

For many families, this support was the lifeline they needed. Kate Sullivan, 63, whose home in Altadena was destroyed by the Eaton Fire, shared:

“CORE helped our family get back on our feet. We were really in a tight spot … we didn’t have a lot of funds coming in and they were there right at the right time.”

With Anthem’s support, CORE remediated 150 housing units across Los Angeles County damaged by smoke and ash, enabling families to return to safer homes. Additionally, CORE distributed 40,000 hygiene kits and N95 masks, as well as meals, diapers, clothing, and other essentials.

Supporting Long-Term Recovery

Wildfire recovery is not measured in weeks or even months; it takes years of sustained support to restore community stability. CORE has developed a five-year recovery strategy to help families rebuild their lives, and Anthem’s support is helping make that possible.

As CORE transitions into the recovery phase, its programs are now focused on providing larger, sustained support for the most vulnerable households. Dozens of families in West Altadena, for example, are receiving $7,500 over three months, totaling $637,000 in assistance, to help cover housing and other critical expenses.

Looking ahead, Anthem will be supporting CORE’s opening of The Hub, a local resource center that will serve as a long-term hub for recovery, offering case management, resources, and ongoing support for families as they rebuild.

Anthem’s Commitment to California Communities

Anthem Blue Cross is proud to stand with CORE and the many organizations working tirelessly to support wildfire survivors across Los Angeles. Together, we are helping families find stability today while laying the foundation for stronger, more resilient communities in the future.