FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: TJ Hill
Disability Community Resource Center Phone: (310) 390-3611 ext. 201
Email: tjhill@dcrc.co
Website: www.dcrc.co
Disability Community Resource Center Announces Durable Medical Equipment Wildfire Recovery Grant
Albertsons, Vons, Pavilions Foundation Donates $100,000; Funds Grant to Support Individuals with Disabilities Impacted by Recent Wildfires
Los Angeles, CA – [March 24, 2025] – In response to the devastating wildfires that have swept through Los Angeles County, the Disability Community Resource Center (DCRC) is proud to announce the launch of the Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Wildfire Recovery Grant. This initiative is generously funded by the Albertsons, Vons, Pavilions Foundation with a $100,000 grant. The Foundation is part of the Albertsons Companies Foundation which is dedicated to supporting the needs of local communities and improving the lives of people in the neighborhoods they serve.
This groundbreaking initiative provides critical financial support to individuals with disabilities who lost essential medical equipment in the Eaton and Palisades fires—items that are not otherwise covered for replacement. DCRC identified this urgent need through direct conversations with wildfire-impacted community members during recovery efforts.
“We are grateful to the Disability Community Resource Center for replacing critical medical devices that were lost during the Palisades and Eaton wildfires that are not covered by insurance,” said Kevin Curry, Division President of Southern California, at Albertsons Companies. “Our hearts go out to everyone affected, and we will continue to provide ongoing support as relief efforts continue in Altadena, Pasadena and other impacted communities across Los Angeles County.”
People with disabilities face heightened risks during disasters due to systemic resource failures, poverty, inaccessible evacuation and shelter options, and other barriers. Recognizing these challenges, DCRC, through its Disability Disaster Access & Resource Coordinator (DDARC) program, has been on the ground since January 7th, working to ensure that disaster-impacted individuals receive the urgent and long-term assistance they need.
DCRC’s Wildfire Response Efforts
Since the fires began, DCRC has:
• Conducted wellness checks and case management for over 800 individuals with disabilities in Malibu, Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, West Hollywood, Agoura Hills, and Los Angeles. All initial outreach was completed within 24 hours of the first fire, prioritizing early evacuation, shelter, transportation, and medical support.
• Collaborated with emergency management partners, including LA EMD, LA OEM, the Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies, Team Rubicon, and FEMA, to ensure the disability community’s needs were addressed.
• Provided real-time updates on evacuations, shelters, Public Safety Power Shutoffs, and available resources to support independent decision-making and emergency preparedness.
Many of the lives lost in these fires were individuals with disabilities and seniors, highlighting the urgent need for more inclusive disaster response and recovery efforts. DCRC’s proactive approach has helped save lives and mitigate further harm to the community.
A First-of-Its-Kind Recovery Grant for Durable Medical Equipment
As communities enter the long-term recovery phase, individuals with disabilities face unique challenges replacing critical medical equipment lost in the fires—items that are often excluded from traditional insurance coverage and are not eligible for Medicare replacement outside of normal schedules.
Through this first-of-its-kind private recovery grant, eligible individuals can receive full cost replacement for essential DME, including but not limited to:
• Mobility aids (wheelchairs, walkers, canes, crutches)
• Respiratory support (CPAP machines, nebulizers, oxygen equipment)
• Medical monitoring devices (blood sugar meters, test strips, infusion pumps)
• Daily living aids (hospital beds, patient lifts, commode chairs, suction pumps)
Without this support, many individuals would be left without the essential equipment needed to maintain their independence, health, and safety.
Ensuring Equitable Recovery for People with Disabilities
DCRC is committed to ensuring that people with disabilities impacted by the LA fires are not left behind in the recovery process. This grant provides a lifeline for individuals facing devastating losses and helps rebuild lives with dignity and independence.
Individuals interested in applying for the Durable Medical Equipment Wildfire Recovery Grant should contact the Disability Community Resource Center at 310-390-3611 for eligibility details and application assistance.
About the Disability Community Resource Center
The Disability Community Resource Center (DCRC) is a peer-based, community-driven organization dedicated to advocating for the rights and independence of people with disabilities in Los Angeles County. Through direct services, systems change advocacy, and community education, DCRC works to ensure that all individuals—regardless of ability—have access to the resources they need to thrive.
For media inquiries, interviews, or additional information, please contact TJ Hill at tjhill@dcrc.co or 310- 390-3611, ext. 201.