The Power of Volunteering: Supporting Communities Affected by the Los Angeles Wildfires
By Outpost Estates Resident Quinn da Matta
Since the first day I landed in Los Angeles in 2009, I have witnessed the devastating reality of wildfires. I arrived in the middle of the Station Fire, which raged from August 26 to October 16 of that year. I will never forget my first sight of the Hollywood sign—the symbol of my dreams—overshadowed by a massive cloud of smoke behind it. I struggled to understand how life could go on as usual while the hills burned. But over time, I became an Angeleno, learning that wildfires are part of living in this beautiful city. Every place has its risks, and for us, fire is one of them.
But last month was a horrific wake-up call—a reminder of how close we all came to losing everything.
Growing up on a farm in South Africa, I never could have dreamed of living in the Hollywood Hills. And now that I do, it feels surreal and even more precious. Outpost Estates is more than my home; it is my sanctuary, my library, my community's hub. It is my literal dream-come-true oasis.
I will never forget the evening of January 8th—the night of the Sunset Fire. Being told to evacuate, not knowing if my home would still be standing when I returned, was terrifying. Thankfully, my community was spared the horror that so many Californians were about to endure.
The Palisades Fire, the Eaton Fire, and the Hughes Fire destroyed homes, displaced families, and upended lives. I personally know people who were affected by each of these disasters. The threshold between having everything and losing it all is so thin. And we must all recognise that no one is immune. We need each other.
That realisation drove me to volunteer with the South Pasadena San Marino YMCA, distributing food, water, and essential supplies to displaced families. It was heartwarming to see how many people stepped up to help. Cars stopped by continuously, dropping off donations, while volunteers worked to sort and distribute them. Big brands sent truckloads of new clothing and supplies.
And all it took was a few hours of my time.
This past weekend, we volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, and it felt good to get our hands dirty. If my home had been destroyed, I would hope for the same support from my community. That is what volunteering does—it spreads the burden of rebuilding so that survivors can regain their strength for the road ahead.
And it only costs us a few hours.
I thought volunteering would be heartbreaking, especially so close to the devastation of the Eaton Fire. But instead, it felt good. It felt right. It made me appreciate everything and everyone in my life even more.
By stepping up to help those affected by the wildfires, volunteers not only provide much-needed aid but also bring hope to those who need it most. It strengthens our communities, fosters resilience, and reminds us that in the face of hardship, we are never alone.
If you're feeling scared—volunteer.
If you're feeling lost—volunteer.
If you're feeling hopeless—volunteer.
These fires have proven how strong our community is, how brave our state is, and how resilient we all are. Los Angeles will be forever scarred by these horrific fires, but it will bear these scars with the bravery and resilience it always has because this is the land of dreams. And dreamers never stop hustling. We never stop fighting. And we never give up.
I love you, Los Angeles, and all the wonderful people who make this place great!
Volunteer with the South Pasadena San Marino YMCA by clicking here.
Volunteer with the San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity by clicking here.
