One year after the Los Angeles wildfires: Supporting community mental health as LA rebuilds

One year after the Los Angeles wildfires, communities across the region are still navigating the long path to recovery. Local nonprofit organizations have been at the forefront of that work—providing support, restoring services and helping neighbors move forward. Through our Los Angeles Wildfire Recovery Fund, BMO is supporting these community-led efforts, investing in long-term solutions designed to create lasting impact for individuals, families and neighborhoods. 

As part of this work, BMO supported Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services in launching its Disaster Care Program, designed to address the long-term mental health needs of wildfire survivors. The program includes: 

• Free, trauma-informed therapy for 300+ individuals over the next two years. 
• Mental health outreach and training to reach 2,000+ community members, including first responders and youth affected by the fires. 
• Specialized care led by bilingual therapists, ensuring culturally sensitive support for underserved populations. 

“Recovery takes time, and it’s shaped by the real needs of people and neighborhoods. We’re proud to support partners like Didi Hirsch, whose long-term, trauma-informed care helps survivors heal and strengthens community resilience for the future.” 

- Halé Behzadi, Vice Chair, California, BMO U.S.

Didi Hirsch has long been a trusted provider of crisis response and trauma-informed care. Since early 2025, the organization has supported 4,000 individuals with services such as psychological first aid and crisis intervention. The Disaster Care Program builds upon that foundation, extending care over time so survivors can address the lingering effects of trauma, access culturally responsive support and rebuild stability. 

“Long-term support matters,” says Lyn Morris, CEO, Didi Hirsch. “With BMO’s support, our Disaster Care Program is bringing trauma-informed therapy and community outreach to those still feeling the impact of the wildfires, allowing healing to continue, one person and one neighborhood at a time.” 

Didi Hirsch has long been a trusted provider of crisis response and trauma-informed care.

Looking ahead — building resilient communities together 

Long-term recovery is about more than replacing what was lost; it’s about ensuring people have mental health resources and community support to heal and thrive. Across multiple surveys* ** and updates shared by regional recovery organizations, mental health has consistently emerged as one of the most frequently cited long-term impacts of the wildfires among those directly affected. This reality underscores why sustained investments like Didi Hirsch’s Disaster Care Program are essential to resilience. 

BMO remains committed to partnering locally, funding organizations that meet community-defined needs, and supporting employees and leaders who volunteer and engage in recovery efforts. 

Learn more about the organizations advancing recovery across Los Angeles and join us in supporting local efforts that help neighbors rebuild stronger, safer, and more connected communities. 

*California Community Foundation. “Los Angeles Wildfires Recovery Needs Assessment: Spring 2025.

**University of Southern California Dornsife Center for Economic and Social Research (CESR). “Los Angeles Wildfire Survey – Wave 1 Findings,” April 2025.