Impact of L.A. County Wildfire Evacuations on Skid Row Community
Two weeks after Raven Edgar began living in a homeless shelter on Skid Row, she ended up back on the streets. Last Tuesday, as wildfires broke out across L.A., the Weingart Center on Skid Row took in people from another shelter that had to be evacuated due to the Eaton fire. Around 3 a.m., Edgar woke up to a voice over the loudspeaker system. “Fire warning,” the voice said. “Please evacuate the building.” Edgar said she went outside but didn’t see any firetrucks. She asked other residents if they knew what was going on, but they didn’t have answers. Facing overcrowding at the shelter and afraid that a fire might break out, Edgar decided to go back on the streets.
Jessenia Garcia, a 45-year-old board member for the Sidewalk Project, a nonprofit on Skid Row offering services for unhoused people, persuaded Edgar to come with her to stay at the Sidewalk Project’s drop-off center. “She saved me for tonight, probably for the rest of my life,” Edgar said.
## Lack of Information on Evacuations for Homeless
People already battling homelessness have had their lives uprooted during what are shaping up to be the most destructive wildfires in L.A. history, facing displacement and potential health issues from the wildfire smoke. “What’s really disturbing is that we’ve noticed our marginalized communities are getting further marginalized in this process,” said Soma Snakeoil, co-founder and executive director of the Sidewalk Project.
## Organizations Stepping In to Help
Snakeoil mentioned that she and a team of about 50 volunteers and 19 staff members are operating a 24/7 drop-off and distribution center on Skid Row, providing essential supplies and information about the fires to those in need.
Union Station, another organization offering homeless services, had to evacuate three housing facilities due to the wildfires, displacing nearly 160 people. The wildfires have also halted the process for those in interim housing who were on the path to find permanent housing, creating a long-haul process for homeless organizations.
## Concerns for Future Housing
Katie Hill, chief executive of Union Station Homeless Services, expressed concern about the availability of housing for those who were homeless even before the fires. Jim, a homeless man evacuated last week, shared his worries about finding a spot to live after the fires.
## Personal Story: Impact on Raven Edgar
Three years ago, Edgar became homeless and was living in her car, then in a tent on Venice Beach. She turned to drugs as a way to cope. Displaced from yet another housing situation, Edgar has lost hope but plans to stay at the Sidewalk Project’s facility for as long as she can.
In conclusion, the wildfires in L.A. have not only affected residents but also the already vulnerable homeless population, highlighting the need for more support and resources in times of crisis.
