One year ago, wildfires reshaped communities across Los Angeles. Homes were lost, neighborhoods were disrupted, and thousands of people faced an uncertain road ahead.
While emergency response ended months ago, recovery has continued—and for some, it has meant finding a way forward through work.
In the aftermath of the fires, Chrysalis expanded its workforce programs to support wildfire recovery and prevention efforts. Clients—many of whom were already navigating homelessness or reentry—stepped into paid transitional employment, earned industry-recognized certifications, and helped protect open spaces and neighborhoods across the region.
Over the past year, more than 50 Chrysalis clients benefited from paid training, wages, and job placement connected to wildfire recovery and environmental health work. Crews cleared hazardous vegetation, reduced fire fuel, and prepared land for safer futures—all while building skills and confidence for long-term employment.
This work reinforced an important truth: disaster recovery is about rebuilding livelihoods. Skilled jobs, fair wages, and supportive services are essential to helping communities recover and prepare for what comes next.
As we mark one year since the fires, Chrysalis remains committed to this work. Wildfire prevention, climate resilience, and workforce opportunity will continue to be central to our mission—because recovery doesn’t end with a single season, and neither does the need for opportunity.
We continue to stand with everyone impacted by the fires, and we’re proud of the clients who became part of Los Angeles’ recovery story.
Learn more about our C-CREW (Chrysalis Clients Ready for Environmental Work) program