Saturday, December 13, 2025

Anthem Blue Cross Provides $1.5 Million for Wildfire Recovery in Los Angeles County, With Altadena and Pasadena Support

Anthem Blue Cross is providing $1.5 million to two Los Angeles-based organizations — Community Organized Relief Effort (CORE) and The Salvation Army Southern California Division — to accelerate long-term recovery and rebuilding for families most affected by the January 2025 wildfires, the company said Friday.

The funding is part of Anthem and its philanthropic arm, the Anthem Blue Cross Foundation’s, $10 million wildfire relief initiative launched in January 2025 to help communities respond, recover and rebuild. Anthem said it was the first health plan to initiate a multi-million-dollar commitment to support local communities impacted by these wildfires.

“As families are still navigating the long road from crisis to stability after the devastating January wildfires, we are proud to continue supporting efforts to focus on what is needed to get families back into safe, stable homes,” said Beth Andersen, president of Anthem California’s commercial health plans.

Salvation Army: $500,000 for Pasadena and Altadena Families

The Salvation Army Southern California Division received $500,000 to support families impacted by the Eaton Fire. As a member of the Eaton Fire Collaborative, The Salvation Army is assisting with longer-term needs such as rent or temporary lodging, essential furniture and household items, utilities, and replacement of work-related equipment. Anthem’s funding will enable continued direct mortgage and rental assistance, food and essential household items, and guidance through the rebuilding process.

“Every day we meet families who lost nearly everything in the Eaton Fire — homes filled with memories, the tools of their livelihood, and the sense of safety they once knew,” shared Captain Becky Helms, Corps Officer of The Salvation Army Pasadena Tabernacle Corps. “Anthem Blue Cross’s support allows us to walk with them through the long road of recovery, offering not only financial assistance but dignity, hope, and the assurance that they are not alone. This partnership strengthens our ability to help families rebuild their lives and return home.”

CORE: $1 Million to Expand Cash Aid and Recovery Programs

CORE received $1 million to expand its Cash & Voucher Assistance Program, which bridges gaps between insurance payouts and rebuilding costs. In response to the fires, CORE has delivered more than $3 million in cash aid to affected families. Anthem’s support also fuels CORE’s five-year recovery initiative, including the October 2025 opening of The Hub, a 4,000 square-foot community space offering low-to-no-cost services such as disaster case management.

“At CORE, we responded immediately to these devastating wildfires, and because of Anthem’s support, we’ll remain committed to helping these families for years to come,” said CORE Co-founder & CEO Ann Lee. “From the recent opening of The Hub, where fire victims receive disaster case management assistance, to the upcoming opening of CORE’s Community Center in Altadena, where families will receive assistance not often addressed after disasters, including mental health services and educational workshops on rebuilding and preparedness, Anthem’s support fuels all aspects of CORE’s ongoing wildfire response.”

Anthem Blue Cross is the trade name of Blue Cross of California. ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Elevance Health, Inc. Anthem Blue Cross and Anthem Blue Cross Life and Health Insurance Company are independent licensees of the Blue Cross Association.