Tuesday, December 16, 2025

Music Legends Pledge $3 Million for Equitable Fire Recovery in Altadena, Pasadena

STAFF REPORT

Songwriter Mike Stoller and his wife, jazz musician Corky Hale Stoller, have pledged $3 million to support equitable fire recovery in historically Black neighborhoods in Altadena and in Pasadena, devastated by January’s wildfires.

The contribution will bolster the Black LA Relief & Recovery Fund, led by the Black Freedom Fund in partnership with the California Community Foundation. The fund prioritizes community-led rebuilding efforts, directing resources to organizations rooted in Black neighborhoods long shaped by redlining, housing covenants and intergenerational homeownership.

“This isn’t just about houses,” said Mike Stoller. “It’s about people — people, for many years denied equal access to real estate in Los Angeles … people who created a community for their families and friends, their churches and businesses. Corky and I wish to support the preservation of this community and to inspire others to help in that preservation.”

“History shows that if families are forced to leave while they rebuild, the odds of returning drop dramatically. We’re working to change that,” said Jasmin Shupper, Founder and CEO of Greenline Housing Foundation. “This investment secured two community lots for our novel landbanking model, in addition to supporting housing grants to 33 families, opened new housing pathways through a corporate lease, and launched rebuilding support to close the gap left by insurance and FEMA. Our focus is keeping families rooted in the communities they call home.”

“Across every stage of this recovery, families are carrying layers of loss. We care about every family and not just that they return home, but how they return home matters,” says Lori Gay, President & CEO, Neighborhood Housing Services of Los Angeles County. “Right now, families need trusted guidance more than anything. Black homeowners shouldn’t be forced into displacement simply because the system wasn’t built for them. With partners who support community-centered recovery, we can help families return, rebuild, and continue building their intergenerational wealth.”

Over the course of the year, the fund invested in 37 local organizations addressing housing stabilization, financial and material assistance, youth and senior services, mental-health programs, and policy work aimed at protecting Black wealth and preventing displacement.

The Black Freedom Fund, launched in 2020, is California’s first Black community foundation. More information is available at fundblackfreedom.org or blackla.cablackfreedomfund.org.

Stoller, one-half of the famed Leiber & Stoller songwriting duo, is known for classics recorded by Elvis Presley, Ben E. King and The Coasters.