Eaton Fire Advocacy Work
From January 7 to 31, 2025, a series of 7 destructive wildfires affected the Los Angeles metropolitan area.
One of two largest fires was the Eaton Fire in Altadena, Loren’s hometown.
The fire killed at least 17 people and destroyed more than 9,000 buildings, becoming the fifth deadliest and the second most destructive wildfire in the history of California.
Loren has become a strong advocate for the recovery and community of Altadena. She actively works to preserve its rich history through speaking engagements, fundraising, media appearances, and raising awareness.
In Altadena, multigenerational families like the Benns have long found affordable housing and a strong sense of community. The loss of these homes represents a loss of generational wealth, especially for Black and brown communities.
Loren helped her family through the wildfires from her home in Boston and booked a one-way ticket to the West Coast. She had helped her family secure a hotel room just three hours before evacuation orders and their home was destroyed by the fire just hours later.
The Eaton fire ravaged 9,400 structures and devastated Loren’s family leaving them with nearly nothing after it destroyed their homes, memories, and more.
In recent years Altadena’s home prices have skyrocketed. Now there are fears that after the fires, generational wealth could be lost to gentrification.
