Altadena, CA — In response to the devastating California wildfires, civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump and his legal team hosted a crucial town hall meeting in Altadena, offering free legal advice and resources to those affected by the fires. The event, which took place at a local church, attracted primarily Black seniors who had lost their homes and livelihoods in the recent fires.
The town hall was aimed at helping residents navigate insurance claims and receive legal guidance. Crump, along with Anne Andrews of Andrews Thornton law firm, provided pro bono legal consultations, ensuring that attendees understood their rights and the steps they need to take to secure insurance claims and recovery funds. The event was part of Crump’s ongoing efforts to provide free legal aid to those facing crisis situations.
Read More: https://slausongirl.com/the-impact-of-the-eaton-fire-on-altadenas-black-homeowners/
Crump also shared during the town hall they are currently in the process of filing claims on behalf of the Eaton Fire victims.
In addition to the legal help, various local nonprofits and community partners also participated in the event, offering immediate assistance to fire victims. One of the contributions came from Denny’s, which donated $50,000 in gift cards for families impacted by the fires, alongside free meals provided by Honey Kettle Chicken.
During the Q&A session, an emotional moment unfolded when one man, overcome with grief, broke down in tears as he spoke to Crump.
What took you so long?” he asked. The man had been inundated with calls from lawyers offering to represent him for a percentage of any settlement, but he had been specifically waiting for Crump’s assistance.
One man, a property manager, explained that he had lost several rental properties along with his own home in the fire. Another resident had been in the process of putting his three properties into a trust for his children, as well as finalizing insurance, just one day before the fire broke out.
Read More: https://altadenaheritage.org/racial-change-over-time/
“We are going to fihg to make sure your home is restored and we will persevere together,” Attorney Crump said.
FEMA representatives were also on hand to provide valuable information on how crowdfunding efforts, such as GoFundMe campaigns, can impact the type of disaster relief assistance available to individuals.
“A GoFundme page does not disqualify you from assistance. But if your Gofundme page says I am trying to get a car, we cannot provide you with any assistance to get a car,” the FEMA representative shared.
While former President Donald Trump visited Pacific Palisades the next day to meet with local leaders and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, he did not visit the fire-impacted areas of Altadena.
Crump, widely recognized for his advocacy on behalf of victims of police brutality, such as the families of Trayvon Martin and George Floyd, has recently expanded his focus to include victims of natural disasters. He has pledged to continue supporting residents in Altadena and other wildfire-affected areas in California as they work to rebuild their lives.
The Altadena wildfire victims’ town hall was a vital step in the recovery process, providing legal, emotional, and financial support to those most in need. As the community rebuilds, the partnership between Crump’s legal team, local nonprofits, and community organizations will remain a key resource for fire victims navigating their recovery.
