Black, Latino and Asian homeowners are more likely to continue to struggle with recovering homes from the Eaton fire, according to a new UCLA study.
Conducted by the UCLA Latino Policy & Politics Institute, the analysis highlights the disparities some homeowners are currently facing as they are recovering from the California wildfires. According to the study, approximately 70% of the homes affected by the fires have yet to begin the rebuilding process.
Black and Asian households are among the homes that are more likely to experience delays with the recovery process. Almost six in 10 Black-owned homes were severely damaged by the Eaton fires – a rate that is higher than any other demographic. Despite having the most damage to their homes, 73% of Black homeowners, along with 71% of Asian homeowners, have yet to begin the process of rebuilding their homes.
According to the study, other key findings include an increase in purchases amongst the damaged homes. Approximately two-thirds of single-family homes sold with extreme fire damage have been purchased by outsider investors. A majority of these homes were previously owned by white homeowners. Only a few were previously owned by Black, Latino or Asian homeowners. The study also found delays in permit applications, stalling the rebuilding process for several homeowners.
“Only about five percent of the most severely damaged homes have been sold, which suggests most families want to stay, but a troubling share of those sales are going to outside investors. At the same time, roughly one in four homeowners have entered the permitting process; yet, many applications are stalled, likely because families lack the costly technical plans and construction calculations,” said the senior policy analyst involved in the study, Gabriella Carmona, per a statement. “This mix of hope and hurdles shows recovery is still fragile, and that targeted support is needed to help families return home.”
The study comes as Altadena residents continue to voice their disappointment with the current compensation program for the Eaton Fire.
In a draft of the compensation program, Southern California Edison announced plans to include payments to those affected by the Eaton fires. Those who accept the payments, however, cannot sue or join in on any legal action.
There are already multiple lawsuits underway against them. Last month, the U.S. government itself filed a lawsuit against Southern California Edison, alleging that the Eaton Fire was caused by the utility company’s equipment.
With the current plans, residents are arguing that more funds will be needed for them to rebuild.
In response, Southern California Edison released a statement acknowledging its concerns and stating that the residents’ statements will be factored in before the program officially launches.
As of now, the program is set to launch later this year in the fall.
