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The Perlmans’ generous spirit shone through on Tuesday as they distributed financial aid to families affected by the devastating Palisades Fire. Greg and Jodi Perlman, known for their real estate success and philanthropic endeavors in Los Angeles, provided much-needed relief through their partnership with Change Reaction and GoFundMe.
The couple’s approach to charitable giving focuses on direct assistance to individuals rather than working through large organizations with substantial overhead costs. Their relief effort provided $1,000 checks to temporarily displaced families and $2,500 to those who completely lost their homes.
Local Philanthropists Give Checks to Hundreds of Displaced Palisades Families https://t.co/ZF7nb82X5O via @BreitbartNews
— Joel Pollak (@joelpollak) January 22, 2025
As the Santa Ana winds whistled through the evening air, affected residents gathered at the Sawtelle YMCA to receive their financial assistance. The distribution event began with moving addresses from community religious leaders, including Pastor John Shaver, whose Community Methodist church was reduced to ashes, save for the sanctuary’s cross.
Los Angeles City Council member Traci Park delivered an emotional speech, her voice breaking as she described the challenges residents would face upon returning to their devastated community. Despite the overwhelming circumstances, she expressed her commitment to supporting the rebuilding process.
The fire’s impact extended beyond physical destruction, leaving many residents in unprecedented financial situations. Some lost their insurance coverage mere days before the disaster, victims of California’s insurance industry exodus. Even those whose homes survived found themselves facing unexpected expenses, particularly in securing temporary housing in a suddenly competitive rental market.
“We do direct giving to people in need, and there is no one more deserving, especially at this moment,” Jodi Perlman told Breitbart News.
The distribution event served as an impromptu reunion for many residents, their first encounter since evacuation. Conversations revealed a mix of neighbor-helping-neighbor stories and accounts of frustration with city leadership and emergency services during the crisis. The gathering highlighted both the community’s resilience and the deep wounds left by the disaster.
While questions about accountability remain, the immediate financial assistance provided a glimpse of hope for those grappling with the fire’s aftermath.
