This month, 211 LA joined information and referral leaders from across the state at 211 California’s inaugural Disaster Ready & Resilient I&R Conference, a convening focused on strengthening disaster response, recovery, and cross-sector collaboration.
211 LA Executive Director Maribel Marin spoke on two panels highlighting the organization’s role in disaster response and the power of partnerships during large-scale emergencies.
During the panel, “From Ashes to Action,” 211 LA shared how the organization supported more than 150,000 displaced residents during the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires. The discussion focused on 211 LA’s disaster response model: Prepare > Response > Relief > Recovery, and how that model guided the organization’s work during one of the County’s largest crises.
In just three weeks, 211 LA handled more than 41,000 contacts, helping residents evacuate safely, find emergency shelter, and access immediate essentials.
The panel featured key insights from 211 LA’s wildfire response, including how care coordination was built during the disaster, how CareSuite served as the backbone for case management operations, and how workflows were developed in real time through partnerships. The team also discussed the scale of the response, the role of 211HSIS, and updates on the Crisis Care Plan Alliance and its objectives for future disasters.
Pictured from left to right: Laura Mejia, Chief Operating Officer, 211 LA; Nichole Bonilla, Resource & Taxonomy Editor, 211 LA; and Maribel Marin, Executive Director, 211 LA.
Maribel also joined a second panel highlighting a key partnership behind 211 LA’s wildfire response: Airbnb.org. By combining 211’s local expertise and case management technology with Airbnb.org’s housing platform, wildfire survivors were quickly connected to free emergency stays when they needed them most.
Pictured from left to right: Nirvana Habash, Global Partnership Manager, Airbnb.org; Kelly Brown, Community Information Officer, Interface Children & Family Services / 211 Ventura; Paul Redfern, Chief Finance Officer, 211 San Diego; and Maribel Marin, Executive Director, 211 LA.
Together, these efforts show what is possible when support systems are coordinated, community needs are centered, and partnerships move quickly in moments of crisis.
“My family and I can’t thank you enough!”
— Palisades Fire Survivor
Dive into the data and stories that shaped 211 LA’s wildfire recovery efforts.
