Nicole Espinosa can still vividly recall the moment she first saw the California wildfire that threatened her neighborhood. 

“It was right in the Highlands,” she said. “I ran into the house to tell my painters ‘We got to get out of here. The fire is coming our way.’ The winds were wicked. So, I said, I'm hopping on my bike and I'm heading South. 

Now, as Nicole Espinosa rides that same bike back to the re-entry point in Santa Monica for the Palisades Fire, she is greeted by American Red Cross volunteers. Nicole, who is from California, is working through the process that LA officials have in place for residents to safely return home after the fires. Now that conditions are favorable to start safely cleaning and rebuilding, her time to rebuild starts with today’s ride home. 

While she patiently waits in line to be let into her affected neighborhood, American Red Cross volunteers supply her with essential items that range from water, food and snacks to personal protection items to wear once she arrives at her home.  

“Just seeing you guys here passing out whatever we need to gain access to our neighborhoods, it's really helping us,” she said. 

Nicole also received information on how to obtain financial assistance, which is available from the Red Cross for impacted households inside the perimeters of the Eaton, Palisades, Hurst and Kenneth fires. The help she received gives her hope as she takes the next steps forward. 

“I feel all the people are coming together now,” she said. “The organizations, neighbors helping neighbors, and just seeing Red Cross, it uplifts the spirits. People know we’re going to be taken care of.” 

The American Red Cross is working 24/7 with partners in Southern California to make sure people have the support they need in the face of the Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire, Hurst Fire, Lidia Fire, Sunset Fire and Kenneth Fire. To learn more about Red Cross relief efforts, click here.