The HRC’s upcoming dialogues will provide space for community recovery for the LA fires and emerging issues on the ground in Santa Monica.
Social cohesion initiatives – like those undertaken by the HRC – are proven to promote faster and better community recovery after a fire. A literature review published in 2024 showed that “the most influential social cohesion variables in disaster recovery are social capital, sense of community, social participation, and place attachment.”
Social cohesion efforts are also vital in preparing for the next disaster. According to an article in the journal Global Environmental Change, “social cohesion, particularly community characteristics like ‘sense of community’ and ‘collective problem solving’, are community-based resources that support both the adoption of mechanical preparations, and the development of cognitive abilities and capacities that reduce vulnerability and enhance resilience to wildfire.”
The HRC is focused on delivering a responsive and relevant approach to fire recovery in Santa Monica. We do this by producing free, accessible spaces where local people can engage and have difficult conversations about emerging issues. The HRC’s 2025 community dialogues will create space for discussion on the most pressing, intersecting issues of the moment.
Additionally, HRC in January and February convened a rapid response Community Support Coalition (Resource List linked here) to coordinate community based organizations responding to the fires (organizations included: Providence St John’s Health Center, the Church in Ocean Park, Santa Monica Interfaith Council, Bahala Foundation, SMBEA, SMMUSD, SMMPTA, and SMMCTA reps).
By creating space to address and discuss intersecting issues in our community, the HRC’s dialogue series will make a timely, relevant, and hyperlocal impact and follow a path of proven interventions that support community resilience and recovery.
To learn more and get involved, follow us on social media or email us at info@hrcsantamonica.org to request to be added to our contact list!
