The Los Angeles City Council recognized Change Reaction, a direct-giving nonprofit that has distributed emergency aid to Angelenos, and heard founders Greg and Jody Perlman describe the group's wildfire response and ongoing relief efforts.

Why it matters: Change Reaction's model of rapid, direct cash assistance reached thousands of households after recent wildfires and other emergencies. Council members cited the nonprofit's work as filling gaps that can exist between emergency needs and public programs.

What the council heard: Councilmember John Lee introduced the organization and said the group had changed thousands of lives by delivering direct assistance. Founders Greg and Jody Perlman told the council that since 2019 Change Reaction has provided cash and other assistance to tens of thousands of people. Greg Perlman said the charity had provided $45 million to about 37,000 people since 2019 and described a wildfire direct-giving fund begun with an initial $10 million commitment and an aspirational goal to reach $50 million to help displaced residents and workers affected by fire.

"We didn't even want to be here. It's nice to meet all of you. We don't do this for anything but to hear the stories of the woman behind me who we've been helping thousands," Greg Perlman said from the dais.

Two people who had received help, Joan Vassell and Gladstone Rene, addressed the council. Vassell described multiple personal hardships after a traffic injury, relationship violence, financial losses and then wildfire damage to her home; she said Change Reaction helped with a reliable vehicle, household items and financial relief. Rene said the group helped his small maintenance and construction business recover equipment and start work again after the fires.

Council response: Multiple councilmembers praised Change Reaction for moving quickly to get cash into the hands of people who typically fall through programmatic gaps. Councilmembers described the group's work during the Pacific Palisades and other fires as a significant citywide contribution.

Ending: Councilmember Lee presented a resolution of thanks on behalf of the council. Change Reaction representatives said they would continue direct assistance and partner with local organizations and social-service networks to reach households affected by disasters and economic shocks.