Are you curious to know how Operation HOPE has supported survivors of the Eaton (Altadena) and Palisades wildfires? Here are spotlights of our two coaches dedicated full-time to serving the greater Los Angeles community.

As a Disaster Operations Coach and Coordinator in Los Angeles, Andrew’s job is to spread awareness of the disaster relief that Operation HOPE offers and support clients with coaching and resources. And he’s been busy! Just last week, Andrew:
- Conducted 18 individual coaching sessions
- Assisted 8 clients with FEMA appeals, 3 clients with insurance claim or mortgage-related support, and 1 client with a smoke remediation contract estimate
- Registered 4 new clients and referred 4 others to additional support services
- Connected 4 clients with housing referrals
He also attended 7 key partner meetings/events and initiated partnership conversations with 12 local and national organizations.
When asked why he does this work, Andrew said, “disaster disrupts more than just physical possessions; it unsettles the financial stability and systems people depend on. Before joining Operation HOPE, I worked as a consultant helping general contractors strengthen their businesses. Now, I support small business recovery and assist survivors in rebuilding solid financial foundations through personalized counseling and resource navigation. My mission is to help survivors regain control and confidence, transforming uncertainty into actionable steps toward a stronger, more resilient future.”

Niki, a Disaster Operations Coach and Coordinator in Los Angeles, helps survivors with small businesses to understand their options and resources to rebuild. At the beginning of this month, she represented Operation HOPE at a Small Business Forum called Advancing Small Business Resiliency and Strength.
She reported that the event was a success, featuring over 40 exhibitors including Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), credit unions, and nonprofits supporting small businesses with disaster recovery needs. In addition to speaking on a panel and gathering resources for her clients, she networked with over 20 small business owners as well as several organizations that are interested in future partnerships.
When asked why she does this work, Niki said, “I believe in the strength of the LA community and the resilience of small business owners here. With my banking background, I know how important it is to have access to resources and financial stability. Being able to help entrepreneurs get back on their feet and rebuild their businesses honestly gives me such a sense of purpose.”