America faces a harsh reality: surviving disasters increasingly depends on wealth. A stark example emerged in Los Angeles following devastating wildfires in January 2025. Academy Award attendees received a yearlong subscription to Bright Harbor, a white-glove disaster recovery service. This highlights a growing trend where affluent individuals can access resources unavailable to most.

Bright Harbor offers comprehensive support, navigating the complexities of post-disaster recovery. This includes dealing with FEMA and managing logistics. The service gained popularity after the January wildfires, exposing disparities in recovery efforts.

The immediate impact is a widening gap in disaster resilience. Wealthy individuals can rebuild faster and more effectively. This leaves vulnerable communities further behind.

Climate change fuels more frequent and intense disasters. This exacerbates existing inequalities. Access to resources becomes a critical factor in survival and recovery.

The trend is expected to continue. Experts warn of a future where disaster recovery is a luxury. Addressing this requires systemic changes and equitable resource allocation.