As I journeyed towards Sean Penn‘s Malibu abode, the lingering scars of January’s ferocious fires still painted a somber picture – burnt slopes and hollowed-out foundations, remnants of what were once thriving beach homes and businesses. Yet, in the midst of this desolation, I could sense Sean Penn’s optimism. He saw beacons of renewal amidst the ruins.
64-year-old two-time Oscar winner expresses high praise for the Army Corps of Engineers, stating, “I’ve been genuinely impressed with them.” Sitting next to Ann Lee, CEO of CORE, in a room filled with mementos from his movie career and humanitarian efforts, he continues, “They’re operating at a pace I didn’t expect. This has given us a significant boost.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, when CORE managed L.A.’s biggest testing and vaccination site at Dodger Stadium, Penn, Lee, and their team swiftly responded after the wildfires. They teamed up with the CAA Foundation and the Los Angeles Unified School District Foundation to establish the SoCal Fire Fund in just a few days. This initiative has given out over $4 million in immediate financial aid as part of a five-year recovery plan, which also includes tasks such as debris removal, case management, and rebuilding schools and community centers.
Lee, at 47 years old, comments on the impressive determination and swift progress, stating, “It’s heartening to witness this, as all too often after a tragedy, the spotlight fades, and momentum seems to slow.
For the first time, she encountered Penn in 2010 during the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti. Like several individuals working in the humanitarian sector, she harbored doubts about another celebrity visiting. However, Penn chose to stay for nine months. He not only assisted in setting up and managing a relief camp but also established an NGO (J/P Haitian Relief Organization), which he later transformed into CORE – Community Organized Relief Effort. This organization has since expanded its operations across five continents, providing assistance during natural disasters, health crises, displacement, and conflicts.
On July 24th, the two individuals will be recognized at the second yearly Social Impact Summit, which is jointly organized by _The Hollywood Reporter_ and the Social Impact Fund. Following a swift photo session (Penn finds it more uncomfortable than getting a root canal to pose for portraits), they settled down with some take-out tacos and Orangina drinks to discuss topics like wildfires, Haiti, Ukraine, and a collaboration that stems from years of restlessness.
1. At what stage are we currently at regarding fire recovery, and what are your thoughts on the efforts made by CORE in coordinating with the SoCal Fire Fund so far?
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2. How is our progress going with fire recovery, and what’s your sentiment towards the work CORE has carried out in uniting with the SoCal Fire Fund up to this point?
SEAN’S COMMENT As Ann Lee mentioned, the pace has been extraordinary. We’ve collaborated with the Army Corps and various other partners. It’s heartening to witness such dedication. Initially, we focused on providing immediate aid like childcare facilities, air purifiers, water, and food. Following this, we initiated a cash program. In the first phase, we supported almost 3,000 families. The second phase aims to provide around a hundred families with three months of rental assistance.
SEAN PENN Is it possible for people to return to their homes swiftly, considering the severity of the fires that could have weakened foundations? There’s a worry about this, but for now, the process of clearing debris in areas like Altadena, Malibu, and the Palisades is going smoothly. However, we should be aware that dealing with these complex situations can be challenging.
Sean, you’ve said this would be a learning curve. What have you learned — as a local and a leader?
ALTERNATIVE To be honest, I’m still trying to make sense of it all. It will take some time for me to fully understand the situation. Although I wasn’t personally impacted, I can empathize with those who were because the high cost of fire insurance adds a unique burden to their recovery. I lost my home in the 1993 Malibu Fire, but I was financially secure at the time. This allowed me to feel liberated, as I could let go of excess belongings and start anew. However, I can barely imagine the struggle for those affected in the Palisades. It wasn’t just a community of wealthy individuals; some were barely getting by, having invested everything they had into their homes. Now, they’ve lost not only their local stores but also cherished memories. Some may return, while many won’t have the means to do so. I may not claim to have learned much, but I’ve witnessed the incredible resilience shown by those affected, and I must commend the Army Corps for their swift progress in aiding these communities.
What are you hearing about those who will stay and rebuild?
LEE It’s not easy.
Many individuals expressed the desire for a fresh start, believing it would take some time to reconstruct. Contrary to my previous statement about swift passing events, the rebuilding process is progressing at a pace that some had hoped for. Those who can [reconstruct] their lives may not choose to return to these areas.
Ann, I read that seeing the towers fall on 9/11 changed your life. Can you talk about that?
In many cases, that moment marked the loss of innocence for numerous individuals. Instead of opting for a career in law with a boutique firm, I felt compelled to contribute to humanity by joining the foreign service. This change in direction led me to attend a school specializing in foreign affairs, although my path ultimately took me to a nonprofit organization. Working directly with people proved far more rewarding than I could have imagined, and it was through this experience that I found myself in Haiti.>
Hey Sean, I’m curious about why you initially traveled to Haiti following the earthquake in 2010. You had only intended to stay for a fortnight but wound up residing there for nearly nine months instead. What was it that drew you there initially?
SEAN PENN My activism can be traced back to September 11th. A few days later, I found myself at a drive-in burger joint in Northern California with my daughter. She had a ribbon in her hair and the wind blew it. It struck me that everything, every reference, had changed. As a parent, you want to provide your children with answers – enough to feel safe, but not too much they can’t handle. That moment sparked something within me. I began writing about my travels in conflict zones. Then, while filming a movie in New Orleans, Hurricane Katrina struck. I saw people on the news, including an elderly woman trapped in her house. [Sean Penn tracked down this woman, gathered supplies, flew to the area and ended up saving 40 people from the flood waters.] Prior to this, I had believed that if you went to help during a disaster, you would only get in the way of those who handle such situations. However, when I arrived, I realized that not only was I not in the way, but they were generally glad to have me. It’s a sense of purpose that feels tangible.
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SEAN PENN My activism can be traced back to September 11th. A few days later, I was at a drive-in burger joint in Northern California with my daughter. She had a ribbon in her hair and the wind blew it. It struck me that everything, every reference, had changed. As a parent, you want to give your children answers – enough to feel safe, but not too much they can’t handle. That moment sparked something within me. I started writing about my travels in conflict zones. Then, while filming a movie in New Orleans, Hurricane Katrina struck. I saw people on the news, including an elderly woman trapped in her house. [Sean Penn tracked down this woman, gathered supplies, flew to the area and ended up saving 40 people from the flood waters.] Before then, I had thought that if you went to help during a disaster, you would only get in the way of those who handle such situations. But when I arrived, I realized that not only was I not in the way, but they were generally happy to have me. It’s a sense of purpose that feels tangible.
At what point did you and Ann decide to formally work together?
Initially, I might have made light of not wanting to recruit her from her position. However, once she expressed interest – she was working with the United Nations at that time – we structured it so her experience would be largely independent. We’d discuss potential crises or situations requiring aid, and then collaborate on how to establish robust partnerships in those locations. Essentially, this was our guideline for action. I had to persuade her quite a bit to take the leap.
Why were you hesitant?
LEE I knew we were both type A, but I figured we’d make it work.
PENN It turned out to be true. But we’ve had our moments.
You have?
LEE Sure. But it doesn’t last beyond the day. It’s usually, “OK, good night, love you, bye.”
PENN It’s been intense a couple of times.
Sean is incredibly principled with a strong moral compass, making him an excellent source of advice on various approaches or problem-solving strategies. Disagreements between us are rare and, when they occur, are not about the rightness or wrongness of a situation. Rather, they serve to broaden my understanding, as I trust his judgment implicitly. In contrast, I don’t always trust my own decisions.
Time and again, we rely on the expression, “I’ve got you covered.” It signifies a steadfast commitment to supporting one another. In essence, it means we can always count on each other.
For quite some time, you concentrated your efforts on Haiti before broadening the scope of CORE. It’s clear that much work remains in Haiti, given the ongoing violence. What sparked the decision to shift focus?
PENN Ann was indeed who I was referring to. Initially, I felt our work in Haiti would never be completed due to the vast challenges ahead. However, she suggested we could tackle these issues while multitasking, such as walking and chewing gum simultaneously. It took some persuading, but I’m grateful she managed to change my perspective.
What were the reservations?
PENN A portion of this was as straightforward as mental processing. Earlier, I mentioned my dislike for clutter following a house fire, and this situation was analogous. It’s about more calls, more obligations. Frankly, I didn’t grasp how these tasks could be handled, but I allowed her to handle it. Furthermore, I had no desire to evolve into one of those colossal, impersonal corporations that are overextended and lack personal investment. However, Ann has successfully managed this and collaborated effectively with outstanding people and local leaders who are deeply engaged on-site. Now, my role is less demanding. I can drop by the locations, interact with the team, and be genuinely impressed by everyone and how it all functions, primarily due to her efforts.
How big is CORE now?
LEE About 300 people globally.
Where are the biggest needs now?
As USAID is being disbanded and FEMA is strained, non-governmental organizations and charities are stepping up to take on more responsibilities. The void left behind is becoming increasingly evident, and this situation is likely to worsen.
How big of a hit is the dismantling of USAID? Did you get funding from them?
JIM Indeed, we have carried it out, alas. Regrettably, much of what we achieved was earmarked for Haiti, a region particularly in need. This situation only complicates matters further. We’re witnessing the effects now, but the situation is likely to deteriorate. Considering the upcoming hurricane season, it’s predicted to be 30% more intense than the previous year, and compounded by the challenges facing FEMA. I can only hope that the necessary resources will be available, yet it’s clear that no one can offer the support that the federal government can.
Does the work ever pull you down? Do you ever find yourself feeling hopeless?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I found myself in a very tough spot. We ended up having drinks with then-Mayor Garcetti, and I wasn’t feeling optimistic. However, he advised me, “You know, we often focus on the big picture. But sometimes it’s important to switch to the small details. Perhaps I can assist Mary today.
As a devoted fan, I found myself in the unique position of having my neighbor, none other than Julia Roberts, needing assistance during the challenging times of COVID. A friend of hers, who was particularly at risk, required the vaccine, so I rode over to lend a helping hand. To my surprise, Julia herself emerged to greet me – an incredible moment given that I had been working tirelessly for 18-hour shifts at vaccination centers. In that instant, she asked me, “Aren’t you in your happy place right now?
Speaking of current affairs, it seems a significant portion of your work can sometimes be affected by political matters. For instance, the latest development is President Trump’s decision to impose a travel restriction on Haiti.
PENN My thoughts often drift to my dad. During World War II, he was part of an air crew stationed in London, conducting night bombings over Germany. Each mission was believed to have a life span of seven, but he managed 37, getting shot down twice. Upon his return, adorned with medals, the country he fought for and risked his life for, turned against him. He faced unemployment for nearly five years. [Penn’s father, Leo, was a TV director and actor who refused to cooperate with the House Un-American Activities Committee in 1951.] I questioned him about his feelings during that time, and he described it as the growing pains of our nation. There was no trace of bitterness. I wish I could share his forgiving spirit.
Have you ever found yourself in a similar position?
During the recent presidential election, I finally had a similar unexpected experience as in 2016. Back then, I was residing in Dublin and had already cast my vote. As I slept in Dublin, it seemed like Hillary Clinton was cruising towards victory. It looked like she was going to secure the presidency. However, upon waking up, I found myself bombarded with “WTFs” on my phone. I gulped hard and switched on the news. I had two options: either face the reality or spend four years in the dark. I didn’t want to endure another such scenario. This time, I decided to spend the entire day working in my workshop. I vowed not to check my phone. If I had to answer my phone because it was my child calling, I asked them to refrain from sharing any updates about the ongoing events. No news. Nothing at all.
On the day following the latest election, I cast my vote. Later that evening, I participated in a Zoom meeting conducted by Congressman Eric Swalwell and engaged with numerous individuals as part of my small contribution in the final push. At 11 pm, I arrived here to watch a screening of Walter Salles’ movie, “I’m Still Here.” The film depicted a family’s remarkable resilience, which was truly inspiring. As midnight approached or afterward, I switched on the news and learned that Trump had emerged victorious. Since then, my mindset has been that this isn’t the battle we desired, but it’s the one we’ve been dealt with. Let’s check up on Mary to see how she’s doing.
Where’s your heart focused now?
AS A FAN, Ukraine, not like Haiti where violence is rampant among gangs. Here, it’s a united front against one another, not each other. The spirit of the Ukrainians shines brightly in this conflict. I am certain they will emerge victorious. The media portrayal has been misleading, creating an image of Russia as an oppressor. Let me remind you, that’s like telling Sonny Liston while he’s down on the mat or questioning the resolve of the United States during the Vietnam War. When people are deeply invested emotionally, they are unstoppable.
What’s CORE’s biggest challenge?
PENN Money. Always money. But Ann and her team? They’re rock and roll.
How do you stay mentally strong?
Contemplate Sean’s tale about Julia Roberts remarking on his contentment. It’s disheartening to abstain from action. When one enters a crisis, they witness humanity at its core. In Ukraine, Polish car dealerships transformed their garages into shelters for refugees. That’s the compassionate side. You can survey the surroundings and observe the dreadful events unfolding, muttering, “What a pity, life is miserable.” Or you can make a difference.
A quote from ‘Cutter’s Way’ goes, “Tragedy, I can handle. It’s the everyday struggles that wear me down.” In the past, this resonated with me. However, now, encountering courageous individuals invigorates me. That’s what keeps my spirit alive.
Interview edited for length and clarity.
You can find this story in the July 23 edition of The Hollywood Reporter magazine! Don’t miss out, subscribe now.
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2025-07-24 15:55