January 09, 2025

How to help victims of the California Wildfires

Our beloved communities in SoCal have faced devastating consequences with the recent wildfires. With over 130,000 residents evacuated, at least five fatalities, and thousands of structures destroyed or damaged, the impact on communities is profound. 

In light of this crisis, here are actionable steps you can take to support those affected.

We have compiled a list of resources and quick links here:

1. Donate to Reputable Organizations

Financial contributions can provide immediate relief and long-term support. Consider donating to:

  • American Red Cross: Offers emergency shelter, food, and medical services.

    • How you can help: You can support the Red Cross by making a donation online, by calling (800) 733-2767 or texting REDCROSS to 90999.

  • California Fire Foundation: Provides resources to firefighters and families of fallen firefighters.

    • How you can help: An online monetary donation to the California Fire Foundation Wildfire and Disaster Relief Fund directly supports victims of wildfires and disasters throughout California, including the L.A. County area.
  • Direct Relief: Delivers medical aid to first responders and displaced residents.

  • California Community Foundation's Wildfire Recovery Fund: Supports mid-term to long-term recovery efforts for those affected by California wildfires.

    • How you can help: You can make a monetary donation online 

2. Volunteer Your Time

If you're in or near the affected areas, consider volunteering with local shelters or community centers. Organizations like the Dream Center are offering emergency shelter to evacuees.

3. Provide Temporary Housing

Platforms like Airbnb's Open Homes Initiative connect evacuees with hosts offering free temporary housing. Opening your home can provide much-needed relief to displaced individuals and families. 

4. Support Local Businesses

Many small businesses have been affected by the wildfires. Purchasing goods or services from these businesses can aid in their recovery and support the local economy.

5. Donate Supplies

Organizations such as the Salvation Army are collecting essential items, including non-perishable food, bottled water, blankets, clothing, and hygiene products. Ensure to check their current needs before donating. 

6. Assist Displaced Animals

The Animal Wellness Foundation, Canine Club, and Compton Cowboys are involved in rescuing and caring for animals affected by the fires. Consider donating or fostering pets in need. 

7. Raise Awareness

Share verified information on social media about relief efforts, donation opportunities, and resources for those affected. Using hashtags like #CaliforniaWildfires and #WildfireRelief can help spread the word.

8. Advocate for Preventative Measures

Support policies and initiatives aimed at wildfire prevention and climate change mitigation. Engaging in community efforts to promote sustainable practices can contribute to reducing the risk of future wildfires.

Why Your Support Matters

Every contribution, whether through donations, volunteering, or raising awareness, plays a vital role in the recovery process. Collective efforts can provide immediate relief and foster resilience in communities facing the aftermath of these devastating wildfires.

 

Our beloved communities in SoCal have faced devastating consequences with the recent wildfires. With over 130,000 residents evacuated, at least five fatalities, and thousands of structures destroyed or damaged, the impact on communities is profound. 

In light of this crisis, here are actionable steps you can take to support those affected.

We have compiled a list of resources and quick links here.

Organization/Location Support Type Description Link/Address
American Red Cross Aid Emergency shelter, food, and medical aid Red Cross
Direct Relief Aid Medical aid to first responders and evacuees Direct Relief
Animal Wellness Foundation Animals Rescues and cares for displaced animals Animal Wellness Foundation
Compton Cowboys Animals Animal rescue and care Compton Cowboys
Agoura Animal Care Center Animals Animal supplies and shelter for small animals 29525 Agoura Rd, Agoura Hills, CA 91301
Best Friends Animal Society Animals Goods wishlist and foster support
Pasadena Humane Society Animals Treatment for animals with burns, foster support https://pasadenahumane.org/wildfirerelief
spcaLA Animals Animal care and supply donations https://spcala.com/programs-services/dart/
Castaic Animal Care Center Animals Evacuation support for animals 31044 Charlie Canyon, Castaic
Baldwin Park Animal Care Center Animals Evacuation support for small animals 4275 Elton St, Baldwin Park
Lancaster Animal Care Center Animals Evacuation support for animals 5210 W Ave I, Lancaster
Airbnb Open Homes Initiative Evacuation Center Free temporary housing for evacuees Airbnb Open Homes
El Camino Real Charter High School Evacuation Center Accepts people and small animals 5440 Valley Circle Blvd, Woodland Hills
Pasadena Convention Center Evacuation Center Accepts people 300 E Green St, Pasadena
Pierce College Evacuation Center Accepts people and large animals 6201 Winnetka Ave, Woodland Hills
Westwood Recreation Center Evacuation Center Accepts people and small animals 1350 S Sepulveda Blvd, Westwood
California Fire Foundation Monetary Donation/Relief Support for firefighters and their families California Fire Foundation
California Community Foundation Monetary Donation/Relief Mid-to-long-term wildfire recovery efforts Wildfire Relief Fund
California Fire Foundation Monetary Donation/Relief Support for firefighters and recovery efforts https://cpf.salsalabs.org/cff-donation/index.html
Ktown For All Monetary Donation/Relief General monetary support for community needs Venmo/PayPal: @Ktownforall
LA Food Bank Monetary Donation/Relief Food assistance for affected areas https://www.lafoodbank.org/donate-page/
Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation Monetary Donation/Relief Support for fire department operations https://supportlafd.org/
CA Community Foundation Wildfire Fund Monetary Donation/Relief Long-term wildfire recovery efforts
Devore and Apple Valley Animal Shelters Monetary Donation/Relief Animal care and shelter support https://animalcare.sbcounty.gov/donations/
Los Angeles Animal Services Monetary Donation/Relief Animal rescue and welfare support https://www.laanimalservices.com/
Pasadena Humane Monetary Donation/Relief Animal rescue and wildfire relief efforts https://pasadenahumane.org/wildfirerelief
Salvation Army Supply Donation Collects essential supplies for evacuees Salvation Army
Mutual Aid LA Network (MALAN) Supply Donation Centralized resource for supply needs https://tiny.cc/malan-fire
All Power Books Supply Donation Shelter support and item donations 4749 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016
Anderson Muger Family YMCA Supply Donation Emergency supplies, food, and water 4301 W Third St, Los Angeles, CA 90020
Calico Fish House Supply Donation Camping supplies, baby formula, pet food 16600 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach
The Sidewalk Project LA Supply Donation Tents, tarps, N95 masks, oxygen tanks 768 Stanford Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90021
VolunteerMatch Volunteer Matches volunteers with local opportunities VolunteerMatch
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Mental Health Disaster distress helpline https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/helplines/disaster-distress-helpline
Genasys Information Latest evacuation Map https://protect.genasys.com/zones/US-CA-XLA-MAL-C111-B?z=11.52586543341032&latlon=34.04091698248472%2C-118.61068198257163
LAFD Twitter Information LAFD Twitter page for latest up to date info https://x.com/LAFD
Written by Claire Ellis

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