Several significant wildfires in Los Angeles this week have tragically claimed the lives of at least five individuals, led to the evacuation of around 180,000 residents, and resulted in the destruction of thousands of homes and buildings. In response to this catastrophic situation, various organizations have stepped up to provide support and assistance to those affected.
For families with children, Project Camp is working diligently to create trauma-informed day camps for those displaced or unable to attend school due to the fires. Based in Los Angeles, the organization is in the process of establishing multiple camp locations specifically for families affected by the Palisades and Eaton fires. They are currently accepting financial contributions as well as volunteers to help manage the camps. Families looking for information on signing up for these camps can find further details on their website.
GoFundMe.org, through its nonprofit division, is using its Wildfire Recovery Fund to offer emergency grants to validated individuals and families seeking assistance for themselves or others. This platform also supports small businesses and nonprofits in need. Concurrently, Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), in collaboration with Bethenny Frankel’s bstrong disaster relief initiative, has begun distributing cash cards to evacuated residents, aimed at covering immediate necessities such as lodging, fuel, and food. Monetary donations are being accepted by both organizations.
The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is stepping in to ensure that those affected by the wildfires have access to food. It collaborates with a network of over 600 partner organizations to provide meals to displaced households. The food bank is looking for cash donations, food contributions at designated locations, and volunteers to assist with their operations. For households needing food assistance, they can find help through the food bank’s resources.
In terms of support for first responders and volunteers, the California Fire Foundation has been actively aiding both firefighters on the front lines and the individuals impacted by the blazes. Established in 1987, this nonprofit was founded by California Professional Firefighters to support families of fallen firefighters and communities affected by wildfires.
Watch Duty is another notable organization that has gained popularity for providing real-time information about wildfire incidents, evacuations, and available shelters through its free app. Since the onset of the fires, more than 1.4 million users have downloaded the application. This organization relies on donations and a dedicated team of 200 volunteers who gather and verify information from radio scanners and official sources.
As for animal welfare, the Pasadena Humane Society has acted quickly, taking in over 300 animals that required immediate care due to evacuations, including some with injuries and burns. Their staff is also actively seeking out animals in distress on the ground. They are accepting financial contributions and items from their Amazon wishlist to aid in their efforts.
Looking towards long-term recovery, the California Community Foundation has initiated its Wildfire Recovery Fund, which aims to tackle ongoing needs such as temporary housing solutions, home reconstruction, as well as mental health and medical care. This 110-year-old foundation also supports firefighters by upgrading their equipment and enhancing emergency communication systems. They are open to cash donations and can assist companies in matching employee contributions.
Additionally, Team Rubicon and Samaritan’s Purse are gearing up to assist those who have lost their homes through debris removal and other rebuilding tasks once cleanup efforts commence. Team Rubicon is currently collaborating with local agencies on activities like road clearing, while Samaritan’s Purse has dispatched 20 chaplains from the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team to provide emotional and spiritual support to those affected.
