How to Help Those Affected by the California Wildfires: Resources, Donations, More
The wildfires ravaging Los Angeles County have displaced more than 100,000 Southern California residents since breaking out amid a strong Santa Ana windstorm on Tuesday, Jan. 7.
The Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire, Hurst Fire and other fires across the region have decimated over 1,000 homes, buildings and other structures, and have collectively burned nearly 30,000 acres as of publication, according to NBC News. At least five people are dead.
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Those who have been affected by the fires are in need of supplies, clothing, shelter, food and more. Here's how you can help:
American Red Cross
The American Red Cross is accepting donations for those affected by the fires. The organization is working to help provide food, shelter, emotional support and health services.
Donate here.
Direct Relief
Direct Relief is an American humanitarian aid organization "with a mission to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies—without regard to politics, religion, or ability to pay."
Donate here.
California Fire Foundation
The California Fire Foundation "provides critical support to surviving families of fallen firefighters, firefighters, and the communities they serve."
The organization said they are working with local fire agencies and community-based groups to directly provide financial support to impacted Los Angeles residents.
You can donate here.
Local Donation Drop-Offs
Many businesses from all over Southern California are using their locations as drop-off spots for donations.
Items include new and gently used clothing for all ages (adult through infant, including shirts, pants, new underwear and socks, jackets and shoes); new toiletries and hygiene products (toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, diapers and sanitary products); baby formula and bottled water; and blankets, bedding and pillows, as well as other items like phone chargers, extension cords and more.
Check your local community social media accounts.
Airbnb
For anyone who has been displaced by the Los Angeles fires, Airbnb is offering temporary, free housing by partnering with 211 LA, a non-profit organization that connects L.A. residents to community resources and local services.
The organization is "specifically focused on residents who have either lost their home or been forced to evacuate in the Altadena, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Pasadena, Santa Monica and Sylmar areas." Those affected can request temporary housing by filling out an intake form with 211 LA.
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army Southern California Division is helping to provide personal necessities, basic needs, shelter and food to those affected by the fires.
Click here to donate.
World Central Kitchen
Led by chef José Andrés, the World Central Kitchen's relief team in Southern California provides meals to families and first responders. Click here to donate.
Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness announced it will open its doors to those affected by the fires—along with first responders, emergency personnel and others—at locations that have not have not yet been impacted, per KTLA.
The gym chain is giving free access to locker rooms, showers, HydroMassage loungers, electrical outlets and Wi-Fi for those in need through Wednesday, Jan. 15.
Call your local club or click here to find the location nearest to you.
GoFundMe
GoFundMe launched a fundraiser to provide "direct relief" to those affected by the fires. They also launched a hub dedicated to providing verified fundraisers related to the California wildfires.
Lyft and Uber
The rideshare companies are offering vouchers and credit for those who have been ordered to vacate their homes.
Uber is offering a $40 credit for trips to an active shelter with the code WILDFIRE25.
Lyft announced that it will be offering $25 vouchers (valid for two trips) to 500 customers until Wednesday, Jan. 15, with the code CAFIRERELIEF25.
Related: Rebel Wilson Reveals a Loved One Was Saved During the Los Angeles Fires
