It’s a challenge to know where to start in regards to contributing to relief efforts stemming from the catastrophic wildfires in Los Angeles; so much will be needed over the long term. Below are some ways to begin assisting that can be done from afar and have a meaningful impact right now.
Help specific displaced families
People who want to donate directly to affected community members have some unfortunately growing lists of options to consider. A few that we know about at the moment include a spreadsheet called Displaced Black Families currently shares over 200 GoFundMe campaigns to assist people displaced mainly from the heavily affected unincorporated area of Altadena, the city of Pasadena, and the Los Angeles neighborhood of Pacific Palisades, where the first fires began.
There’s also a similar Support the Music Community spreadsheet detailing GoFundMe links, kids’ item wish lists, housing rental requests and other immediate needs from music artists and music industry professionals who have lost their homes and belongings.
An eighth-grader named Avery Colvert helped create a way to ship clothing, beauty, haircare, and other personal items for her classmates at Altadena’s Eliot Arts Magnet school, which burned down.
“Although donations to our community have been amazing, they are mostly food, water, and household items – which are necessary, but not specific to my friends’ and schoolmates needs,” Colvert wrote. “So, I’m focusing on items that will help my friends feel confident and like themselves again!”
Seconds Market is matching clothing donations with specific people who need them and offering shipping options for people outside the area. The second-hand clothing business received 20,000 donations from all over the U.S. in the first 48 hours. An IG post reported that their youngest donation recipient so far is three-years-old and the oldest is 94.
Mutual Aid LA Network’s MALAN Fire and Storm Resources spreadsheet details donation drives and volunteer needs throughout Southern California, a good link to direct to people who live or travel in the area who have supplies or time to give.
Support incarcerated fire crews
The Anti-Recidivism Coalition is asking for donations for incarcerated fire crews. 100% of money donated goes directly to frontline workers when donors write “firefighter fund” on their pledge.
Explore matching donation efforts
Americares offers Rush Emergency Support to Los Angeles. Matching donors unlock $200 in aid for every $10 donated.
Help feed displaced residents
Chef Jose Andrés’ World Centra Kitchen is feeding those in SoCal with no kitchens left of their own. You can see distribution sites and donate to help here.
Consider animal welfare and adoptions
As of this writing, reps from San Francisco’s Muttville Senior Dog Rescue were headed to Pasadena with pet supplies and the intention to pick up senior dogs affected by the fires to be adopted in the Bay Area; they’ll be back in SF on Sunday. Muttville is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 5pm and holds adoption events every Saturday. Related: Muttville requests donations of old sneakers on Jan. 25 that they can give to a social enterprise organization that will pay them for the shoes.
In an Instagram post, Oakland’s Rocket Dog Rescue announced its desire to offer help from the Bay Area. “If evacuation is needed and there’s a set destination, we are partnering with a rescue transport and covering the cost,” the org wrote. “Please contact us if that is something that you need 415-756-8188.”
Community drop-off
Finally, if you are reading this Sat/11 or Sun/12, Mission bookstore Medicine for Nightmares is collecting supplies to send to people in need. See flyer above.
Tamara Palmer left her heart in Los Angeles.
