California wildfires have once again left devastation in their wake. This week’s fires across Los Angeles have claimed at least 10 lives, forced 180,000 people to evacuate their homes, and destroyed over 10,000 structures. The disaster’s impact is vast, but there are ways to help those affected. Below is a guide to organizations providing support and how you can contribute.
Supporting Children
Project Camp
Project Camp is a Los Angeles-based organization that operates trauma-informed pop-up day camps for children displaced by natural disasters. These camps provide structure and emotional support during chaotic times. Currently, Project Camp is setting up sites to assist families impacted by the Palisades and Eaton fires.
- How to Help: The organization is accepting monetary donations and volunteers to staff the camps. Impacted families can find information on how to sign up for a camp on their website.
Boys and Girls Clubs of Malibu
Having gained experience from the 2018 Woolsey Fire, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Malibu offer free counseling, case management, and resource referrals to families in need. They plan to establish an emergency relief distribution center once their facilities safely reopen.
- How to Help: Donations are being collected to provide emergency grants to affected families. Intake forms for those needing help are available in English and Spanish.
Assistance for Displaced Households
GoFundMe.org
GoFundMe’s nonprofit arm, the Wildfire Recovery Fund, provides emergency grants to verified individuals, families, small businesses, and nonprofits. The platform ensures that funds reach those who need them most.
- How to Help: Donate directly to the Wildfire Recovery Fund or support individual verified fundraisers.
Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) & Bstrong
In partnership with Bethenny Frankel’s Bstrong disaster relief initiative, GEM distributes cash cards to evacuated residents for essentials like lodging, gas, and food.
- How to Help: Donations to GEM and Bstrong support these cash cards and other relief efforts.
Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank works with over 600 partner agencies to ensure displaced households have access to food.
- How to Help: You can contribute cash donations, drop off food donations at designated sites, or volunteer your time. Households in need can locate a food bank through their website.
Resources for First Responders and Volunteers
California Fire Foundation
Founded by California Professional Firefighters in 1987, the California Fire Foundation supports families of fallen firefighters, active responders, and fire-impacted communities.
- How to Help: Donations to the foundation provide financial assistance and resources for firefighters and affected families.
Watch Duty
This nonprofit offers real-time updates on wildfire activity, including evacuation notices and shelter locations. Their free app has been downloaded by more than 1.4 million people in just 48 hours.
- How to Help: Support their efforts through donations or by volunteering to gather and verify information from radio scanners and official sources.
Aid for Animals
Pasadena Humane Society
The Pasadena Humane Society has sheltered over 300 animals due to the evacuations. They provide care for animals with burns and injuries and deploy officers to rescue animals in need.
- How to Help: Monetary donations are welcomed, and items from their Amazon wishlist can be purchased to support their efforts.
Long-term Recovery Efforts
California Community Foundation
The California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund addresses long-term needs such as temporary housing, rebuilding homes, and mental health support. They also provide updated equipment for firefighters and rebuild emergency communication systems.
- How to Help: Contributions to the foundation are used for these recovery efforts. They also match donations made by company employees.
Team Rubicon
Team Rubicon specializes in disaster response and will assist with debris removal once the cleanup phase begins.
- How to Help: Donate to support their cleanup operations or sign up to volunteer.
Samaritan’s Purse
Samaritan’s Purse aids survivors in sifting through debris to recover personal belongings. Their compassionate approach helps families regain a sense of normalcy.
- How to Help: Financial contributions enable the organization to continue its vital work.
Helping Friends and Family
For those with friends or family affected by the wildfires, reaching out with support can make a big difference. Dr. Adrienne Heinz, a clinical research psychologist at the Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD, offers the following advice:
- Check-In: Express your sympathy and offer support without pressuring them to respond. For example: “I’m so sorry for what has happened to your community. Can I send your family a meal tonight? I’m here for you and will keep checking in. No pressure to respond.”
- Offer Specific Help: Provide concrete assistance, such as lodging, gift cards, meals, or childcare.
- Be Patient: Understand that they may not be able to respond immediately due to emotional or logistical challenges.
- Avoid Minimizing Their Experience: Phrases like “At least you’re alive” or “Everything happens for a reason” can unintentionally invalidate their feelings. Even those who didn’t lose their homes may still be deeply affected by the trauma.
Final Thoughts
The California wildfires have left a trail of destruction, but collective action can help rebuild affected communities. Whether through donations, volunteering, or providing emotional support to friends and family, every effort counts. By contributing to the organizations listed above, you can play a part in the recovery process and help those in need during this challenging time.
