As wildfires rage across neighborhoods in Los Angeles, we’re seeing constant footage of the frightening blazes and devastation. More than 180,000 people have been ordered to flee their homes, and even more are without power. Thousands of houses, businesses and other structures have been destroyed or damaged, and at least five people are dead.
If you live elsewhere in the world, it’s natural to feel helpless watching this horrifying situation unfold. But there are many ways to help those affected by the fires, no matter where you’re located.
Below, we’ve rounded up a list of organizations accepting donations now. (The list is by no means comprehensive, but for more options, Mutual Aid Los Angeles Network has also compiled a lengthy spreadsheet with resources and ways to help.)
California Fire Foundation
The California Fire Foundation works with local fire departments and community-based organizations to aid residents affected by wildfires and other disasters in the state. You can make a donation on the foundation’s website to offer direct support to victims of the Los Angeles blazes.
World Central Kitchen
Chef José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen has mobilized relief teams throughout the Los Angeles area to feed first responders and affected residents. The organization is providing food and water in areas in need and accepting donations to support these efforts on its website.
American Red Cross
The American Red Cross is also on the ground and working with partners to provide food, safe shelter, medical care, relief supplies and emotional support to those affected by the fires. You can donate to the cause on the Red Cross website or by calling (800) 733-2767 or texting REDCROSS to 90999.
Friends in Deed
Friends in Deed is a Pasadena-based nonprofit providing meals, safe shelter and other services for people experiencing homelessness. You can donate to support these efforts on the organization’s website.
Canine Rescue Club
Those concerned about how the fires are affecting people’s pets can check out the Canine Rescue Club, a network of caregivers who temporarily foster dogs. Amid the wildfires, the organization is looking for volunteers in the Los Angeles area to house displaced canines. You can also donate money online to assist the Palisades Fire Canine Relief Fund, which will provide emergency shelter, safe transport, medical care, food and other essentials.
Direct Relief
The nonprofit humanitarian organization Direct Relief is working with local health providers and emergency management teams to supply N95 masks, medical aid and other resources to first responders and affected residents. The organization’s website has a donation option, and it notes that “100% of donations to Direct Relief’s wildfire response fund directly support efforts to assist individuals impacted by fires in Palisades, Altadena, and across California, providing critical aid where it’s needed most.”
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army’s wildfire relief efforts include providing meals, first aid, shelter, mental health services and personal necessities to evacuees and first responders. In addition to emergency support, the organization connects survivors with caseworkers to help displaced families, and even provides donations and grants to those who have lost their homes, belongings and/or jobs as a result of the fires. You can donate to the relief effort online.
Pasadena Humane
Pasadena Humane is assisting with animal evacuations and providing shelter for the pets of displaced residents. The organization, which has taken in more than 300 animals as of Wednesday night, is accepting monetary contributions on its website and has a donation bin on site for blankets, large crates and food and water bowls.
Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation
As firefighters work tirelessly to battle the blazes across the community, the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation is seeking donations to its wildfire emergency fund. The money goes toward important tools, equipment and resources to help firefighters effectively contain the flames.
GoFundMe
The fundraising platform GoFundMe has created a dedicated hub with all verified pages related to the California wildfires, with many options to donate to families who’ve lost their homes and belongings. There is also a general Wildfire Relief Fund that will send cash grants to individuals, small businesses, nonprofits and community relief efforts.
California Community Foundation
The California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund is accepting donations online and via mail. The goal is to distribute grants to the most underserved and marginalized communities, particularly when it comes to longer-term recovery relief.
The Sidewalk Project
Another organization working with unhoused people is the Sidewalk Project, which is offering shelter to those in need of a safe place to stay amid the fires. You can make a donation to support these efforts online or drop off supplies if you live locally.
Baby2Baby
The nonprofit Baby2Baby is supplying critical items like diapers, formula, food and hygiene products to children and families who’ve lost their homes and belongings. Donations can be made to Baby2Baby’s Disaster Relief and Emergency Response Program.
Airbnb
Airbnb’s nonprofit arm, Airbnb.org, has teamed up with 211 LA to offer free temporary housing to people displaced by the wildfires. Those looking to open up their doors to house evacuees can sign up on the organization’s website, where you can also donate money to the cause.