Last month, fires erupted across Los Angeles due to dry conditions and high winds, resulting in the destruction of around 16,000 structures and the loss of at least 29 lives. Families that have been displaced due to the Los Angeles Fires need financial support urgently. While basic necessities are beneficial, Californians lack homes to store these donated items. Additionally, it can get very overwhelming for volunteers trying to manage and sort donated items such as clothes and blankets. If you are looking for a place to donate, below are four researched and reliable places that are providing urgent assistance, but also long-term help while LA rebuilds.
Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation:
The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation provides essential equipment and funds that help the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) protect its community. At the top of the website, there is a drop-down tap that says “Donate.” Click on the second option “Donate: General,” and from there you can choose to donate to the LAFD Wildfire Relief Fund. These funds go directly to the fire department and help cover the costs of necessary tools and safety equipment for the firefighters on the front lines.
California Community Foundation: Wildfire Recovery Fund:
The California Community Foundations (CCF) Wildfire Relief Fund is focused on long-term rebuilding for communities in Los Angeles after media attention shifts away in the upcoming months. The CCF has donated over 15 million dollars to non-profit organizations that are helping individuals and families, but their main efforts are to ensure long-term recovery. CCF provides mental and physical care for displaced residents, helping those in need with case management and assisting with housing. When you go to the website click “Donate now” in the middle of the screen, from there you can easily donate using your card, Paypal or Venmo.
221LA:
211LA, a nonprofit organization, provides housing help for individuals and families affected by the LA fires. So far, they have provided temporary residence to over 33,000 individuals by working with Airbnb, Hilton and American Express. All donated funds go directly to helping evacuees find hotel accommodations, transportation and meals. They have been working overtime to help with immediate needs, but are asking for continued support as they enter the recovery phase of the aftermath of these devastating fires. You can donate by clicking on the link at the top of their website, located inside the red box it is easy to find, from there you can simply just choose the amount you want to donate.
American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross is working to provide urgent necessities to people affected by the LA fires. The Red Cross is working closely with local officials to coordinate a recovery plan. Over 580 Red Cross responders and 8,000 local volunteers have been working day and night to help those affected. So far they have provided over 90,000 meals and 9,400 overnight stays. Donating is easy and the Red Cross is a very reliable organization so you know your money will be going to help those who need it. To donate specifically to help the LA fires, scroll past where you select your size of the donation, where there is a drop-down that says “Disaster relief”. From there click “California Wildfires 2025”
While the fires are done burning, the effects of them are long-lasting. In the end, they burned 40,000 acres of land in the LA area, with insured losses expected to reach around 20 billion dollars and total economic losses potentially reaching 50 billion dollars. Any sized donation is helpful, just make sure to know where your money is going.
