In the wake of the devastating wildfires sweeping across California, there’s a growing outpouring of resources to support those affected, and I want to do my part by compiling and sharing a collection of those resources, alongside others created by people who care. It’s incredibly hard to watch the destruction unfold in my home state, especially when friends and family have been directly impacted. I had just left for the East Coast the day the windstorms began, and although I’m physically far from the chaos, my heart is with those facing unimaginable loss.
The tragedy is personal. A home is more than a structure, it’s your safe haven, your sanctuary, filled with memories and sentimental value. It’s easy to think that material possessions can be replaced, but the emotional toll of losing a home, a place where you’ve built a life, can never truly be quantified. No amount of money can bring back what’s lost. Sure, financial resources may help rebuild or relocate, but that doesn’t erase the deep emotional scars that come with losing everything.
What’s been particularly disheartening is the lack of empathy from those outside California. It’s easy to overlook the gravity of a crisis when it doesn’t directly impact you. If you don’t have any kind words, a donation, or a way to point people in the right direction for help, sometimes it’s better to say nothing at all.
As we watch this tragedy unfold, I’ve been reminded of a powerful observation someone shared on Twitter: “To give people who don’t live in LA an idea of the scope of the devastation: I have yet to talk to one LA resident who doesn’t personally know not just one, but SEVERAL people who have lost everything. just unimaginable.” This is the reality for thousands of Angelenos right now. Neighbors, friends, and families who have been displaced, devastated, and uncertain of where to turn next.
Even as the fires begin to show signs of containment, the journey of recovery will be long, and it’s crucial we all stand together as a community. No matter how small the help may seem, every effort counts. That’s why I’ve put together this resource page, and I’ll continue to update it daily. I hope these tools can be of use, whether you’re in need or looking to assist others in need.
The road ahead will be difficult, but we can rebuild stronger by leaning into the power of community. If you have the means to help, please do. It’s in moments like these that empathy, generosity, and solidarity make all the difference.
Resources
Emergency Notifications
Stay in the know about warnings and alerts by signing up with your local emergency mass notification system.
Alert LA County: Alert LA County is an opt-in mass notification program utilized by the County of Los Angeles that allows individuals to receive emergency alerts by text, email and/or phone call.
NotifyLA: LA City’s Emergency Alert System
Apps
Watch Duty: Stay Safe From Wildfires When Seconds Count. Watch Duty is the only wildfire mapping and alert app powered by real people giving you real-time information vetted by trained professionals, not robots.
Citizen: Citizen is a personal safety network that empowers you to protect yourself and the people and places you care about.
Mutual Aid
Mutual Aid LA Network (MALAN) is a connector and information hub for mutual aid efforts, people and resources across Los Angeles.
MALAN Fire & Wind Storm Resources: Available Resources
You can donate to MALAN here
GoFundMe
- Displaced Black Families GoFundMe Directory
- Eaton Fire GoFundMe, Displaced Students
- Renters That Lost Housing in LA County Fires
- Displaced Latino Families
Evacuation Resources
Evacuation Centers, Shelters, and Temporary Housing
Trinity Lutheran Church Bad Weather Shelter
LA County local shelter locations
Airbnb and LA 2-1-1 are offering free temporary housing
American Red Cross’s list of open shelters and evacuation centers
Hotels offering discounted rates
Please note that It is against the law for hotels to increase rates due to increased demand from fire evacuations. Additionally, all public shelters must be accessible. No one running an evacuation shelter can ask you for your ID.
Other Community Resources
A lot of amazing organizations and individuals are developing their own resource pages. I encourage you to explore these for more information. I will continue to add any additional resources aimed at assisting those affected by the wildfires!!
THE 20-SOMETHING FILES. 