How to Help Those Affected by the Los Angeles Wildfires

The multiple wildfires that have ravaged Los Angeles since January 7 are some of the most destructive in California’s history, ripping through more than 40,000 acres, razing thousands of structures, displacing thousands of residents and killing at least 24 people, though that number is expected to rise. The devastation is horrific, and the city has a long road to recovery ahead. The extent of the damage and necessary aid will become clearer in the weeks to come. For now, we’ve compiled some relief organizations below that you can donate to directly.
We’ll be updating this list with national organizations as well as local businesses offering donation drives and other relief efforts. If your business has anything planned, please message us on Instagram at @downtownnyc and we’ll include you here.
American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles
Red Cross L.A. has opened an emergency shelter for those affected by the Palisades fire, with food, water, health and emergency services available for those in need. Donations to Red Cross L.A. will go toward ongoing efforts to provide shelter, sustenance and more for victims of disasters.
World Central Kitchen
José Andrés’ NGO World Central Kitchen, which was founded in response to the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti and provides food relief in areas affected by humanitarian crises and natural disasters, is in Southern California to support first responders and families impacted by the wildfires. You can donate to World Central Kitchen directly to support its efforts; you can also make an impact by rounding up your checks at Union Square Hospitality Group restaurants, including our own district’s Manhatta, which will benefit World Central Kitchen’s Los Angeles outreach. More on that effort here.
Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
Donations to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank will benefit the organization’s work providing meals to people in Los Angeles County in normal times as well as in times of crisis, including those affected by the wildfires.
California Community Foundation
The California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund has provided over $30 million to disaster-affected communities since 2003. The group has activated the fund to address long-term recovery needs for neighborhoods hard-hit by the fires, including housing, case management, mental health, medical care and eventual rebuilding efforts.
California Fire Foundation
The California Fire Foundation provides critical support to firefighters, the families of firefighters who perished in service and victims of fire and other natural disasters.
Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Foundation is asking for donations to equip LAFD members battling wildfires. Funds will be used for equipment and supplies like emergency fire shelters, hydration backpacks, wildland brush tools and more.
Pasadena Humane Society
The Pasadena Humane Society is partnering with L.A. County Animal Care and Control, the ASPCA, American Humane, San Diego Humane Society and North Valley Animal Disaster Group to actively serve lost pets and other animals affected by the Eaton wildfire. The humane society has taken in over 400 animals so far, and is seeking monetary donations to aid with efforts.
Center for Disaster Philanthropy
The Center for Disaster Philanthropy’s California Wildfires Recovery Fund supports communities across the state as they work to rebuild and recover from wildfires.
Direct Relief
Nonprofit humanitarian organization Direct Relief is distributing medications, N95 respirators and more to impacted communities in Los Angeles. The organization is seeking donations to support efforts to assist those affected by the wildfires.
BeyGood Foundation’s L.A. Fire Relief Fund
Beyoncé’s charity BeyGood has launched an L.A. Fire Relief Fund earmarked to aid families in the Altadena/Pasadena area who lost their homes, as well as to churches and community centers to help address the immediate needs of affected communities.
photo: simonkr / iStock