By harp-weaver LLC staff
Since January 7, wildfires have raged in Los Angeles, Southern California. More than 10,000 homes, businesses, and other structures have been destroyed, forcing nearly 180,000 people to evacuate. It has been called the most destructive wildfire in California’s history.
In times of disaster, Americans have stepped up their giving and volunteering to help those in need. Resources on how to give effectively to support wildfire relief and recovery are included.
What to Give
Monetary donations are the best way to support relief and recovery. Trusted and established organizations with extensive experience and expertise and local ties are better able to distribute funds to help in the most impactful ways. While there are exceptions when donating supplies is helpful (check out online marketplace Second Markets and their current work as an example), money, in general, is the most helpful for supporting disaster relief.
Where to Give – Immediate Relief
When disasters strike, multiple organizations step up and provide immediate relief and aid.
The American Red Cross: The Red Cross disaster teams are working to provide safe shelter, food, emotional support, and other relief services. In addition, the organization is mobilizing hundreds more disaster workers to support the wildfire victims and moving truckloads of supplies, such as cots, blankets, and water, to be ready to help thousands of people in emergency shelters if needed.
California Fire Foundation Wildfire & Disaster Relief Fund: The California Fire Foundation is working with local fire agencies and community-based organizations to provide direct financial support to impacted residents as details of the damage emerge.
LA Regional Food Bank: The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank responds to fires throughout Los Angeles County with government agencies, nonprofit and faith-based partners, and others. It also regularly updates its Find Food resource link.
World Central Kitchen: World Central Kitchen’s Relief Team is in Southern California to support first responders and families impacted by wildfires in the Los Angeles area. The teams have mobilized across the region to provide immediate relief. They are working with restaurant and food truck partners to provide meals.
Los Angeles Fire Department: The Los Angeles Fire Department is dedicated to saving lives, fighting fires, safety and prevention, and building communities.
Animal Wellness Foundation: Animal Wellness Foundation shelter and feeds animals affected by the fires.
Baby2Baby: Baby2Baby distributes emergency supplies for the most vulnerable children and families who have lost everything including diapers, food, formula, water, clothing, blankets and hygiene products.
Use this CNBC list to find additional organizations to give to, or use this list by the Mutual Aid LA Network.
Another source for giving is personal gifts through GoFundMe accounts. Personal relationships with people affected by the fires could lead to donating through their individual GoFundMe pages. It circumvents donations to official nonprofits but provides necessary and specific assistance to those needing help.
Where to Give – Long-Term Recovery
While disasters cause immediate harm and danger, recovery is a lengthy and challenging process. Supporting long-term recovery can help build resilience and heal a community after disaster has occurred.
California Community Foundation’s (CCF) Wildfire Recovery Fund: CCF’s Wildfire Recovery Fund supports communities through this critical period with both intermediate recovery and long-term resilience. Our efforts aim to rebuild and restore the lives of California’s most affected and underserved populations.
Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP): Since its inception, CDP has awarded grants to nonprofits and community groups throughout California to help families and communities recover through equitable grantmaking that prioritizes medium- to long-term recovery.
To effectively address the growing wildfire threat in California, CDP works directly with local nonprofits to identify specific needs and funding gaps. They also consult with many in-state partners, such as the Governor’s Office of Emergency Service (Cal OES) and other agencies, to assess the long-term needs of affected communities and build collaborative partnerships.
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