Los Angeles County is facing a severe wildfire crisis, with multiple fires, including the Hurst, Eaton, and Palisades fires, threatening communities across Southern California. These fires have killed at least five people and nearly 180,000 people have been forced to evacuate thus far. The situation is exacerbated by dangerous winds and dry conditions, making the rapidly evolving fires difficult to control.
Photo: CAL FIRE
How to Help People Affected by LA Wildfires: 10 Places Accepting Donations and Volunteers
Currently, the fires remain uncontained. For live updates on the status of the fires, follow the live blog on LAist and other local news organizations. Those outside of LA looking to help can support a range of places accepting donations in-person as well as monetary donations.
Many of these organizations emphasize that monetary donations are often more helpful than physical goods, as they allow for quicker responses to immediate needs and avoid storage issues.
In addition to the below organizations, many local restaurants in the Los Angeles area are offering free meals to evacuees and first responders, and Airbnb is offering free temporary stays for people who are displaced.
Further resources and ways to help the people impacted by the fires can be found on this regularly updated Google Sheet, which also has resources for pets and animals affected by the fires, a list of shelters, boarding facilities, and organizations that provide pet goods and pet-friendly rides.
Where to donate to support people in need during the LA wildfires
Direct Relief: Provides N-95 masks, medicine, and other resources to healthcare agencies and first responders in wildfire-affected communities across California, and 100 percent of donations to their wildfire response fund directly support these efforts. Direct Relief is actively deploying emergency medical supplies for first responders and displaced residents, as well as respiratory protection equipment to mitigate smoke exposure risks, in Los Angeles.
GlobalGiving’s California Wildfire Relief Fund: Supports immediate needs such as food, water, and shelter, as well as longer-term recovery efforts. Donations to this fund will go to local vetted organizations working in affected areas.
Americares: Responding to the wildfires around Los Angeles by providing medicines and medical supplies. Every $10 donated can provide $200 in aid.
The American Red Cross: Provides shelter, food, emotional support, and health services to those affected by the wildfires. You can donate to their disaster relief fund online, by phone, or by texting. The organization also has a map of where people can find shelter.
Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation: The official non-profit of the Los Angeles City Fire Department, which supports local firefighters and paramedics by providing equipment and tools to help them effectively fight wildfires.
California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund: Supports communities with both intermediate recovery and long-term resilience, targeting the most underserved and hard-to-reach communities. Donations can be made online, by check, stock, or wire transfer.
The Salvation Army: Accepting donations to help the organization provide food, water, shelter, and other needed resources. The organization provides both emergency relief and long-term recovery assistance for evacuees and first responders.
LA Food Bank: Provides food assistance to those facing hunger, and is currently seeking volunteers and also accepting food donations at distribution centers in Los Angeles and Industry City.
LA Works: Organizes and deploys volunteers to areas with most need.
World Central Kitchen: Accepts donations and volunteers to prepare and serve food to first responders and evacuees. 