Tens of thousands of people — including A-list celebrities — have evacuated following the ongoing Los Angeles wildfires, leading many to wonder how to help those in need.
After a windstorm sparked brush fires on the morning of Tuesday, January 7, locals were forced to leave their homes and businesses behind as widespread devastation impacted the Los Angeles community.
“This is the moment to reach out to anyone who lives in Los Angeles, who you think might be in some sort of traumatic shock and grief about losing their homes and the devastation of their neighborhoods and communities and offer your hand, home and resources,” wrote via Instagram on Thursday, January 9, alongside aerial images of the destruction in the area. “We are going to have to come together,as we may never have done before, in the City of Angels and help each other. AND WE WILL!”
The Oscar winner donated $1 million to a relief fund, but even those who can’t afford to donate a blockbuster-size paycheck can help.
While GoFundMe has created a centralized hub for all the fundraising pages for those affected by the wildfire, other organizations including the Salvation Army have sprang into action to provide aid.
Scroll down to see resources on how to help those affected by the wildfires:
How to Help People Get Food and Water
Nonprofit organization World Central Kitchen is providing food and water to both residents and first aid responders. “Our teams have mobilized across the region to provide immediate relief in the form of sandwiches and water as we identify all areas of need,” the organization said in a statement.
How to Help Provide Shelter
and are among the many celebs that noted The American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles is providing emergency shelter, food, water, health and mental services to those impacted. The shelter is located at Westwood Recreation Center in Los Angeles.
“Wildfires can spread rapidly, and it is important to prepare now and have your car ready; do not wait until there is not enough time to grab your essentials,” the organization said in a statement.
The organization is accepting donations online, by calling (800) 733-2767 or texting REDCROSS to 90999.
How to Help With Medical Care
Direct Relief is in communication with local health providers and emergency management teams.
“The organization is currently deploying medical aid, including emergency medical supplies for first responders and displaced residents, and respiratory protection equipment, including N95 respirators, to mitigate health risks from smoke exposure,” the organization wrote in a statement.
How to Help Firefighters
encouraged Instagram followers “to help our LAFD firefighters” with the LA Fire Department Foundation’s Wildfire Emergency Fund. The organization is supporting local firefighters to finance emergency fire shelters, hydration backpacks and wildland brush tools.
The California Fire Foundation is also providing support to surviving firefighters and their families by commemorating firefighters who died, offering aid to victims of fire and scholarships to children of firefighters who died.
The CAL FIRE Benevolent Foundation is also offering financial aid to firefighters and their families as well as supporting burn victims and their families.
How to Help Animals
and both shared a post flagging several animal shelters, including the Pasadena Humane Society, which is helping to ensure pets are removed from the areas where wildfire is spreading and providing emergency services.
“If you are under evacuation orders, please take your pets with you. Prepare now. Pack a ‘go bag’ with your pet’s food (at least five days worth), water, dishes, toys, and any medications. Ensure your pet is wearing a collar with a current ID tag in case they get lost,” they said in a statement.
The organization will have Animal Control Officers onsite at the Pasadena Convention Center to help with animals. If in need of assistance, residents can call the animal control dispatch at 626-792-7151 ext. 970.
The American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles is providing a shelter for pets with Pierce College in Woodland Hills. shared via Instagram that the Canine Rescue Club is also seeking volunteers for temporary foster care for dogs displaced by the wildfire.
How to Help With Essential Items
The athleisure brand Set Active is accepting donations of clothing for those impacted by the fire through an Instagram Direct Message. and shared MutualAid LA’s information, which noted that The Anderson Munger Family YMCA and the Koreatown YMCA Center for Community Well-Being are also accepting donations of items including unopened food, clothing, blankets, emergency supplies and pet food.
Donations can be received at the Anderson Munger Family YMCA, 4301 W. 3rd St. in Los Angeles and at the Koreatown YMCA, 433 S. Vermont Ave. in Los Angeles.
shared via Instagram that Baby2Baby is also providing baby products for families affected by the fire, accepting donations online at their Disaster Relief and Emergency Response Program.
Check the LAFD website for local wildfire alerts and click here for resources on how to help those affected.
