Resources to Help Those Affected by the California Wildfires

7 days ago2 min read

A little over two weeks ago, on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 a series of wildfires began to spread throughout the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, CA, later spreading to Altadena and various other communities across LA County.

In the days that followed, members of the community and people all over the country rallied around the victims of the fires as they faced uncertain times ahead, families losing everything they owned in a matter of seconds.

While there has already been an outpouring of support and donations, many people still find themselves displaced and affected by these wildfires, and multiple fires continue to burn across Southern California, spreading north to Santa Clarita and the surrounding areas.

Connect Del Rio's Journalist, Alondra Sanchez, who frequently works in Los Angeles and knows firsthand, many individuals affected by this disaster, has compiled a short list of resources for those interested in helping the affected communities rebuild:

Photo Courtesy of Etienne Laurent/AFP via Getty Images.

L.A. Fire Department Foundation – The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation is seeking monetary donations to equip firefighters battling the wildfires with items including emergency fire shelters, hydration backpacks and wildland brush tools.

You can donate online at: https://supportlafd.org/donate/

Direct Relief – Direct Relief is a California - based disaster relief medical assistance organization currently working with the two Koreatown YMCA locations in Los Angeles to hand out free N95 masks to residents affected by the harmful smoke.

Donations directly benefit the individuals impacted by the fires in Palisades, Altadena and across California, you can donate at: https://www.directrelief.org/emergency/california-wildfires/?_gl=1*1jpjsma*_up*MQ..*_gs*MQ..&gclid=Cj0KCQiAy8K8BhCZARIsAKJ8sfSD9pISpMQgiMlIw0a66FO6AuXKr48ib3SbFC1CvuIPNAIrs9Za3L8aAqAUEALw_wcB

Pasadena Humane – Pasadena Humane animal control officers have been assisting with animal evacuations while Pasadena Humane staff have been working at the shelter to help take in the animals of displaced families. The organization has taken in over 100 animals, including a pony, per the Los Angeles Times, and are continuing to take in animals for emergency boarding.

Those interested in helping can donate online at: https://give.pasadenahumane.org/give/654134/#!/donation/checkout

California Fire Foundation – The California Fire Foundation is working with local fire agencies and community organizations to support residents impacted by the fires.

Donations can be made at: https://cpf.salsalabs.org/disasterrelief/index.html

Community Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund – Supports intermediate and long - term recovery efforts for major California wildfires as well preparedness efforts.

Donations can be made at: https://www.pledge.to/ccfwildfirerelieffund

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles – Assists in rebuilding homes for those affected by wildfires.

Donations can be made at: https://www.habitatla.org/how-to-apply/disaster-relief/

World Central Kitchen – nonprofit organization that immediately prepares and serves meals to the communities impacted by natural disasters and during humanitarian crises.

Donations can be made at: https://donate.wck.org/give/654000/?_gl=1*lslf4e*_gcl_au*MTA4ODA4OTk5NS4xNzM3NTcxODQ5*_ga*MTA5MzE5MzUwMy4xNzM3NTcxODQ5*_ga_5WKVY8503C*MTczNzU3MTg0OS4xLjAuMTczNzU3MTg0OS42MC4wLjA.#!/donation/checkout?c_src=2025-site-slider-cafiresjan25

There are also various individual GoFundMe’s and other mutual aid organizations looking to help the families, small businesses, and individuals affected by the fires:

Latine Families Displaced by the LA Fires Mutual Aid Directory – https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1km3lEvdVY70P3875guzujp5xtoIFMr6jVZVxfpN3MeA/edit?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZQRY_moxjw5C38siRXuaxx2K57sfJbt6LMrJvGUjepDTwKP9RCrwtA0bc_aem_0T65cXR9q-QjYasfHOhffg&gid=220233750#gid=220233750

Displaced Black Families GoFundMe Directory – https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1pK5omSsD4KGhjEHCVgcVw-rd4FZP9haoijEx1mSAm5c/htmlview?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2nsO-GU46zfCaXc755sQsa1QIsUkF0zwR8hymxJuMr5f-aJgiQzWZiA4_aem_zz0En1zr_80HERcxUpNmFA

Displaced Disabled Folks- LA Fires Mutual Aid Directory – https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1CJeOpQWsVCo6VYXAvChXVvoYzxVJiKPn3nMTCFVMUWc/edit?gid=0#gid=0