The January 2025 wildfires in Los Angeles County have caused immense destruction, with tens of thousands of acres burned, over 10,000 structures destroyed and numerous residents displaced. This disaster is likely to be the most expensive one on record. As a company founded and based in LA County, Connect Media feels a responsibility towards our community and thus we are providing informational resources for those who wish to offer help or require assistance.
To aid those affected by the wildfires, LA County has released a guide to Wildfire Recovery Resources which can be accessed here . The California Apartment Association (CAA) has also compiled a guide for its members on their obligations during this time as well as ways rental property owners can provide support. This information can be found here . Additionally, other resources are listed on the CAA website.
In addition to these official guides from government bodies and organizations like CAA, Connect Media’s team has put together an extensive list of organizations offering disaster relief services such as housing and food assistance. We will continue updating this list in the coming days.
GENERAL
– American Red Cross is accepting donations online , via phone (800) 733-2767 or by texting REDCROSS to 90999.They also have set up hundreds of shelters across affected areas along with forms for locating missing individuals.
– California Fire Foundation is collecting emergency funding.
– Mutual Aid LA provides information about shelters, assistance programs,and donation opportunities.They have also created an all-inclusive spreadsheet listing various resources available.
– GoFundMe has established apage specifically dedicatedto raising funds for wildfire relief efforts where people may donate either generally or directly towards individual families through verified fundraisers.
– Project Hope is working closely with local authorities,government officials,and non-profit organizations,to identify critical needsand provide necessary support services like shelter,housing etc.,as required by impacted communities
– Community Organized Relief Effort(CORE)is actively involvedin providing direct assistance to those affected.
– Direct Relief is distributing medical supplies and safety equipment to both residents and first responders.
– California Community Foundation has set up a Wildfire Recovery Fundto provide intermediate recovery support as well as long-term aid based on data from CalFireand CDC’s Social Vulnerability Index, with a focus on the most vulnerable communities.
FOOD
– LA Food Bank has created an interactive map showing all emergency locations where relief services are being provided.
– World Central Kitchen is offering food and water along with seeking volunteers for aid work.
– Project Angel Food urgently requires volunteers for delivery servicesas well as kitchen help over the next few days.
-No Res Gourmet provides opportunitiesfor cooking, packaging,and distributing meals while also accepting donations of funds or supplies.
-Some restaurantsare offering free meals to those impacted by wildfires including Blaze Pizza in Glendale,Crustaceanin Beverly Hills,Dtown Pizzeria in West Hollywood,Dudley Marketin Venice,Fiorelli Pizzain Venice,LASorted’sin Los Angeles,Norms at select locations,Sonoritas Prime Tacosat two different addresses,Sora Craft Kitchen in Los Angeles,Sunday Gravyin Inglewood,Yeastie Boyswith multiple outlets.
ANIMALS
-Foster pets of displaced familiesor assist overcrowded shelters through active programs like animalcare.lacounty.gov (including emergency shelters)and www.laanimalservices.com . Local shelters such asthe Pasadena Humane Societyare actively seeking fostersalong with monetary donations.They are also treating injured animals alongside other CA-based animal care facilities
-The Canine Rescue Clubis currently screening potential foster parents.
SPECIFIC GROUPS/ VULNERABLE POPULATIONS
-Malibu Foundation focuses on providing support specifically towards seniors,the low-income population,familieswith disabilities,and uninsured households during this time of crisis
-Baby2Baby collaborates with 470 organizations across LA Countyto provide essential items like diapers,formula etc. to families with infants and young children.
-United Way LA provides aidto low-income individuals,the homeless,and small businessesand community organizations.
-The California Community Foundation uses data from CalFireand CDC’s Social Vulnerability Index to ensure their grants target the neediest communitieswith both intermediate recovery support and long-term assistance.
FIRST RESPONDERS
-Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation is seeking funds for equipping responders
-Widows,Orphans & Disabled Firefighters Fund supports firemen who have sustained injuries or lost their homes in the line of duty.
HOUSING
-Airbnb has teamed up with 211 LAto offer temporary housing options.Evacuees can fill out an intake form through 211 Lato apply for this service.
-The Queen Mary Hotelin Long Beach announced discounted room ratesfor fire evacuees at $189 per night which also includes a breakfast voucher for two people.Some fees have been waived as well.
-Visit Big Bearis working closely with local lodging facilities and homeowners,to offer discounted stays to those impacted by wildfires
-Visit Anaheimhas listed special hotel offersas well as other forms of assistanceon its official website.
MISCELLANEOUS
-Uberis offering free ridesup to $40 each wayfor evacuation centers active during this time.The code WILDFIRE25 must be used while booking these rides.This offer is valid only if going towards an active evacuation center
-Lyft has set up a similar programoffering two free rides worth $25 each ($50 total)using the code CAFIRERELIEF25.These codes are valid until January 15th2025 at midnight
-U-Haulhas opened92 locationsacross Los Angeles County where evacuated residents may avail30 days of storage spacefree-of-cost.
-People affected by wildfires may use Planet Fitnessor UFC Gymlocations not directly impacted by the fires,for access to locker rooms,showers,lounges,and electrical outlets and Wi-Fi until January 15thand 31strespectively.
