LA Fires: Where to Give and Get Help
Last updated 1/14/25
Hi friends,
With fires raging across Los Angeles County, I wanted to share a newsletter with resources and ways to help if you’re able. Many have lost their homes and can’t begin to heal while the fires continue, and firefighters are working tirelessly to protect lives. Community support is vital, now more than ever, so I’ve compiled resources for those in need and for anyone looking to help. I’ll keep updating this newsletter as more information becomes available. Stay safe and take care.
ere’s a detailed google sheet with a growing list of resources. i’ll keep updating the list below, but this sheet includes more options and info to explore.
assistance programs
Natural Resources Conservation Services: NRCS Post-Fire Disaster Assistance program is accessed through one of California's 55 local offices.
State Recovery Resources: after emergencies and disasters, they help Californians recover.
Cal Fire: a list of available support from government programs.
Food Pantries: Los Angeles residents have access to a network of supportive food pantries that offer a lifeline of assistance. Here you can find a list of food pantries closest to you.
Food Share Ventura County: this charity is part of the Feeding America network, the country's largest hunger-relief organization.
Hollywood Food Coalition: they help distribute food and prepare nightly meals for those in need.
FEMA: this assistance program can help support your recover.
California Fire Foundation: the SFF’s SAVE program brings immediate, short-term relief to victims of home fires throughout California.
Disaster Assistance Services Guide: their guide provides detailed information about the types of federal, state, and local disaster assistance services available in California.
where to donate goods
Los Angeles Regional Food Bank: they are working with government agencies and non-profits to respond to the fires throughout LA County. They are accepting food donations at two of their distribution centers between 8am and 5pm: 1734 East 41st Street, Los Angeles, California 90058, and 2300 Pellissier Place, Industry, California 90601
Lagartijas Climbing Crú: this local BIPOC climbing club has created a Google spreadsheet to connect fire victims with people who want to donate gear and dehydrated meals.
Set Active: this LA based label is accepting clothing donations for families affected by the fires. DM them on Instagram with what you intent to donate and the company will send you an address with where you can drop off your donations.
Anderson Munger Family YMCA and the Koreatown YMCA Center for Community Well-Being: both location are accepting essential items like unopened food (canned goods, bread, jam, etc), clothing, blankets, emergency supplies, as well as dog and cat food. They are also working with Direct Relief to hand out free N95 masks.
Pasadena Humane: animal control officers have been assisting with animal evacuations and the staff here are helping take in the animals of displaced families. They have a donation bin in the front parking lot (361 S. Raymond Ave, Pasadena, 91105), and are accepting food, water bowls, extra large crates, and blankets. They are accepting monetary donations as well.
Bike Oven: a community-run workshop serving northeast LA, is currently accepting donations for those affected by the Eaton fire. They are accepting, basic hygiene products, toiletries, N95 masks, respirators, pet food, power banks, batteries, blankets, and sleeping bags. You can take your items to 3706 N. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, 90065.
Best Friends: your donation helps bring assistance to animals impacted by the wildfires.
mental health resources
SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline: they’re providing crisis counseling you can call or text 24/7 1-800-985-5990.
Mental Health America: they’re sharing information and tools designed to help people cope with disasters.
A list of providers offering a limited number of pro-bono sessions.
where to donate money
LA Fire Department: the LAFD Foundation is seeking funds to equip firefighters battling wildfires with equipment and supplies. This includes: emergency fire shelters, hydration backpacks, and wildland brush tools.
American Red Cross: they work with their partners to help provide shelter, food, emotional support, and health services.
California Fire Foundation: this foundation works with local fire agencies and community organizations to support residents impacted by the fires.
Wildfire Relief Fund 2025: these donation help deliver cash grants directly to those impacted by the fires
Pasadena Humane: animal control officers have been assisting with animal evacuations and the staff here are helping take in the animals of displaced families.
Baby 2 Baby: they’re helping provide items like diapers, food, formula, and hygiene products for children and families who have lost their homes.
CORE: the Community Organized Relief Effort is deploying emergency response teams to support those where air quality is a major concern. They are supplying emergency go-bags, masks, and other protective equipment while providing information about evacuations and shelter support.
Animal Wellness Foundation: they’re raising funds to help house and feed pets that had to be left behind by their owners when they hd to evacuate.
Project Camp: this organization runs pop up camps for kids that have been impacted by disaster. They are currently working on camps for families who have been evacuated or who have lost their homes in the Palisades and Eaton. They are also looking for volunteers to staff the camps.
Direct Relief: they’re distributing respirators to those impacted and delivering hygiene kits to evacuation centers.
Team Rubicon: this veteran-led organization supports communities before, during, and after crises. Their volunteers help support wildfire survivors with debris and wind damage clean-up. The organization helps to clear roads for first responders, assist with sheltering, feeding, and managing volunteers.
Animal Care Foundation: this nonprofit charity raises money to support animal care programming for the LA County Department of Animal Care and Control. They support programs that include: spay/neuter services, medical care for care center animals, care vouchers to help pets stay with their families, disaster response for animals in danger, anti-cruelty programming, grooming to make care center animals more adoptable, animal behavior and enrichment programs, and more.
shelters
Text “SHELTER” and your ZIP code to 43362 for the nearest open shelters.
Pasadena Civic Auditorium 300 E. Green St, Pasadena CA 91101
Westwood Recreation Center 1350 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025
El Camino Real Charter High School 5440 Valley Circle Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Ritchie Valens Recreation Center 10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd, Pacoima, CA 91331
Pierce College 6201 Winnetka Ave., Woodland Hills, CA 91371 (they are also welcoming larger animals and livestock)
Arcadia Community Center 375 Campus Drive, Arcadia, CA 91007
Pan Pacific Recreational Center 7600 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036
Pomona Fairplex 1101 W McKinley Ave, Pomona, CA 91768
transportation
LA Metro: fares are suspended while wildfire conditions continue.
Uber: they are offering LA County residents who were ordered to evacuate access to a $40 credit for rides to active shelters. Use code WILDFIRE25
Lyft: they are offering a $25 voucher for two rides to 500 customers through January 15. Use code CAFIRERELIEF25
housing
Airbnb: they are offering temporary free housing to wildfire evacuees.
Big Bear: several vacation homes and hotels available to evacuees.
restaurants offering free food
Bé Ú: this walk-up spot is offering free meals to fire evacuees and first responders, even delivering to nearby fire stations. Serving Vietnamese cuisine with vegan options, it’s located in Virgil Village.
Huckleberry Café: offering free coffee to first responders and is open for safe shelter.
Sunday Gravy: offering ongoing free meals of spaghetti marinara or spaghetti Bolognese, with Caesar salad and garlic bread to first responders and those impacted by fires. You can also make a monetary donation to the restaurant!
Danny Boy’s: offering free slice of their signature NY style pizza to first responders and those displaced by the fires.
La Sorted’s Pizza: offering whole pizzas to first responders and anyone displaced by the fires.
Sonoritas Prime Tacos: offering a free taco to first responders and those displaced by the fires.
Fountain Grains & Greens: this walk-up window is open for takeout and giving out complimentary chicken and rice soup with a side of Bub & Grandma’s bread to first responders and local fire evacuees.
Zira Uzbeck Kitchen: offering free food to first responders and firefighters and will even deliver food if needed.
Norms: free entrees at participating Norms to firefighters and police officers with valid ID, uniform, or proof of service.
Dtown Pizzeria: they’re giving free slices to first responders and evacuees whose homes were destroyed.
Jim+James: will be serving free coffee and gumbo (while supplies last) to anyone who needs it. No questions asked. A percentage of all sales this weekend will be going to Feed the Streets LA. You will also be able to charge your phone and connect to wifi.
Fiorelli Pizza: offering free pizzas to first responders and families displaced by the fires today (1/9/25) from 11am-4pmOy Bar: closer for regular business but offering free food to those in need, no questions asked. Customers can pick up a free burger, fish sandwich, fries or bowl of soup — chicken or vegan — at Oy Bar from today (1/9/25) 5 to 8 p.m.Dudley Market: offering free food to first responders and those displaced by the fires. They will also donate 20% of today’s sale to Community Brigade.Sora Craft Kitchen: they are making grilled chicken bowls for first responders and fire evacuees.Otus Thai Kitchen: giving complimentary meals to firefighters in uniform.Papille Gustative: offering cookies and milk for free to locals displaced by the ongoing fires.
other offerings
South L.A. Cafe: offering shelter to evacuees and anyone else in need
Planet Fitness: offering people free access to locker rooms, showers, HydroMassage loungers, electrical outlets, and wi-fi
Video Vortex: the Video Vortex at Alamo Drafthouse DTLA is open as a community center from 12pm-1pm. While they’re able to they will be offering bottled water, masks, outlets for charging, restrooms, and seating. 700 W. 7TH STREET, STE. U240, LOS ANGELES CALIFORNIA, 90017
Octavia’s Bookshelf: they have a mutual aid pitstop with food and supplies 1253 N. Hill Ave, Pasadena
Calico Fish House in Sunset Beach in Orange County is offering to feed evacuees and let them camp out in the restaurant’s parking lot, 16600 Pacific Coast Highway
AT&T is offering people in fire-affected areas unlimited talk, text and data through February 6
T-mobile is also offering unlimited talk, text and data to customers in affected areas through February 15
Verizon is waiving call, text, and data charges for customers in wildfire areas as well, and they're offering free Wifi and charging stations at designated shelters.
volunteer
Red Cross: you can register on their website to volunteer. Currently the most needed position are blood donations, shelters and disaster relief.
Project Camp: this organization runs pop up camps for kids that have been impacted by disaster. They are currently working on camps for families who have been evacuated or who have lost their homes in the Palisades and Eaton. They are also looking for volunteers to staff the camps.
Canine Rescue Club: help support and care for displaced pets.
Best Friends: you can volunteer by fostering, caring for community cats, spending time at their animal sanctuary, or advocating for pets, sheets, and rescue groups near you.
L.A. Works: this organization will help match you with volunteer opportunities near. The categories they help match volunteers with include: housing family support, food & supplies, and animal support.
DreamCenter: like L.A. Works, Dream Center helps to match volunteers with open opportunities i their area.
