Los Angeles County is facing a dire crisis as four wildfires rage across the region, forcing tens of thousands to flee their homes and pushing emergency services to the brink. Among the blazes is the Eaton Fire, which has tragically claimed two lives and left several others injured, highlighting the severity of the conditions. The largest and most destructive fire, tearing through Pacific Palisades, has already scorched nearly 16,000 acres and destroyed 1,000 structures. Intense winds have hindered containment efforts, grounding firefighting aircraft and forcing crews to battle the flames from the ground. Overnight, fire hydrants in the area ran dry, compounding an already desperate situation and exposing critical vulnerabilities in the region’s infrastructure.
As winds intensify, the risk to other parts of the county continues to escalate. Thousands of residents in Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Altadena, and surrounding communities have been ordered to evacuate, with additional neighborhoods placed on high alert. The urgent need for local support hasn’t been this critical since the height of the pandemic.
Here’s how you can provide meaningful help— and a comprehensive checklist for those preparing to evacuate.
1. Financial Contributions to Trusted Organizations
Financial support enables relief organizations to provide immediate and tailored aid, including shelter, food, medical care, and transportation assistance.
• American Red Cross Los Angeles Region
• Website: redcross.org/la
• Phone: 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767)
• Email: [email protected]
• California Community Foundation Wildfire Relief Fund
• Website: calfund.org/wildfire-relief-fund
• Phone: 213-413-4130
• Email: [email protected]
• United Way of Greater Los Angeles
• Supports housing and assistance for the elderly, people with disabilities, and unhoused individuals.
• Website: unitedwayla.org
• Phone: 213-808-6220
• Email: [email protected]
• Disability Rights California (DRC)
• Provides evacuation support and resources for individuals with disabilities.
• Website: disabilityrightsca.org
• Phone: 1-800-776-5746
• Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA)
• Assists unhoused individuals with evacuation and shelter needs.
• Website: lahsa.org
• Phone: 213-683-3333
2. Donate Essential Goods
Local organizations and shelters urgently need specific items to assist evacuees.
• Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
• Website: lafoodbank.org
• Phone: 323-234-3030
• Address: 1734 E 41st St, Los Angeles, CA 90058
• The People Concern
• Focuses on providing meals, shelter, and medical care to unhoused individuals.
• Website: thepeopleconcern.org
• Phone: 213-488-9559
• Southern California Resource Services for Independent Living (SCRS-IL)
• Accepts mobility aids, hearing aids, and medical supplies for people with disabilities.
• Website: scrs-ilc.org
• Phone: 562-862-6531
Items to Donate:
• Non-perishable food and bottled water
• New blankets, towels, and clothing
• Toiletries, hygiene kits, and diapers
• Pet food, crates, and supplies
3. Volunteer Your Time
Volunteers play a critical role in evacuation and recovery efforts.
• Team Rubicon
• Organizes disaster relief efforts, including evacuations.
• Website: teamrubiconusa.org
• Phone: 310-640-8787
• LA Animal Services
• Helps rescue and care for animals displaced by the fires.
• Website: lacityvet.com
• Phone: 888-452-7381
• California Council on Aging
• Connects volunteers with older adults needing evacuation assistance.
• Website: aging.ca.gov
• Phone: 1-800-510-2020
4. Provide Temporary Housing
Housing is one of the most immediate needs for evacuees.
• Airbnb Open Homes Program
• Allows hosts to offer free or reduced-rate accommodations to those affected.
• Website: airbnb.com/disaster-response
• Union Station Homeless Services
• Provides emergency housing for unhoused individuals.
• Website: unionstationhs.org
• Phone: 626-240-4550
5. Support Emotional and Mental Health
Displacement and loss bring immense emotional strain. These resources can help.
• CalHOPE
• Offers free crisis counseling for disaster survivors.
• Phone: 833-317-4673
• Website: calhope.org
• Disaster Distress Helpline
• Provides 24/7 emotional support for those affected by natural disasters.
• Phone: 1-800-985-5990
• Text: “TalkWithUs” to 66746
• LA County Department of Mental Health
• Offers resources for individuals and families dealing with trauma.
• Website: dmh.lacounty.gov
• Phone: 1-800-854-7771
6. Evacuation Checklist
Before Evacuating:
• Prepare a Go-Bag:
• ID, passport, insurance documents
• Medications and medical devices
• Non-perishable food, water, and hygiene kits
• Flashlight, batteries, and first-aid supplies
• Protect Your Home:
• Shut all windows and doors.
• Turn off gas and electricity if instructed.
• Move flammable items away from your house.
• Plan Your Route:
• Identify multiple evacuation routes.
• Stay informed through CAL FIRE (fire.ca.gov).
Specific Needs:
• For Elderly Residents:
• Ensure mobility aids, medications, and emergency contact lists are ready.
• For People with Disabilities:
• Prepare assistive devices and written instructions for caregivers.
• For Unhoused Individuals:
• Contact LAHSA for transportation and shelter assistance (213-683-3333).
7. Assist in Long-Term Recovery
Recovery is a lengthy process that requires ongoing support.
• Habitat for Humanity Los Angeles
• Helps rebuild homes for families affected by disasters.
• Website: habitatla.org
• Phone: 424-246-3175
• California Rebuilding Fund
• Supports small businesses impacted by natural disasters.
• Website: cibcfund.org
• Phone: 916-447-4806
8. Advocate for Policy Change
Push for better disaster preparedness, sustainable infrastructure, and climate change mitigation policies. Join organizations like:
• Sierra Club (sierraclub.org)
• Climate Reality Project (climaterealityproject.org)
This resource guide is merely a starting point for addressing the immediate and long-term needs of those affected by the fires. Whether through donations, volunteering, or other forms of advocacy, every contribution is critical and helps with recovery and rebuilding efforts.