Together We Can Help:
How to Aid Fire Relief
Featured Opportunities
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Additional Ways To Help Right Now
The following are organizations that have specifically asked for help. If you do not find volunteer opportunities in this list, click here for our complete listing of L.A.-based organizations that need volunteer help, many of whom support affected communities.
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Los Angeles Regional Food Bank needs 1,000 volunteers to assemble food packages that will go out to families and individuals who have been affected by the fires. Volunteers will assist with assembling food boxes made up of shelf-stable items, like peanut butter, canned vegetables, and cereal. Click here to learn more and sign up.​​
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Better Angels is looking for skilled volunteers to assist veterans impacted by the wildfires. Visit this page for more information and to sign up.
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In 2018, over 224,000 people were displaced from wildfires. You can help by opening your home to those in need with the Airbnb Open Homes Program. You'll have the chance to help those immediately affected by natural disasters in addition to first responders, volunteers, and nonprofit relief workers. Join a community of generous hosts who offer their extra space for free to people in need of temporary housing.
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EmergencyRV provides urgently needed shelter to first responders and victims of wildfires or other natural disasters They accept 5th wheels, motorhomes, teardrops and travel trailers/toy haulers in good working condition. Click here to learn more.
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Get CERT Trained for Your Family and Community
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The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program is an all-risk, all-hazard training. This valuable course is designed to help you protect yourself, your family, your neighbors, and your neighborhood in an emergency situation. Learn more here.
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The LAFD CERT Call-Out Team is comprised of dedicated volunteers who have not only completed the CERT 17.5-hour training, but also have shown dedication and ability to go further in their training. After passing all qualifications, the Call-Out Team member is allowed to wear the LAFD CERT Uniform and can participate in Deployments. Learn more here.
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Financial Contributions
L.A. Works was founded in 1991 to harness LA’s volunteer power. Each year we mobilize tens of thousands of volunteers to address critical issues impacting our community, with the goal to unite Angelenos and inspire action for a more equitable Los Angeles. Because one of the pillars of our mission is to build the capacity of nonprofit organizations to achieve their missions through access to volunteers and other resources​, we are sharing the following list of LA organizations that are requesting financial donations. This is the link to donate to L.A. Works - we would be grateful for your support as donations will also assist us in mobilizing volunteers now and all year long.
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The LA Regional Food Bank is a part of ENLA and is reaching out to their network of more than 600 partner agencies to assess their needs, and if they are in an evacuation area, if they continue to operate. The Food Bank is accepting financial donations online or you can make a check out to Los Angeles Regional Food Bank and mail to: 1734 E. 41st St.; Los Angeles, CA 90058
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The Salvation Army Southern California Division is a part of ENLA and is working to provide food, personal necessities and shelter to survivors and first responders. Monetary donations to directly aid the region can be made online. Checks can be mailed to “The Salvation Army - Disaster Relief” at P.O. Box 93002, Long Beach 90809-9355.
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The California Community Foundation distributes grants to affected communities through its Wildfire Recovery Fund. The foundation’s team utilizes data from CalFire and CDC’s Social Vulnerability Index to ensure their grants target the neediest communities with both intermediate recovery and long-term support. You can make a monetary donation online or by mailing a check to the “California Community Foundation” at 717 W. Temple St., Los Angeles 90012. Include “Wildfire Recovery Fund” in the memo.
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Pasadena Community Foundation has established the Eaton Fire Relief & Recovery Fund to support immediate needs during relief efforts as the fires to continue to spread. Our initial grants are going to fund nonprofits directly assisting those who have been displaced, either from homes or loss of employment. The Foundation will work with a trusted network of local organizations with established expertise in disaster relief, providing essential services such as temporary shelter, food, medical care, emergency childcare, and other critical needs in the greater Pasadena/Altadena area. The Foundation will also support critical services needed for long-term recovery efforts and to address ongoing community needs. So far, our fund has over 1,200 donors and the fund is at $2.2 million and growing. If you would like to support this Foundation please visit https://pasadenacf.org/donate/.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR A DISASTER
The following are best practices for planning an emergency response
*we are keeping this information live on the page in case it is helpful during these current circumstances.
1.
PREPARE AN EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN
When an emergency strikes, it is important to be prepared with the necessary information to take action. Most often, the first minutes after an emergency or disaster are the most crucial. A prompt warning for your employees on where to evacuate, information on shelters or lockdown zones as well as access to emergency go or stay boxes are vital to ensuring safety. Clearly marked emergency exits and routes and a clear plan on what to do in case of disaster can save lives. A call to emergency services with concise information, an employee trained in first aid and CPR, and an employee who understands the building's utilities and electrical system can make a huge difference in the event of an emergency. All of these factors and more are essential in preparing for and responding to a disaster.
To minimize damage and ensure safety, we encourage workplaces and households to create an Emergency Response Plan, which outlines the tools necessary in case of an emergency.
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2.
BUILD A DISASTER PREPAREDNESS KIT
Disaster could strike at any moment, leaving little to no time to shop or pack. Thus, it is important to be prepared. An important step in being Disaster Ready is building a Disaster Preparedness Stay Box or Go Bag.
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In some disasters, it might be safer to stay home.
You may not have water to drink, to bathe, or to flush the toilet. You may not have electricity to keep your food cold, turn on a light or charge your phone.
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Pack a Stay Box to prepare in case you cannot leave your house.
A Stay Box should include at least 3 days worth of supplies (food, water, batteries) that are usable without water or electricity. If you have young children or pets, be sure to include diapers, baby formula, and pet food. If you already own a flashlight or a portable radio, keep it somewhere easily accessible. It could also be beneficial to keep a flashdrive of any important documents.
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Download a complete list of what to include in your Stay Box:
3.
PACK A GO BAG
In some cases when disaster strikes, the safest place might not be the home. Wildfires, floods and earthquakes could leave you on the move - therefore, it is valuable to have a Go Bag. A Go Bag should include important documents, cash, maps, and medications lists as well as general supplies such as water, food, a first aid kit, toiletries, flashlight, and a portable radio.
Download a complete list of what to include in your Go Bag:
Prepare Disaster Preparedness Kits to support Los Angeles communities:
4.
GET ALERTS
Stay Informed. State-wide Alerts. No Matter Where You Are.
Alerts can help save lives and keep you, your family, and your community safe!
Receive disaster related alerts based on your county by visiting CalAlerts.
6.
DO MORE
Become a Disaster Volunteer
Interested in a becoming a VISTA?
Interested in hosting a VISTA at your organization?