For a week now, Los Angeles County fires have raged across communities and destroyed more than 38,000 acres and 12,000 homes, businesses and other structures. The fires have displaced thousands of people as they escape the blazes for safety.
For those interested in helping with relief efforts, we've rounded up resources for those in need, organizations you can donate to, and ways to support those who are dealing with the devastation caused by these fires.
We created this list from evaluations on Charity Navigator, which rates charities based on their financial health, accountability and transparency. Charity Navigator has assigned a "Give With Confidence" designation to the organizations listed below. Before you donate, you should make sure that a given charity aligns with your values and that the donation is being used in ways you'd like. Charity Navigator has also compiled a list of highly rated charities that are providing relief and recovery to those impacted by the Palisades, Eaton and other LA-area wildfires. You can also explore our guide on how to vet a charity.
For more important and timely information about the LA County fires, learn about these eight steps for homeowners to take if your home is damaged by wildfires and the Watch Duty app that provides updates on wildfire conditions.
One of many people whose property was destroyed by the Eaton Fire.
American Red Cross
The American Red Cross is engaging in wildfire relief efforts to shelter families, serve meals, support emergency responders, provide medical care and deliver emergency relief supplies. You can volunteer with the American Red Cross or make a financial donation. Learn about how your gift helps with wildfire relief here.
Baby2Baby
Baby2Baby is providing diapers, food, formula and critical hygiene items to children and families impacted by the fires. You can make a donation or look for volunteer opportunities here.
California Community Foundation
California Community Foundation is providing critical funding to nonprofits aiding fire recovery and rebuilding efforts. You can find out more about this initiative and how to contribute here.
California Fire Foundation
California Fire Foundation is giving aid to victims with immediate financial assistance. You can donate to wildfire and disaster relief here.
Direct Relief
Direct Relief is mobilizing to deliver important medical supplies and financial aid to health facilities serving those impacted by the raging fires across LA County.
Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation
The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation is providing critical equipment, technology and emergency resources to support LAFD crews battling the fires. You can make a donation here.
Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is providing emergency food assistance to families and residents impacted by the fires blazing across LA County. The Food Bank is accepting food donations at its two distribution centers from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. located at:
- 1734 East 41st Street Los Angeles, CA 90058
- 2300 Pellissier Place, Industry, CA 90601
You can learn more about the fire relief efforts here.
Mercy Chefs
Mercy Chefs, a Virginia-based nonprofit specializing in disaster relief, is on the ground in LA County distributing meals to victims, volunteers, firefighters and other first responders. Mercy Chefs also continues to serve meals in western North Carolina since the region was devastated by Hurricane Helene in late September.
To support Mercy Chefs in its disaster relief efforts, visit the Mercy Chefs website.
Pasadena Humane
Fires also impact animals. Pasadena Humane is rescuing, sheltering and reuniting pets with their owners displaced by the wildfires in Southern California.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is responding to the wildfires by providing emergency aid, food, drinks, personal necessities and shelter to survivors and first responders. Visit this link to donate directly to wildfire relief efforts.
Save the Children
Save the Children is working across LA County to meet the needs of children and families impacted by the wildfires. Save the Children is helping to ensure essential, child-focused supplies are getting to families displaced by the blazes. These essential items include hygiene kits, diapers, baby wipes, blankets and children's activity kits. You can learn more about this work and donate to the Emergency Fund at this link.
United Way of Ventura County
Consider making a financial donation to help with immediate and long-term relief for communities impacted by the Palisades Fire.
Additional resources available for wildfire victims
Outside of accepting donations and supplies, the following organizations are providing crucial support to California residents in other ways.
Airbnb.org
Airbnb.org, a nonprofit that connects people with free or discounted temporary housing in times of crisis, is activating in LA County. Airbnb.org works with local organizations and 211 contact centers to identify those in need of temporary housing and connects them to Airbnb.org stays. These stays are discounted or completely free for the guests and are funded by Airbnb.org or Airbnb hosts.
In partnership with 211 LA, Airbnb.org has already offered 6,500 people access to emergency housing with Airbnb hosts and is committed to providing housing for an additional 25,000 people impacted by the wildfires, including survivors, evacuees, first responders and firefighters.
Those interested in offering free or discounted stays can visit Airbnb.org for more information on how to sign up to host.
GoodRX
Santa Monica-based GoodRx is offering free telehealth visits via GoodRx Care to those impacted by the LA County wildfires. These visits can be used for refilling essential medications that were lost in the fires and timely treatment of a variety of conditions, such as the flu, UTIs and more. Use the code LA-GOODRX-CARE to be seen by a licensed medical provider for free.
T-Mobile
Folks impacted by the fires can stop by the following locations where T-Mobile is offering free Wi-Fi connectivity, charging supplies and device charging 24/7.
- T-Mobile Freemont & Huntington retail store: 1318 Huntington Dr., South Pasadena, CA 91030
- Malibu Pavilions: 29211 Heathercliff Rd., Malibu, CA 90265
- Malibu Bluffs Park: 24250 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, CA 90265
- Malibu Equestrian Park: 6225 Merritt Drive, Malibu, CA 90265
Follow T-Mobile for updates as locations may change.
Other ways to help and stay safe
Here are some other ways to assist with fire relief efforts beyond donating money or supplies:
- Avoid traveling to Southern California, even if you're trying to help.
- Research local churches or faith-based organizations that may be accepting donations or supplies.
- Text rather than call. Emergency management is urging you to only call when necessary. Texting will leave the lines open for emergency communications.
- Foster or adopt animals from shelters to create space for pets coming in from fire-impacted communities.
- Reach out to people you know who live in Southern California and who may be affected by concern, smoke and fire damage.