“LA Strong.” In the middle of devastation, this phrase — on billboards, podiums and as hashtags — gave us all a sense of pride and purpose. To help those most impacted by the January wildfires, the L.A County community (and beyond) came out in droves.
Rikki Mendias, founder and executive director of Hav A Sole, held massive shoe drives. A teen founded Altadena Girls to help girls in Altadena. South L.A. Café, Octavia’s Bookshelf, Dream Center, nonprofits, institutions, restaurants, worship houses and more held fundraisers and drives, collecting water, food, clothing, toys, books. Therapists offered pro bono therapy. Companies gave away air quality monitors and other necessities. Artists made water-color paintings of people’s destroyed homes — for free.
Everyone, it seemed, was desperate to help.
“I am so proud of our community,” says Leah Wright-Lewis, who lost her Altadena home in the Eaton fire. “The way everyone has come together is so beautiful. Free food and supplies are abundant. People are donating their time and energy selflessly. The kindness of strangers is amazing. I’ve cried with so many strangers. There seems to be an energy of collective healing in the air.”
Here are some organizations continuing to address a wide range of needs, from immediate relief to long-term recovery support.
DENA Relief Drive: This grassroots effort has become one of the most critical support systems for families affected by the fire.
California Community Foundation: The Wildfire Recovery Fund targets underserved communities, providing long-term recovery relief.
Dream Center: This charitable organization offers emergency programs to fire victims and more.
Black Women for Wellness: Focused on long-term aid, this organization provide resources for maternal and infant health, food, reproductive care and mental health services.
ReBUILD LA: Launched by Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles, this long-term emergency response campaign aims to help affected families rebuild homes, relocate to other housing, provide essential supplies and restore their lives.
Disaster Recovery Centers: L.A. County has launched numerous services to support the rebuilding and recovery of structures destroyed by the Palisades fire, including opening Disaster Recovery Centers in Los Angeles and Altadena.
Eaton Canyon Fire Relief and Recovery Fund: The Pasadena Community Foundation established this fund to support immediate and pressing needs arising from local wildfires, with a focus on long-term recovery.
FireAid grants: This nonprofit hosted concerts that raised an estimated $100 million, half of which is being deployed for immediate relief through a $50 million first set of grants. Grants have been allocated to support a myriad of fire affected individuals including displaced residents, workers, small business owners and first responders, with a focus on essential services, food assistance, childcare support, critical healthcare resources, housing support, rental relief, student assistance programs, and navigation services to ensure victims can access legal resources, government benefits and seamlessly work through challenging paperwork. Learn more at fireaid.org.
