Directly help and support families impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires—with donations and resources
Here’s How You Can Help Victims of the Los Angeles Fires
Published on Jan. 09, 2025
Apocalyptic scenes are unfolding in Los Angeles County, where five major wildfires are tearing through communities, leaving destruction in their wake. At the time of publication, at least five people have lost their lives and nearly 180,000 people are under evacuation orders or warnings, desperately fleeing for safety. From affluent neighborhoods to working-class communities, the devastation cuts across all income levels and walks of life.
The Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire, Hurst Fire, Lidia Fire and Sunset Fire have destroyed nearly 2,000 structures since Jan. 7—from homes and businesses to community buildings—with the Palisades Fire set to become the most destructive fire to ever occur in Los Angeles County. Families are facing unimaginable losses, forced to leave everything behind with little more than hope that they’ll have something to return to.
It’s gut-wrenching to witness this level of destruction and our hearts go out to everyone affected. If you’re looking for ways to support those impacted by this natural disaster, there are plenty of meaningful ways to help.
From donating money to trusted organizations to providing much-needed materials or volunteering your time, every act of kindness counts. Together, we can show that even in the darkest moments, compassion and community shine the brightest. Below, you’ll find where and how to contribute to the wildfire relief efforts, along with a list of free and discounted resources for L.A. wildfire victims.
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California Fire Foundation
The California Fire Foundation (CFF) provides critical support to firefighters, their families and communities across the state. From disaster relief funding to resources for fire departments and first responders, it plays a vital role in keeping Californians safe. On its website, CFF reports it is “working with local fire agencies and community-based organizations to provide direct financial support to impacted residents as details of the damage emerge.”
How to help: Donate to the CFF Wildfire & Disaster Relief Fund, which directly supports victims of wildfires and disasters throughout California.
Contact Information: [email protected]; (800) 890-3213 or (916) 641-1707
American Red Cross—Los Angeles
The American Red Cross is a lifeline for those affected by disasters, offering shelter, food, emotional support and health services when it’s needed most. In Los Angeles alone, they serve nearly 10 million people across 88 cities. According to its website, the Red Cross has provided over 4,900 overnight shelter stays in partnership with local organizations and served more than 10,000 meals in response to the fires. On just one recent night, over 3,000 people sought refuge in Red Cross and community shelters across California.
How to help: Make a one-time or monthly donation online. You can also donate by calling (800) 733-2767 or texting REDCROSS to 90999.
Contact Information: [email protected]; (310) 445-9908
GoFundMe
GoFundMe, the popular online fundraising platform, is once again stepping up to help those in need. In response to the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, they’ve launched the Wildfire Relief Fund 2025 to provide direct aid to survivors. The fund issues cash grants directly to individuals and families, offering critical support for recovery efforts.
According to its website, its 2024 Wildfire Relief Fund provided more than 150 people, across California, New Mexico, Texas and Colorado, with cash recovery grants. This year, GoFundMe aims to raise $300,000.
How to help: Donate to the GoFundMe Wildfire Relief Fund 2025.
Contact Information: [email protected]
World Central Kitchen
Founded in 2010 by renowned chef José Andrés, World Central Kitchen (WCK) has been a beacon of hope, providing fresh meals during humanitarian and climate-driven crises—serving more than 450 million people around the world. Recently awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Chef Andrés’ organization is now in Southern California, supporting first responders and families affected by the ongoing wildfires. “Our teams have mobilized across the region to provide immediate relief in the form of sandwiches and water as we identify all areas of need,” they note on their website. Several WCK Chef Corps members are also on standby.
How to help: Make an online donation to help them provide fresh meals to Californians.
Contact Information: [email protected]; +1 (202) 844-6330
Direct Relief
Direct Relief is on the frontlines, providing life-saving medical resources to communities devastated by natural disasters and emergencies. The organization has already taken action to help those impacted by the five recent wildfires that have erupted throughout Southern California.
According to its website, the nonprofit is “currently deploying medical aid, including emergency medical supplies for first responders and displaced residents, and respiratory protection equipment, including N95 respirators, to mitigate health risks from smoke exposure.”
How to help: Donate to Direct Relief’s California Wildfire Response Fund to help individuals impacted by the fires in Palisades, Altadena and across California.
Contact Information: email form; 1-805-964-4767 or 1-800-676-1638
Canine Rescue Club
The Canine Rescue Club is a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to rescuing dogs and giving them a second chance at life. From providing shelter and medical care to finding them loving, permanent homes, their mission is to ensure every dog is safe and cared for. As of now, all donations are being directed to the Palisades Fire Canine Relief Fund, helping dogs impacted by the recent wildfires.
How to help: Donate to the Palisades Fire Canine Relief Fund. Fill out their online form to apply to foster dogs displaced by the Los Angeles wildfires.
Contact Information: Send them a message on Instagram @caninerescueclub.
Resources for Los Angeles wildfire victims
If you are in the Los Angeles area and under evacuation orders or otherwise affected by the fires, the following businesses are offering assistance.
- Airbnb: Airbnb has partnered with 211 LA to offer free temporary housing for those displaced from their homes.
- Uber: Those ordered to vacate their homes can use a $40 Uber code —WILDFIRE25—to get to an active shelter.
- Lyft: From now until midnight on Jan. 15, use the $25 voucher CAFIRERELIEF25 to use on two trips. Only 500 customers will be able to use the code.
- Planet Fitness: Evacuees and first responders can use the facilities, including showers, locker rooms and Wi-Fi for free until Jan. 15.
- Queen Mary: Rooms for fire evacuees will be priced at $189. A breakfast buffet for two people will be included with a voucher, along with waived pet and Historical Preservation fees.
- Big Bear: Big Bear is working with local lodging owners to offer discounted stays for those displaced.
- Verizon: Call, text and data charges will be waived for customers in the hardest hit areas.
- AT&T: AT&T is offering unlimited data, talk and text through Feb. 6 for those in wildfire areas.
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Sources:
- CNN: “Los Angeles County wildfires updates”
- CNBC: “Los Angeles wildfires latest: Nearly 180,000 people under evacuation orders, county sheriff says”
- California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection: “Current Emergency Incidents”
- NBC Los Angeles: “From free Ubers to hotel discounts: List of resources for LA wildfire victims”
