DIY VIRAL
Los Angeles is in the midst of one of the most catastrophic natural disasters in California history.
Source: Anadolu/Getty
The wildfires that broke out last week are continuing, but are already expected to be one of the costliest natural disasters in U.S. history.
The devastating fires have killed at least 24 people and dozens are missing, burning more than 12,000 structures since Tuesday. The Eaton and Palisades fires are likely the second and fourth most destructive in California history, according to Cal Fire.
In the wake of all this destruction, the only silver lining is seeing Los Angeles residents coming together to help those displaced by the fires, proving that the city, often reduced to its flashy Hollywood facade, has a much richer culture among the native workers who call it home. House.
If you or someone you know has been affected by the fires, check out our list of resources for food, supplies, shelter and more:
Food, clothing and supplies
The Urban League of Los Angeles
The Los Angeles Urban League, in partnership with New Revelation Church, is hosting a week-long HELP center to support victims of the catastrophic Eaton Fire in Altadena. The HELP Center will offer essential supplies including water, blankets, hygiene products, clothing, gift cards and take-out meals generously donated by local restaurants.
From Monday January 13, 2025 to Friday January 17, 2025
Open every day: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Take-out meal schedule:
- Breakfast: 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., provided by The serving spoon
- Lunch: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., provided by Dulan’s soul food cuisine
- Dinner: 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., provided by A family affair Southern Cuisine
New Revelation Baptist Church
855 N. Orange Grove Blvd.
Pasadena, California 91103
Santa Anita Park
Evacuees can go to the parking lot next to the Santa Anita Park running track to pick up clothes, pillows, bottled water and other necessities. The donation center also has a food station, where evacuees can receive a free meal.
It is open for pickup from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. PT on Sunday and will accept donations through Sunday evening.
Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank has more than 600 partner locations offering food and non-food items to evacuees, including some in areas under evacuation orders. Evacuees can use the agency's Pantry Locator to find the bank closest to them.
Central cuisine of the world
World Central Kitchen, founded by chef Jose Andres, has opened several mobile locations across Southern California, offering free hot meals to those affected by the fires.
Santa Anita Park Parking Lot
5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Jack in the box
2125 North Windsor Avenue.
Amended
5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Saint-François School
200 Foothill Boulevard.
La Canada Flintridge 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Pasadena City College
1570 E Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena
5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Bow
Fair Oaks Avenue and E Woodbury Rd
Amended
1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
THE LA Times has a comprehensive list of 47 Los Angeles County restaurants offering food and relief to fire evacuees and first responders. The list includes Café Tropical in Silver Lake, Coucou in West Hollywood, Danny Boy's in Westwood, Din Tai Fung in Glendale and Gasolina Cafe in Woodland Hills. Check out their full list here.
Shelters and recovery
YMCA of Greater Los Angeles
The YMCA of Metro Los Angeles is providing emergency supplies and shelter, as well as free child care to the children of first responders, essential workers and families who have been displaced or evacuated, although places available are limited. Children must be at least 4 years and 9 months old to participate in the program.
The agency also offers help replacing government documents such as driver's licenses, Medi-Cal cards and CalFresh cards.
Pet-friendly leisure centers
The Los Angeles Parks and Recreation Department has transformed seven Southern California recreation centers into pet-friendly emergency shelters.
FEMA Disaster Relief
Evacuees are encouraged to apply for disaster financial assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov.
Agency representatives will also be available at the following seven Los Angeles libraries to assist you in person between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PST Sunday and Monday:
Flintridge Gorge Library
4545 N. Oakwood Ave.
818-790-3330
San Gabriel Library
500 S. Del Mar Ave.
626-287-0761
The Crescenta Library
2809 Foothill Boulevard.
818-248-5313
Temple Municipal Library
5939 Golden Avenue West.
626-285-2136
Live Oak Bookcase
22 W. Live Oak Ave., Arcadia
626-446-8803 West Hollywood Library
625 N. San Vicente Blvd.
310-652-5340
San Fernando Library
217 N. Maclay Avenue.
818-365-6928
If you would like to donate, here are some funds to help those affected by the fires:
- The Red Cross of Los Angeles County: Disaster relief services, including shelter, food and emotional support.
- 211 Los Angeles: A comprehensive hotline connecting residents to essential health and social services, including information on disaster preparedness and emergency response.
- Los Angeles Regional Food Bank: Distributes food to individuals and families in need.
- Pasadena Community Foundation: Established the Eaton Canyon Fire Relief and Recovery Fund to address immediate and urgent needs arising from local wildfires.
- LAFD Foundation: Supports the Los Angeles Fire Department by funding critical equipment, training and public awareness programs, enhancing the department's emergency response capabilities.
- International Direct Relief: Works globally and locally to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty and emergencies by providing essential medical resources to healthcare providers.
- National Disaster Helpline: Provides 24/7 crisis counseling via call or text to people affected by traumatic events or disasters.
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