As wildfires continue to impact communities across Los Angeles, many residents are facing evacuation and loss of essential resources. For those affected, access to shelter, food, clothing, and support is critical. Below is a comprehensive guide to resources available for victims of the LA fires, offering everything from temporary housing to emotional support.
Emergency Shelters and Temporary Housing
If you or your loved ones have been displaced, the following organizations and facilities are offering temporary housing and emergency accommodations:
- 211 LA and Airbnb Partnership: Free temporary shelter is available for displaced individuals. Start by filling out this form.
- Red Cross Los Angeles: Use their platform to locate nearby shelters.
- Local Hotel Association: Find hotels in and around L.A. offering discounts to evacuees. Check availability here.
- YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles: Open for temporary shelter, showers, and childcare. Register on their website.
- Planet Fitness Locations: Offering free access to showers, locker rooms, and WiFi for evacuees and first responders. Find a location.
- Mariners Village Apartment Homes (Marina del Rey): Contact (310) 821-4916 for availability.
Food and Basic Necessities
Many organizations and businesses are stepping up to provide meals, groceries, and other essentials:
- World Central Kitchen: Serving meals to first responders and evacuees. Learn more.
- South LA Cafe: Offering free groceries, water, and masks. Visit their Western location (1700 Browning Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90062).
- Sweetgreen: Providing meals to fire victims. Contact your local location or call (310) 660-7471.
- Calico Fish House (Orange County): Offering meals and a parking space for evacuees. Contact (562) 357-4012.
Transportation Support
- Uber and Lyft: Offering free rides to evacuation sites. Use the following codes:
- Lyft: CAFIRERELIEF25 (two free rides up to $25 each).
- Uber: WILDFIRE25 (two free rides up to $40 each).
- Metro Los Angeles: Free rides on all transit services.
Emotional and Mental Health Support
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential support.
- CalHOPE: Disaster counseling available at (833) 317-HOPE or CalHOPE.org.
Animal Evacuation Assistance
- Los Angeles Equestrian Center: Offering boarding for animals. Contact them here.
- Pasadena Humane Society: Accepting pets from displaced families. Learn more.
Donations and How to Help
If you want to support those affected, consider donating to organizations actively aiding wildfire victims:
- California Fire Foundation Wildfire & Disaster Relief Fund: Donate here.
- World Central Kitchen: Support their mission here.
- California Community Foundation Wildfire Recovery Fund: Donate to long-term recovery efforts here.
Stay Safe and Informed
These resources are vital during this challenging time. Stay informed, take precautions, and know that help is available. Whether you need immediate assistance or want to contribute to relief efforts, these organizations are here to support the community.