On Tuesday, January 7 the powerful Santa Ana winds began fueling wildfires across the Southern California coast without warning or apology. Forcing tens of thousands from their homes, burning over 60 square miles and killing 27 people, the widespread disaster will take the Los Angeles area decades to fully recover.
Stories of heroism are beginning to emerge, like the group of neighbors who stayed behind and risked their lives to evacuate 90 elderly patients from their local senior center. In the face of tragedy, Americans look first to themselves to come together and solve problems in their community, embodying the values of personal responsibility and civic duty.
At Philanthropy Roundtable, we promote charitable giving to organizations that respond to disasters in a timely and targeted manner and in a way that reflects our shared values about individuals, families and communities. If you are looking for ways to give to those who have been impacted throughout southern California, please consider the following organizations:
Airlink
Airlink is rapidly mobilizing support for communities in need by providing flights and financial support to reach essential airports in the LA area. They are coordinating travel for responders to ensure quick deployment and extended presence on the ground. Their efforts focus on immediate relief and long-term recovery, addressing needs like debris clearance, child care and structural assessments for fire-damaged homes.
Convoy of Hope
Convoy of Hope has partnered with local churches to deliver water, food and hygiene supplies to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to assist displaced residents and the first responders who have been working tirelessly since the fires began. Convoy has already distributed over 100,000 pounds of relief supplies and served more than 5,400 people with more truckloads of relief supplies scheduled to arrive over the next few weeks.
Global Empowerment Mission Inc (GEM USA)
Global Empowerment Mission West team, in collaboration with BStrong, is providing cash cards for evacuees to assist with urgent needs such as gas, food, children’s supplies, clothing and/or whatever else is needed most at that moment. The second phase of their response efforts will focus on long-term recovery which will supply southern Californians with items to fulfill immediate needs such as water and cleaning supplies, and will transition into longer term needs, such as new mattresses and other necessities.
Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation
The LAFD Foundation is actively seeking funds to equip LAFD members battling wildfires with equipment and supplies such as emergency fire shelters, hydration backpacks and wildland brush tools.
Matthew 25 Ministries
Matthew 25 Ministries is working closely with partners in the disaster region to send truckloads of critical aid to impacted communities. Shipments include hygiene items, clean water, blankets, baby supplies and other emergency relief supplies to help families meet their immediate needs. These resources will provide a foundation for recovery as communities begin to rebuild.
Operation Blessing International
Operation Blessing is on the ground distributing hot meals, hygiene kits, baby formula, cookware and other essential goods to Californians and first responders. They teamed with local churches and the Dream Center to distribute N95 masks and unload truckloads of supplies, food and water bottles. Operation Blessing will continue working on the ground and responding to the evolving needs of the LA community.
Salvation Army – Southern California Division
The Southern California Division of the Salvation Army is working with government and nonprofit agencies to provide food, personal necessities and shelter to survivors, first responders and elderly evacuees. Once red flag warnings are over, the Salvation Army’s Emotional and Spiritual Care Team will deploy to visit neighborhoods affected by the Eaton Canyon and Palisades Fire to offer comfort, food and assistance as needed.
Samaritan’s Purse
When the green light from first responders is given, Samaritan’s Purse will deploy trucks, equipment and supplies from their West Coast Ministry Center in Fullerton to the devastated areas to support the work of U.S. Disaster Relief volunteers.
The Change Reaction
The Change Reaction Wildfire Direct Giving Fund, launched with an initial gift of $10 million from its founders, will provide direct financial assistance to the wildfire victims, all vetted and identified through their network of over 2,000 social workers and impact leaders. The organization is implementing a Direct Assistance Plan which includes providing direct cash grants to essential workers (ie. social workers, hospital workers and teachers), wildfire victims (including homeowners and small businesses, brought to them by their 2,000-person social worker network), and those indirectly affected (including those impacted by job losses, small business losses, and other expenses tied to the impact of the fires).
Watch Duty – Wildfire Maps and Alerts
Watch Duty is a free service that provides real-time wildfire alerts, active fire perimeters, evacuation notices and shelter locations that can be accessed via app, on a tablet or web browser. The app relies on a network of active and retired firefighters, first responders, official government reports and volunteer reporters who monitor radio scanners to offer real-time updates on active wildfires. Now considered a critical resource for evacuees and first responders, the Watch Duty app has been downloaded more than 2 million times since the LA wildfires started and is credited with saving countless lives.
If you are interested in supporting these relief efforts or would like to recommend an organization doing great work, please contact [email protected].
