L.A. Fires — How to Help
Resources, donation links, volunteer opportunities, and more. Stay safe Los Angeles ❤️
We’ll probably have more to say later, but for now, we’re still fighting these fires. There’s no prediction for when they’ll die out or how much damage will be done. All we know is that entire communities, namely Altadena and the Palisades, have been devastated. Thousands of homes and hundreds of businesses have been lost.
We’re heartbroken, and we’re anxious. We love Los Angeles so much.
Regarding what’s happening in the restaurant industry, Stephanie Breijo is reporting for the LAT, Tejal Rao and Meghan McCarron for the NYT, and the entire Eater LA team is on the case. Follow their bylines for updates.
From us, for now, here’s a roundup of resources for those affected, plus links for where to donate and how to volunteer your time. We are updating it regularly. The situation is changing rapidly regarding damage and who can mobilize to help, so double-check links before donating anywhere that is over their capacity. It’s impossible to track all valiant efforts in real-time, but we hope the below is useful for those needing care and people who want to support them. If you’re reading this and have anything to add, please drop links and information in the comments!
Finally, we know it’s difficult to peel yourself away from social media right now, but remember that many people aren’t on Instagram. Check in on your neighbors and be mindful of those in your community who might need help but don’t have the resources to ask for it.
We hope you’re safe wherever you’re reading this from. If you need any help or have something you’d like to amplify, you can reach us here and here.
<3,
Emily & Kate
Resources for Those Affected:
Sorella Collective has started a grass roots movement working around the clock to organize and get meals to families affected by the LA fires. They’ve create a strong team of volunteer chefs, organizers, marketers, delivery drivers + more. Request a meal here.
put together an incredible roundup of resources for artists affected by the wildfires—and those who would like to support this community—here.Toybox Rentals and Aputure Lighting are providing free generators for fire-affected families. Apply here.
L.A. Grocery & Cafe has free groceries, meals, and gift cards for anyone who is displaced and in need. The request form is here.
Noto Botanics is running a free shop for those affected by the wildfires stocked with skincare, soap, bags, and more from brands like Loq, Everybody.World, and Gotham NY. This Thursday, 1/16, and Friday, 1/17, in Highland Park, 12-6 pm. More details here.
Cactus Store has built simple yet highly effective Corsi-Rosenthal air purifiers for people living in the fire zone. DM them for pick up at their studio in Atwater.
Akila is offering free replacement pairs of prescription glasses for anyone who lost their glasses in the fires. If you’re in need of a pair, e-mail info@akila.la with your Rx and proof of residence.
If anyone is in need of a replacement pair after the fires, please e-mail info@akila.la with your Rx and proof of residence.
If you’ve been impacted by the fires or know someone who has, fill out this form to request a meal cooked by Little Fish & team.
Here is an extensive list of brands providing free products to families impacted by the fires.
The Expert launched a Rebuild Hotline, offering free one-hour video calls with their network of acclaimed interior designers to those who have lost their homes. You can schedule this session whenever it feels right for you—whether that’s now, in a few weeks, or after your plans are in place. Details here.
Lugg is offering free moves to anyone affected by the fires — whether you need to transport belongings, donate items, or relocate to safety. Send them a DM.
World Central Kitchen (WCK) is serving free meals to those affected by the Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire, including first responders, at these locations. For the most up to date information, check their socials.
R. O’Neill Latta is opening the doors to their Pasadena tasting room all week, which will serve as a soup kitchen and resource center (legal help, insurance help, air quality experts, etc). Information on how to donate money, clothing, + time here.
Kim Chemerinsky, Esq., an experienced litigation lawyer, created a useful, easy-to-understand guide for navigating insurance if you lost your home to the wildfires. PDF below:
Here is a list of therapists offering pro bono therapy sessions for those affected by the fires.
Mutual Aid LA Network put together an extensive document of resources, from animal shelters to free meals — inclusive of volunteer needs. Here is a link to the map version with filters.
Los Angeles County Psychological Association lists emergency services, shelter resources, + mental health and emotional support information here.
Airbnb is providing free, temporary housing to those displaced by the fires. Details here.
Babyletto is supplying cribs to any families that lost their homes. Details here.
Comforting Meals for Evacuees and First Responders:
Little Fish (delivering hot dinners; “you need to eat.”)
LA Homefarm (farm boxes)
**If you know a person, family, organization, shelter, or first response team that needs meals, please fill out this form, and someone will reach out to bring meals!
Clothes:
J.Crew invites anyone impacted by the wildfires to come by their Beverly Connection J.Crew Factory store for free new clothing for adults and children and N95 masks — this Wednesday and Thursday, 1/15-1/16, 12-5 pm.
The Suay Sew Shop’s free store for fire relief will be open until further notice, 7 days a week. They’re also offering a shopper via mobile service, which will operate via text/delivery.
Gift of Garb has hundreds of clothes and accessories to donate to those in need. DM or email them at info@giftofgarb.com to set up an appointment.
Elementi Vintage is opening back up as a free store this week. Check their Instagram for updates.
Where to Donate:
Funds ($$$):
Sorella Collective has started a grass roots movement working around the clock to organize and get meals to families affected by the LA fires. They’ve create a strong team of volunteer chefs, organizers, marketers, delivery drivers + more. Donate funds here.
One Voice has started a fund to provide financial support to the countless service workers whose employment is suspended indefinitely—housekeepers, caregivers, gardeners, and others with access to limited assistance. Donate here.
Inclusive Action has launched an emergency fund to help outdoor workers—street vendors, landscapers, and recyclers—impacted by the fires. Donate here.
Genghis Cohen is serving up New York-style Chinese food to first responders and those in need. Venmo here to support their effort.
Little Fish is asking for more donations so they can continue to cook for those affected by the wildfires. Venmo here.
The Anti-Recidivism Coalition is setting up a scholarship fund for incarcerated firefighters. Donate here, and make sure to write “firefighter fund” on your donation.
Purchase a community meal for a firefighter, first responder, or displaced Angeleno from Kismet, AOC, Amiga, Amore, Botanica, Yuca’s, Bridgetown Roti, & more local restaurants here.
Baby2Baby is distributing emergency supplies to the most vulnerable children and families. Donate here.
Regarding Her is raising funds for women-owned food and beverage businesses affected by the fires. 100% of the proceeds will be distributed to small business owners as they work to rebuild and recover. Donate here.
Balo Orozoco is cooking 700 meals a day for WCK and raising funds to purchase ingredients, etc. Venmo is here.
Peads & Barnetts has a mountain of product on hand and is working with chefs and organizations to use it for those in need. If you’re interested in helping cover costs to make it happen, email hello@peadsandbarnetts.com.
Buy a firefighter a meal through Le Great Outdoor.
Cafe Tropical is working with Feed the Streets to feed firefighters. Venmo Cafe Tropical here and Feed the Streets here.
is shopping for supplies and organizing meals for those in need. Venmo here.Mad Collective is raising $ and working with the Hollywood Food Coalition to provide supplies for evacuees and those on the streets. Venmo here.
Slice Out Hunger is purchasing pizza from local pizzerias and delivering it to relief shelters. Donate here.
Project: Camp is raising money to provide free, trauma-informed childcare for displaced families in the aftermath of the L.A. fires. Donate here.
Pasadena Humane Society has taken in 400 animals since Jan 8th, and they need your help.
El Prado is raising money for victims of the fires. They’re operating at regular hours and donating all gross sales of house red and hot dogs.
Clothing / Supplies:
Altadena Girls (NEW beauty products and personal care items for teens)
Big Sunday (clothes, water, + Gatorade)
Julia Fierro is collecting books. Email fierrojulia@gmail.com.
Adam Alessi (art supply donation drive). Email artistreliefla@gmail.com if you’re an artist in need of resources or want to get involved.
We’re hearing a lot about how most sites are overwhelmed with clothes. Gift cards are proving to be useful, instead.
These people are raising funds for gift cards:
Venmo: Chloe-Walsh-3
Venmo: Ali-LaBelle
Venmo: Natalie-Pelletier
Food / Water + Non-Perishables:
Los Angeles Community Fridges’ 15 locations across the city. More details here.
The Labelle Foundation (dog food, cat food, + more)
Fonuts (gluten-free food donations)
Frontline Impact and Global Empowerment Mission are collecting CPG food donations from companies to redistribute to frontline workers and those displaced. Businesses can donate here.
Volunteer Your Time:
Sorella Collective is managing restaurants and caterers who want to provide meals to first responders and displaced Angelenos, meal delivery volunteers, and ingredient donations can be found here.
Here is a list of volunteer opportunities across the city. The doc is being updated as often as possible.
Yama Sushi Marketplace is preparing and delivering bento boxes for those affected by the fires. They’re welcoming volunteers to aid in the effort near their San Gabriel Valley location. Sign up here.
Altadena Girls is looking for merchandisers and stylists to volunteer. Check their Instagram for updates.
- is cooking for Pasadena. If you’re in the area and want to lend a hand, email hello@cocostogogo.com.
Animal Hope and Wellness needs 70-80 fosters for dogs ASAP. Text 916-996-6610.
Stoney Clover Lane is partnering with Babylist and Meena Harris to distribute donated items within Los Angeles over the next several weeks. Fill out this form to receive information about volunteer opportunities to support their effort.
Project Angel Food is seeking cooks and delivery volunteers. Call 323-845-1816 or email volunteers@angelfood.org.
LA Dream Center is looking for volunteers to sort clothes, make hygiene packs, direct traffic + more. Email volunteers@dreamcenter.org.
Cactus Store is heading to Altadena to help clean up the mess. DM them for details.
Midnight Books LA needs volunteers this weekend for assembling + distribution.
Restaurant/Staff Recovery Funds:
O Happy Days Vegan Cafe, Altadena
Gladstones, Malibu
The Rancho, Altadena
Moonshadows, Malibu
Side Pie, Altadena
Fox’s, Altadena
Reel Inn, Mailbu
Cholada Thai, Malibu
Amara Kitchen, Altadena
Cafe de Leche, Altadena
Minik Market, Altadena
The Little Red Hen Coffee Shop, Altadena
Individuals in Need:
There are many individuals facing hardships right now. We are sharing just a small sample of GoFundMe campaigns below, but please feel free to use this comment section as a bulletin board.
Travis Hayden, Chef of Bar Etoile
Rachael Davis, Dunsmoor Sommelier
Kristin Olszewski, Owner of Nomadica
Ali Pearl, Co-founder of
Sasha Darling, Owner of BellJar
Victoria Morris, Victoria Morris Studio
Kelly Macedo, Owner of Interior Hair
Christina + Family, Friend at Ozma
Eddie Rodolfo Aparicio, Artist
Fundraisers / Raffles:
From Friday, 1/17, through Sunday, 1/19, Friends & Family is making a ton of their sought-after cinnamon rolls to raise money for people who lost their homes in the fire and animal shelters caring for displaced pets. Here’s how it works: $25 donation for one cinnamon roll, $50 for 4, and $100 for a dozen — East Hollywood & Silver Lake locations, 9 am until sold out. More details here.
Botanica is donating a percentage of food sales to a different organization every night this week, including Feed the Streets, Pasadena Job Center, and Altadena Girls. Make a reservation here.
100% of profits from Merch Motel’s Altadena Collection will be donated to support those affected by the Eaton Fire, and 100% of profits from the Sahag Mesrob Collection will be donated to the historic Armenian school that burned down (the building was over a century old). Purchase here.
Round two of Shuck Fest takes place this weekend at Dudley Market, this time raising money for LAFD Foundation and Community Brigade. All-you-can-eat oysters and $5 micheladas with a minimum $20 donation. Saturday and Sunday, 1/18 and 1/19, noon-2 pm.
Little Ripper & Mad Collective are hosting a Pasta & Wine Night this Friday, 1/17, and Saturday, 1/18, 5-9 pm. All proceeds from wine sales will be donated to support relief and recovery efforts for families affected by the Altadena fires. They’re also accepting donations of grocery gift cards, hygiene products, eye drops, and water wipes. Details here.
Rory’s Place and Yola Mezcal are throwing a dinner party in Ojai this Friday, 1/17, 5-10 pm. All proceeds will be donated to World Central Kitchen. Book a table through Resy. (Psst.)
Lina McGinn is raffling off a fig leaf sculpture to raise emergency funds for the California Fire Foundation. Details here.
Canyon is running a wildfire relief fundraising campaign for the California Community Fund. Donate here or text CANYON to 707070.
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List of Black folks who’ve lost everything gofundmes
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1pK5omSsD4KGhjEHCVgcVw-rd4FZP9haoijEx1mSAm5c/edit
Adding @eastsidecafela / @mercadodelpueblocoop to this! They are a community space in El Sereno and currently accepting donations / providing supplies for evacuees. They have gently used clothing along with masks, hand sanitizers, pet food, snacks, sanitary supplies etc