How to Help Los Angeles Wildfire Relief Efforts

Lack of rain and strong Santa Ana winds contributed to a historic set of wildfires rippling through Southern California in the Los Angeles area. As of Jan. 13, the wildfires remain an active threat to communities across the region, and conditions are expected to worsen in the coming days. The wildfires have destroyed more than 10,000 homes, businesses and schools, displacing a significant number of residents.

In addition to HomeAid, there are several other local disaster relief designated funds to aid and support the communities hardest hit by the wildfire:

• The United Way of Greater Los Angeles has established its Wildfire Response Fund. With this fund, it will address urgent, ongoing needs, which include support for low-income individuals, people experiencing homelessness, and disruptions to community organizations and small businesses.
• The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation provides vital equipment and funds critical programs to help the LAFD save lives and protect communities. The foundation has issued an emergency alert for donations to purchase critically needed supplies and equipment for firefighters fighting the wildfire. Learn more and donate.
• The California Fire Foundation is working with local fire agencies and community-based organizations to provide direct financial support to impacted residents as details of the damage emerge. The California Fire Foundation also provides critical support to surviving families of fallen firefighters, firefighters and the communities they serve. For those interested in supporting, the foundation is accepting donations.
• For those interested in supporting long-term rebuilding efforts, the California Community Foundation has activated its Wildfire Recovery Fund. The fund is focused primarily addressing the long-term recovery needs of neighborhoods long after media attention has shifted away.

Several national disaster response organizations — such as American Red Cross and the veteran-led disaster response non-profit Team Rubicon — are also accepting donations to support their life-saving response efforts to all those affected by the wildfires.

For more information and available assistance, the following federal resources are available:

• Federal Emergency Management Agency’s California wildfires disaster resources page.
• Small Businesses Administration’s information regarding assistance and funding.
• Disaster Assistance.gov also has federal disaster assistance information available.
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s guide to staying mentally healthy after wildfires.

NAHB will keep members informed of resources or information as they become available.

This post has been updated.