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:
If you’re a chef cooking community meals or someone displaced looking to stock the pantry of wherever you’re staying, reach out to Inez Olive Oil for their top-notch EVOO.
If you lost your home and need to replenish your tea supply, Topanga and Berkeley-based Leaves and Flowers will send a care package to you. Email hello@leavesandflowers.com. (They’re also donating a portion of their proceeds this month to the LAFD Foundation.)
Sorella Collective’s grassroots movement is working around the clock to get meals to families affected by the fires. They’ve created a strong team of volunteer chefs, organizers, marketers, delivery drivers, + more. Request a meal here.
Arielle Eshel 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.
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 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.
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:
LA Homefarm (farm boxes)
Little Fish (delivering hot dinners; “you need to eat.”)
Stella (pizza)
Wanderlust Creamery (ice cream)
**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:
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.
Where to Donate:
Funds ($$$):
For Civil Eats, Esther Tseng compiled 13 initiatives you can support to keep victims of the Eaton Fire in the vibrant Altadena community fed in the short and long term.
Pasadena Humane Society has taken in 1,000 animals since Jan 8th, and they need your help.
Sorella Collective needs dollars to support their grassroots meals organization. Donate funds here.
Little Fish is asking for more donations to continue cooking for those affected by the wildfires. Venmo 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.
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.
Cafe Tropical is working with Feed the Streets to feed people in need. Donate 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 families displaced by the L.A. fires. Donate here.
Clothing / Supplies:
Julia Fierro is collecting books. Email fierrojulia@gmail.com.
Adam Alessi is running an 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.
Food / Water + Non-Perishables:
Los Angeles Community Fridges’ 15 locations across the city. More details here.
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; information for 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.
Courtney Storer is cooking for Pasadena. If you’re in the area and want to lend a hand, email hello@cocostogogo.com.
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.
Restaurant/Staff Recovery Funds:
Cafe Vida, Palisades
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 Making A Neighborhood
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
Restaurant-Hosted Fundraisers:
Rustic Canyon is popping up at Found Oyster on Wednesday, 2/19 to raise funds for fire relief. Proceeds will benefit the California Community Foundation Wildlife Recover Fund. Book a table here.
Chef’s Table & Resy are hosting a dinner series for L.A. fire relief with CT-featured chefs, benefiting charities addressing multiple levels of the devastation from the recent fires, such as WCK and Restaurants Care. Buy tickets for dinners all across the country here.
Ditroit is partnering with chefs to offer weekly taco specials with 100% of proceeds donated to communities impacted by the fires. Stay tuned on IG for future guests.
**Many restaurants are raising money for wildfire relief by donating profits from specific items, such as Stir Crazy (Lovely Bunch apple juice, Estate wine, and craZy hats). Instagram is the best way to see how your favorite spots are supporting Angelenos in need right now. Support them in return to keep our food and hospitality systems intact.
Additional Fundraisers + Art Raffles:
The Elysian and The Largo are teaming up with comedians to host wildfire benefit shows. Peruse their websites for calendars and tickets.
Lobster Club has put together a long list of artists running auctions to raise funds for the for the LA Art World Fire and Relief Fund. If you’re an artist who would like to participate and help raise funds, read through the artist auctions Google doc.
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.
 | A guest post by
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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