It’s difficult to grasp the scale of the devastation caused by the LA fires. They scorched over 40,000 acres, destroyed more than 12,300 structures and claimed 25 lives. The estimated losses are now up to $275 billion, marking the fires as among the most costly natural disasters in U.S. history. But beyond the numbers are the personal stories — families displaced, beloved neighborhoods lost, and communities left reeling.

In the aftermath of disaster, we’re often met with emotional whiplash. First, the shock, then the helplessness, and finally – if we’re being honest – guilt. It might be that you don’t have funds to donate, but spare time to volunteer. Maybe you do want to financially contribute, but don’t know where to start. Let’s face it: figuring out how to actually show up in moments like this can be its own kind of overwhelm.

The good news? Small acts can make a big impact, and there are so many ways to plug in. Boots on the ground always matter, but so does supporting local GoFundMe campaigns or sharing resources. It’s not about doing everything; it’s about doing something.

Use Your Hobbies For Good

If you’re not local or you can’t get to affected areas, you can still support in a creative way. Look out for gigs or online workshops that are donating proceeds to relief funds, like this Somatic Yoga session. 

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Support Temporary Housing

So many have been displaced, which means temporary housing has never been more in-demand. If you want to help the cause, you can donate directly to Airbnb’s fund providing free housing for disaster victims.

Donate To Trusted Organizations

One of the hardest parts about financially contributing to recovery efforts is ensuring your money reaches the right people, as quickly as possible. 

California Fire Foundation: Supports firefighters, their families, and disaster-affected communities through relief efforts, scholarships, and financial assistance programs.

Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP): Focuses on long-term, equitable disaster recovery through expert guidance and strategic grantmaking worldwide.

Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation: A nonprofit that enhances the care and protection of animals served by the LA County Department of Animal Care and Control.

Los Angeles Regional Food Bank: A key organization fighting food insecurity by distributing millions of meals to individuals and families across LA County. Volunteers are also needed to sort, pack, and distribute food to those affected by the wildfires. Register on their website to volunteer.

Pasadena Humane: A trusted animal welfare nonprofit offering shelter, medical care, and adoption services for animals in need in the Pasadena area.

California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Relief Fund: Provides critical support for recovery efforts in communities devastated by wildfires, including housing assistance and financial aid.

American Red Cross of Los Angeles: Delivers disaster relief, emergency preparedness training, and recovery assistance to individuals and families impacted by crises in LA.

Direct Relief: Supplies essential medical equipment and resources to first responders and healthcare providers during disasters and emergencies.

Altadena Girls: An organization founded by a 14-year-old Altadena local that provides donated clothes, skincare, makeup and toiletries to young women and families impacted by the wildfires.

GoFundMe also has a dedicated platform for families affected by the fires, although there have been some questions raised recently as to whether funds are actually finding those most in need. If you’re going the GoFundMe route, it’s best you have a personal connection to the recipient.

Get On the Ground

L.A. Works

Check their Google Sheets for the latest info, organizer contacts for in-person volunteer opportunities, sorted by date.

UCLA Volunteer Database

The UCLA Volunteer Database offers a diverse list of ways to assist with wildfire relief efforts. Explore their website for opportunities tailored to different skills and availability.

YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles

The YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles is deeply engaged in wildfire relief, offering volunteer opportunities at branches citywide. Available services include supporting displaced families, coordinating donations, and aiding recovery efforts.

— Donation centers
— Fresh produce and hot meal distribution
— Shower facilities for those in need
— Emergency child care

Food Distribution Sites and Schedules:

— Weingart East Los Angeles YMCA: Mondays & Wednesdays, 9-11 AM
— Anderson Munger Family YMCA: 2nd and 4th Tuesday, 9 AM (application link)
— Weingart YMCA Wellness & Aquatic Center: Tuesdays, 9:30-11:30 AM
— Crenshaw Family YMCA: Tuesdays, 11 AM-2 PM
— West Valley Family YMCA: Wednesdays, 10 AM
— Mid Valley Family YMCA: Thursdays, 10 AM
— Collins & Katz Family YMCA: Thursdays, 10 AM
— Culver-Palms Family YMCA: Thursdays, 9-11 AM

For the most current volunteer opportunities, contact your closest YMCA.

Santa Anita Park

The Santa Anita Park racetrack is no longer accepting donations, and now needs volunteers to help sort and distribute donation items.

Dream Center

Now accepting volunteers for various relief efforts, including food distribution and community outreach. Contact them directly for current opportunities, and keep an eye on their Instagram @ladreamcenter for immediate needs.

Los Angeles Mission

Register through their VolunteerHub to help distribute meals to displaced families, or contact Mary Grant, Community Partnerships Manager at mgrant@lamission.net

South LA Cafe 

They're organizing daily volunteer opportunities and distribution events.

World Central Kitchen

Help to prepare and distribute meals to communities impacted by the wildfires. Sign up through their volunteer hub.
 

Foster or Adopt a New Pet

Animal shelters are working around the clock to care for lost or stray animals that need new homes. You can find your new furry friend via Pasadena Humane, Humane Society of Ventura County, Wags and Walks Adoption Center, or Friends of Normie. If you have a full house already, you can always donate or see if they’re accepting volunteers. 

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Report Price Gouging

Predatory landlords have been exploiting the crisis by hiking rents as high as 86%, despite California’s Anti-Price Gouging Law capping rent increases at 10% during emergencies. As affected families struggle to find shelter, one home’s rent soared from $15,900 to $29,500. This is totally illegal, and violators risk fines or jail.

If you suspect price gouging, you can report it by calling 311 or going online to stoppricegouging.dcba.lacounty.gov. 

Support Local Businesses

Sadly, some of the best restaurants were lost to the fires. You can support them directly, or patronize shops, restaurants, and services in affected areas once it’s safe. 

Stream Displaced Pop Stars 

One of the silver linings that has materialized is the revival of some of the best-ever pop music, period. Among the many stars who lost their homes are Heidi Montag, Mandy Moore and Leighton Meester, and fans are streaming their hits to show them love. Now, Heidi’s classic 2009 album, Superficial, is now the top album on iTunes, so keep listening.

Be An Advocate

It takes nothing to share resources, post PSAs, or just text a friend the latest updates. You can make an impact without even leaving the couch.