Devastation in LA: Coming Together to Support Wildfire Survivors

California needs the nation to come together and support wildfire survivors. Wildfires continue to ravage Los Angeles, leaving behind a trail of destruction. Homes have been reduced to ashes, over 150,000 residents displaced, and entire communities shaken to their core. These disasters remind us of the importance of unity and compassion in times of crisis. Supporting survivors, first responders, and relief efforts is a way to help rebuild lives and restore hope.

At GrantWatch, our hearts go out to all those impacted by these devastating fires. To the displaced families, unhoused individuals, and the heroes working on recovery efforts, we stand in solidarity with you. We recognize the immense challenges faced during and after such disasters, and we’ve compiled list of available assistance to support wildfire survivors. Additionally, GrantWatch offers a listing for disaster relief grants designed to support recovery, rebuild communities, and aid those in need. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by these tragic events.

Support for Wildfire Survivors

In the wake of the Los Angeles wildfires, numerous organizations and businesses have stepped forward to offer free and discounted resources to support affected individuals and families.

Transportation:

• Uber: $40 credit for evacuees traveling to designated shelters using the code WILDFIRE25.
• Lyft: $25 vouchers, valid for two trips, to 500 customers until January 15. Use the code CAFIRERELIEF25.

Housing and Shelter:

• Airbnb: In partnership with 211 LA, offers free temporary housing for displaced individuals.
• Queen Mary Hotel, Long Beach: Provides rooms at $189 for evacuees, including breakfast vouchers and waived pet fees.
• YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles: Opens unaffected locations for temporary shelter, showers, and amenities.

Emergency Shelters:

• Westwood Recreation Center: 1350 S. Sepulveda, Los Angeles.
• Pasadena Civic Auditorium: 300 E. Green St, Pasadena.
• El Camino Real Charter High School: 5440 Valley Circle Blvd., Woodland Hills.
• Ritchie Valens Recreation Center: 10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd, Pacoima.
• Sepulveda Recreation Center: 8825 Kester Avenue, Panorama City.
• Hotel Association of Los Angeles, Anaheim, San Diego, and Santa Barbara: Lists of hotels offering discounted rates for fire victims.
• Discover Torrance: Online tool for hotel availability at special rates.

Food and Supplies:

• World Central Kitchen: Provides meals to displaced families and first responders.
• Los Angeles Food Bank: Offers food assistance to those in need.
• Calamigos Ranch (Malibu): Free breakfast burritos daily, 8 AM–5 PM. Rest areas and charging stations available.
• Highland Park Brewery (Los Angeles): Free lunch specials for evacuees and first responders.
• World Vision (Monrovia): Supplies (food, water, toys, hygiene kits, bedding).
• Magical Castle Hollywood (Los Angeles): Free deli sandwiches and cookies.

Pets

• Pasadena Humane: Assists with animal evacuations and emergency boarding.
• Wings of Rescue: In-bound planes deliver humanitarian and veterinarian aid, pet supplies and shelter materials.

Free Clothing

• Brooklyn Projects (Melrose): Free clothing, shoes, and socks.
• Coop Boutique (Beverly Blvd.): Free clothing for fire victims.
• National Council of Jewish Women: $100 vouchers for secondhand clothing at Council Shops.

Financial Assistance:

• FEMA Disaster Assistance: Offers grants, loans, and recovery services. Phone: 800-621-FEMA (3362)
• Jewish Free Loan Association: Provides emergency zero-interest loans up to $15,000.
• U.S. Small Business Administration: Offers disaster loans for homeowners, renters, nonprofits, and businesses.
• Inclusive Action: $500 emergency cash for outdoor workers (street vendors, landscapers). Info: 213-435-1151
• Musicares: $1,500 financial aid + $500 food vouchers for music industry workers. Email: musicaresrelief@musicares.org | Phone: 800-687-4227

Health and Medical Care:

• Direct Relief: Distributes N95 masks and medical assistance.
• Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation: Supports first responders with necessary equipment and supplies.

Baby Supplies / Child Care

• Babyletto: Free cribs for affected families.
• YMCA Locations: Free childcare for displaced families and first responders.

Further Resources

• LAHSA: Resources to help those affected by the LA fires.
• LA County Recovers: Find LA County department resources to assist with recovering from disaster.
• LA County Emergency Alerts: Stay informed with real-time alerts. 
• Cal Fire Incidents & Evacuation Zones: Check active wildfire incidents statewide.
• Listos California: Access resources to prepare for evacuation. 
• CalFire Evacuation Guide: Learn about safe evacuation during wildfires. 

Disaster Relief Grants

1. Disaster Relief Efforts: Grants of up to $2,000 and grants of up to $2,500 to USA businesses and individuals in the rental sector for assistance in the wake of a disaster.

2. Public Safety Rescue Agencies: In-kind support to USA police, EMS, fire, and other public safety rescue agencies for used radios to facilitate communication.

3.  Emergency Services: Grants to USA organizations, emergency services, and Indigenous organizations for programs and projects to benefit residents in communities.

4. Credit Unions: Grants to cover costs to restore services, replace equipment, and make repairs that are not covered by insurance.

5.  Hospitality Workers for Disaster Relief Efforts: Grants to USA hospitality workers for disaster relief efforts and emergency assistance.

6. Emergency Assistance: Grants of up to $2,500 to USA nonprofit organizations in multiple states for emergency assistance in the wake of unexpected challenges.

7. Repair Pharmacies Following a Disaster: Financial assistance to USA and territories pharmacy owners to repair pharmacies following a disaster.

8. Animal Welfare Agencies for Disaster Relief: Grants of up to $10,000 to USA nonprofit organizations and animal welfare agencies for disaster relief.

9. Repair Damaged Public Facilities in Rural Communities: Grants to local governments, nonprofits, and tribes to repair damaged public facilities in rural communities.

10. Improve Disaster Preparedness and Recovery: Grants to USA nonprofits, government agencies, and tribal governments to improve disaster preparedness and recovery. 

These resources are vital for immediate relief and long-term recovery. GrantWatch remains dedicated to connecting organizations with disaster relief grants to further support these efforts. Together, we can help rebuild and strengthen our communities.

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