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The people of Los Angeles need our help.
According to ABC News, tens of thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes as massive fires continue to burn down Southern California.
As of Thursday morning, the fires (Palisades, Easton, Hurst, Sunset, Woodley, and Lidia) ravaged the region at zero percent containment, destroying homes and businesses and turning trees to ash.
Many people have lost everything, and at least five people have been confirmed dead with no promise that the fires will stop spreading anytime soon. ABC News mentioned that President Biden has officially signed a disaster declaration for the state of California as devastation proceeds.
So, how can you help?
The Red Cross is sending volunteers to Los Angeles to help displaces individuals find refuge, and has set up shelters in safe zones. Donate to the organization via redcross.org.
The Salvation Army is delivering food, water, and emergency necessities to victims. Donate to their Palisades Fire relief efforts via disaster.salvationarmyusa.org.
World Kitchen is also delivering meals to those in need including first responders risking their lives to extinguish the flames. Donate to this cause via donate.wck.org.
Airbnb is also among organizations sending relief to Palisades Fire victims. They are offering free temporary housing to displaced individuals. Hosts can visit Airbnb.org and offer their home as "emergency housing" to wildfire victims seeking shelter.
California's ver own Fire Foundation Wildfire & Disaster Relief Fund plans to help those impacted by the fires by providing financial assistance to residents in need. Donate via cpf.salsalabs.org.
CAL FIRE Benevolent Foundation is also among those assisting firefighters and their families with injury and hardship recovery. Donate via calfire.foundation.
iHeartRadio has partnered with The Dream Center to provide relief supplies and shelter for those in need. Donate via donate.dreamcenter.org.
If you are someone who is directly impacted by the devastating fires currently raving the Los Angeles region, there is help.
According to NBC Los Angeles, Uber is offering ride discounts with code WILDFIRE25 and Lyft with code CAFIRERELIEF25.
In addition to Airbnb, The Queen Mary Hotel in Long Beach, a handful of Big Bear vacation homes, and Visit Anaheim, are offering free temporary housing options for displaced individuals.
Shelter locations are as follows:
- 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: Address: 8825 Kester Avenue, Panorama City
AT&T is also taking part in relief efforts, offering "wildfire areas unlimited data, talk and text." Verizon has also agreed to wave charges for customers in "hardest hit areas."
Plant fitness announced that individuals forced to evacuate are welcome to use their "showers, locker rooms, and WiFi" as needed.
For more information on the devastating Palisades Fire wreaking havoc on Southern California, read: Evacuation Total Rises, More Expected Amid Six California Wildfires.
