Hi friends.
Los Angeles is a sad and scary place to be right now. Our family is fortunate to be in the flats away from immediate danger currently, but we have spent the last day packed and ready to evacuate. The winds have been merciless on the dry terrain, and the amount of the damage is beyond heartbreaking. We know so many people who have lost everything- homes, businesses, schools, who escaped with only their lives and the clothes on their back. It’s currently estimated that more than 50,000 people are displaced and more that 6000 properties, many of them uninsurable, have been burned across more than 45 square miles.
In situations like this, I’m always so grateful for helpers, for those with generosity of spirit, and have had so many conversations about how best to help. Rather than just sharing resources on social and in discussions, I wanted to collect them in one place.
I’ll be continuing to update this post. Please share widely, give generously, and stay safe out there. love, ravayna
Opportunities for impact:
The team at @MutualaidLA has built out a comprehensive spreadsheet tracking all of the shelters, food kitchens, evac sites, resources for anyone impacted by these massive wildfires, and cross-referenced them with volunteer opportunities. As the situation evolves, this continues to be one of the most accurate sources.
If you are able to make financial donations, we know from past California wildfires, hurricanes and volunteering experience that directly donating to people is far more powerful and impactful than giving to an organization such as the Red Cross. Evacuees need support now, for gas and lodging and protective gear, to replace clothes and supplies, for medication and meals. Soon, they’ll need to repair, rebuild, and/or relocate.
HERE is an ongoing list of all verified GoFundMe pages. Pick a family or a few to support.
This list specifically collects GoFundMe pages of black families who have been devastated by the Eaton Fire.
If you know a fire victim or evacuee personally, send them direct venmos or PayPal- I guarantee you they will able to use it to protect or support themselves, a displaced community member, or a local fire brigade.
You can also send digital gift cards via email, text, or even via a link via dm.
Local LA resources for victims
World Central Kitchen is feeding firefighters across the county- meal distribution sites are here, and you can donate to support their efforts here.
Many brands are offerring new or replacement product, services and funds. Those brands and their access details are organized here, along with a request email template.
For accurate updates, you can use the app watch duty or CAL FIRE active fire incident map to monitor ongoing fires,
Victims, please apply for disaster relief now through FEMA
And it’s so important to manage media intake and output right now- I’ve seen some wild discourse, so many people unknowingly sharing AI images, misinformation, hot takes and cheap shots. This is a time where grace is a gift, but being factual matters, so please check your sources and your biases as ravaged communities work through tragedy and attempt to continue on.
UPDATES:
As of 1/9, the airbnb and 211 voucher program I previously shared has been exhausted.
