Giving Compass' Take:
- Trudy Ring reports on how to support LA fire recovery, presenting a vetted list of nonprofits seeking donations and volunteers.
- How can you maximize the value of your donation for nonprofits supporting communities impacted by wildfires?
- Learn more about disaster relief and recovery and how you can help.
- Search our Guide to Good for nonprofits focused on disaster philanthropy.
What is Giving Compass?
We connect donors to learning resources and ways to support community-led solutions. Learn more about us.
There has been an outpouring of support for LA fire recovery and those who’ve lost their homes or been otherwise affected by the Los Angeles fires. Some nonprofit organizations have been overwhelmed with supplies, but certain things are still needed, and donations of money and work by trained volunteers are always welcome.
”There are donations of food, water supplies, literally spilling over and out into our local fire stations,” LA Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley said at a Sunday news conference, LAist reports, regarding how to support LA fire recovery.
Pasadena, an L.A. suburb much affected by the fires, posted on X Thursday that the city government is no longer accepting donations. But there are still needs to be filled. Nonprofits welcome monetary donations and volunteers, although many require training before volunteers get to work.
It’s also important to avoid scams to support LA fire recovery. “To anybody who would take advantage of people for their greedy gain, who see dollar signs, I have a message for you: You will be held responsible,” California Attorney General Rob Bonta said at a press conference Saturday, NBC News reports. “You will be prosecuted.”
NBC News has vetted the following organizations to help you support LA fire recovery. Check their websites or call to see exactly what’s needed — goods, money, or volunteers. Keep in mind, though, that if you call, the staff may be too busy to answer immediately.
California Community Foundation
L.A. Fire Department Foundation
Ventura County Community Foundation
American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles
Center for Disaster Philanthropy
LAist also suggests checking out L.A. Works' list of organizations that need volunteers or supplies. L.A. Works advises everyone not to drop off unsolicited supplies or going to affected areas if you're not part of an organized volunteer team. It further offers a link to guidelines on hosting displaced families through Airbnb.
In addition, this Google Doc, continually updated, has a list of organizations and what they need to support LA fire recovery.
Read the full article about supporting LA fire recovery by Trudy Ring at Advocate.