LA Fires: What's Happening, Who to Support Directly + How to Get Direct Support
To ensure donations/requests for aid get into the right hands, I've rounded up my own resources so all of us can make/receive a difference, whether big or small. I also shed light on current LA chaos.
Exactly one week ago, I was eating, drinking and being merry with a huge group of friends at a birthday party. Hugs and joy filled the air as guests rehashed their New Year’s Eve, while thinking ahead to 2025. Everyone looked their best, posing for photos, catching up with old pals and clinking glasses. What a fabulous start to 2025, I thought. I think we all did. How could anything have prepared us Angelenos for what was to come?
Each year, we see fires break out in Malibu. While it’s obviously heartbreaking, it’s anticipated. But this year’s Malibu fires took several culturally impactful landmarks along with it. And what we didn’t anticipate is that Malibu would be just a tip of the iceberg. Memories and livelihoods in all directions of Los Angeles would be shattered over the next five days, while the car pileup in the Pacific Palisades would resemble something out of an apocalyptic film. The city I’ve called home for 18 years was burning to the ground. We’re talking more than 37,000 acres, leaving 150,000 residents displaced and at least 13 people dead.
What part of town would be next? I sat anxiously in my unmade bed feeling useless, frantically reloading TikTok for updates, while considering which friends in which parts of LA could potentially be affected.
The tragedy is far from over (let’s talk again by Wednesday night when the wind is said to be behind us). But I’m beyond blessed to say I’m safe and sound in West Hollywood at this current moment. There was a scare last Wednesday when the Runyon/Hollywood Hills fire erupted. Just 10 minutes from me, I thought, if this spreads the way the Palisades fire spread, my belongings don’t stand a chance.
I had no intentions of leaving my apartment that day. But for some reason I went ahead and accepted an invite to order food with friends 12 minutes away. The mood was so glum that I figured it’d probably be nice to spend time with uplifting people. All I can say is thank goodness. I can’t imagine being alone and getting news of a nearby fire.
We were swift on our toes. Thankfully I had my car and my laptop. I didn’t have anything else. But there was no time to think about what I could have left behind. We had to go. And just like that, me and three friends made a mad dash to San Clemente in Orange County. One of our friends graciously invited us to stay at her family’s home. And it was everything I needed. Once things (thankfully) died down in our area, we made it back to LA safely the next evening. With the exception of a sore throat from air quality and a little bit of lightheadedness, I feel ok.
The most important takeaway I’ve witnessed from this experience is much unlike with COVID, this tragedy is bringing people together—not apart. COVID drove so many people away from each other, while others naturally veered in different directions. Now, I feel a sense of community, regardless of what position each of us are in. Everyone wants to help, everyone is checking in on each other. It makes me feel more connected to LA and to my friends (both close and acquaintances) than ever before.
While I’m OK safe-wise and OK physically, is anyone really, truly OK in these instances? It’s those weird, complicated, pandemic-like feelings of survivor’s guilt where you obviously still have to live your life, while witnessing people around you struggling. How are you supposed to act? If you’re feeling this level of uneasiness about the situation, you’re obviously not alone. These are complicated moments.
While you can’t control what happens to people, you can control how you navigate the situation. In this, all we can do is help. We can help, and we can avoid minimizing people’s emotions. We shouldn’t be qualifying anyone’s experiences (ie. “at least no one was hurt,” “homes can be rebuilt,” “they’re just clothes and furniture,” “at least you all have each other.”). No one wants their tragedy minimized.
Also, if there’s one thing LA has heard nonstop these last five days, it’s noise. From gusty winds to endless sirens, to sobs and screams, quiet hasn’t been an option. And that also includes noise on the internet. Since the tragic events unfolded on Tuesday, social media has been flooded with links, pleas for help, infographics and pretty much anything else that can leave anyone confused. We all want to do or say something—where do we turn?
Everyone has their own way of volunteering or donating. For me, it’s important that people know their donations or help requests are going somewhere directly, and without having to lift a finger. I also want to make sure anyone confused about where to make the most of a donation has a handy list of GoFundMe links—with descriptions, so they can determine where their donation feels most fitting. Let’s keep in mind that residents of varying demographics and incomes were affected here, and that each person’s land was demolished, which is often more costly than the home itself. Additionally, home insurance doesn’t cover the land. Therefore, it’s a lose-lose for everyone affected, so let’s lead with empathy.
I also have a list of people who will send items directly to those in need. Consider me one of those people. If you or someone you know lost their home in the LA fires, please message me because I’m making a run to the post office on Monday to send packages full of fundamental beauty products and personal care.
Below, I’ve divided up various needs, and their corresponding options. I hope this helps. Please message me with any questions or requests for further assistance. And feel free to pass this on to anyone who may find it important.
For People Who Want to Donate Money:
I reached out to my mutuals on IG, and based on every GoFundMe submission I received, I included the ones that haven’t yet met their $$ goal. I also include a brief summary for each, so you can decide who (if any) resonates with you personally. No donation is too big or too small—every dollar counts. HERE’s the doc with descriptions.
If you’re looking to donate to a greater cause, HERE’s a link with tons of resources. This link also includes resources for those in need.
Speaking of resources, if you know anyone who needs help housing their animals, or has any animal inquiries at all, email Annie Harvilicz, Founder of Animal Wellness Foundation: drannieawc@gmail.com
For People in LA Who Want to Donate Clothing/Goods:
The volunteer group is accepting emergency kit items (ie. feminine products, KN95 masks, bandaids, toothbrushes, hand sanitizer, etc) + survival basics (ie. new socks and new underwear). They’re also handing out emergency kits, water bottles and other basic supplies to anyone in need.
Show up to donate or receive at their location: 603 S. Brand Blvd. Glendale, CA 91204
The nonprofit and PR agency teamed up to collect donations that they’ll personally drop off at various locations. They’re currently accepting: new socks, new underwear, new bedding, new towels, toilet paper, paper towels, air purifiers, canned goods, wrapped snacks, personal care products.
Email: kristina@kcmconnect.co for more information
Aimed at collecting items for Altadena’s female youth, the org is seeking NEW bras/underwear, beauty products, hair care and clothing.
Drop off or ship to:
Small Green Door Creative Studio
3530 E. 15th St., Los Angeles, CA 90023
Email: altadenagirls@gmail.com for more information
For People Who Need Clothing/Self-Care:
Must show up 12pm - 8pm 7 days a week with ID:
Pre-sorted Free Boutique (10 items per person)
112 W 9th St. Ste. 400, Los Angeles, CA 90015
**HUGE LIST** Must follow instructions in doc to coordinate (doc also includes an email template tab to request products):
Must message Dahvi to coordinate:
Proactiv Skincare (skincare)
Urban Outfitters (clothing)
The Route Beauty (skincare)
Le Mini Macaron (hand and foot moisture masks)
**Also, I, too, will be sending out beauty/self-care packages, so please message me with names/addresses so I can get them out to the post office.
Must email team@infinitycreativeagency.com with name/contact/temporary address:
Care packages assembled by Infinity Creative Agency, whose clients include: Mutha, Prada Beauty, Valentino Beauty, Sol de Janiero, Chillhouse, Stila Cosmetics, Alo Wellness, Bondi Sands.
Must follow instructions in link:
Complimentary hair wash + blow dry
101 S. Madison Ave. 2nd. Fl., Unit 201, Pasadena, CA 91101
3328 Verdugo Rd., Los Angeles, CA 90065
For People Who Need a Mental Health Moment:
Must reach out directly:
Adam Tallamy Coaching (complimentary life coaching session)
The Light Life (complimentary reiki spiritual healing session)
**The only thing we know right now is the unknown, so whatever you’re doing to lift up your LA friends (regardless of their situation), keep at it because it’s appreciated more than you know. PLEASE PASS THIS NEWSLETTER ALONG TO ANYONE WHO MAY NEED IT. <3
Dahvi, This was very informative. Thank you!
DAHVI! Thank you so much for taking the time to organize all this information!!! It’s INCREDIBLE helpful and I love you so much!! Please stay safe!