You can make a real difference in helping L.A. recover from wildfires

When I visited Pacific Palisades, California, this past September, I instantly understood why residents and visitors considered this coastal community a little slice of paradise. I walked around and took in the view — beautiful homes, cute shops and restaurants, and, of course, the famous California sunshine and ocean breezes. I even sat outside to enjoy a cup of hot tea. This picture of tea from Princess Polly was the only photo I captured that day.

Tea from Alfred Coffee in the Palisades Village, Fall 2024

And it might be the only recorded memory I have from my joy-filled day. Now, four months later, I’m in shock when I see the devastation wrought by the Palisades fire. Those homes, shops and restaurants? Gone. And the sun and the breezes are no match for the eerie smoke.

Compounding the heartbreak, Pacific Palisades was not the only community affected by these horrific fires. We still don’t know the full extent of the destruction. But we cannot delay sending help to California.

I checked in with a couple of friends in the L.A. area to find out the most effective things you and I can do right now to make a difference.

It ‘Hurts to Breathe’

Social impact strategist Marie Lloyd is a board member of the Los Angeles Fire Foundation and a commissioner of the L.A. Department of Recreation and Parks, which is overseeing all public evacuation sites for displaced people and animals.

Marie, thankfully, is safe herself. But she says it “hurts to breathe” right now in L.A. As a native of Southern California, she’s seen wildfires before, but none like this.

“The devastation I’m seeing right now is beyond anything I — or anyone in history — has witnessed,” she says.

Marie stresses that the key right now is immediate assistance. “The best places to help are through those entities that are working directly with and across government,” she says.

Those entities include the Fire Foundation, which has set up a Wildfire Emergency Fund that directly supports first responders as they battle these fires and prepare for future ones.

Marie also recommends donating to the California Community Foundation, which is funding both immediate and long-term relief. “Their Wildfire Recovery Fund will be critical for months and years to come,” she says.

Marie’s POV from the Command Center

‘We All Know Someone Who’s Lost Everything’

Karla Torres, a board member of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles, is also heavily involved in relief efforts.

“I grew up in Southern California and have lived in L.A. for 10 years, but I’ve never witnessed anything like this,” she says. “It feels like we all know someone who’s lost everything. Their home, their children’s school, their favorite local business, their sense of safety — just gone.” 

Even in the midst of an unprecedented disaster, Angelenos are helping each other, Karla says.

“Watching L.A. come together and show up as a community has been inspiring,” she says. “It’s a reminder that we can all do something. Follow your favorite local organization on social media and stay close to what they need — it’s changing daily. Volunteer. Share resources. Show up. Be a helper.” 

More Ways to Help Los Angeles Recover from Wildfires

Let’s answer Karla’s call to be helpers. Below, I’ve put together a list of other ways we can address the unimaginable needs of California right now. Please check it out, and then do two things:

 1) Give to an organization that speaks to your heart.

2) Share this article with others.

 The road to recovery will be a long one. But we can all help Californians take the first step. “I know my city and community will come together to rebuild into something we’ve never imagined,” Marie says. “And I’ll be there to help.”

#MovementMakers, let’s be there with her.

 

 

Sources for this list: Charity Navigator, r/LosAngeles on Reddit, When Where What Austin

P.S. I hope you never need this document. If you ever lose your home or business to a wildfire, this resource walks you through what to do and where to start. 

 

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