For LA
Sending love and support to our friends in Los Angeles
Greetings from Austin,
Welcome back to all, including the influx of new subscribers who've joined since we last met. I had planned to return from hiatus sharing reasons for optimism in 2025.
Instead, I'm writing about devastation in a place I love, filled with people I care deeply about.
To those in our community who lost their homes in the fires in the Palisades and across Los Angeles this week - and I know there are several of you - I'm sending all my thoughts, love, and strength right now. Whatever support you need, in this moment and in the long rebuild ahead, we are here to help.
The same goes for all of you whose lives have been disrupted, whose health is suffering under a cloud of ash and smoke, potentially still worried about an evacuation at any moment. The scenes from this week are devastating, please stay safe and take care of yourselves.
There are a lot of conversations to be had about what went wrong and what comes next, some of which I’m sure we’ll cover here. But for now, the best use of everyone’s time is to show our support for the people still in the middle of it.
There are literally thousands of different places you can donate, if you have some good ones please email me and I’d love to share them here in the future. For now, I am starting with a few that have been consistently vetted and recommended during this and previous wildfires and other emergencies in California.
We’ll be back again next week, hopefully under improving circumstances with everyone in good health. Stay safe, we love you Los Angeles 💙.
Where you can give
LA Fire Department Wildfire Emergency Fund
Seeking donations to help cover the costs of essential tools and safety equipment for LAFD firefighters, including emergency fire shelters, hydration backpacks, and wildland brush tools.
The CA Fire Foundation
Working with local fire agencies and community-based organizations to provide direct financial support to impacted residents as details of the damage emerge. The California Fire Foundation also provides critical support to surviving families of fallen firefighters, firefighters and the communities they serve.
The LAUSD Education Emergency Relief Fund
Providing immediate assistance to families and Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) employees affected by the devastating fires.
The fund will offer direct cash assistance and support to families and employees affected by the fires; support teachers and in-class resources for students at impacted schools, ensuring continuity of learning to the greatest extent possible; provide flexible assistance for mental health support; and offer support for other immediate and long-term needs for students, families and teachers.
Baby2Baby
Responding to the devastating fires raging across Los Angeles by delivering critical items, including diapers, food, formula, water, clothing, and hygiene products to the most vulnerable children and families who have lost everything.
They are working with 470 partner organizations across LA County, including schools, shelters, and hospitals, to fulfill requests for essential items. Baby2Baby has already provided over one million emergency supplies to impacted families and is committed to continuing this work in the coming weeks and months.
World Central Kitchen
Mobilized across the region to provide immediate relief in the form of sandwiches and water as they identify areas of need. WCK Chef Corp Members are providing meals.
Other places to give
The Mutual Aid LA Network (MALAN)
A hub for mutual aid resources across Los Angeles, has made a public Google spreadsheet available full of information about shelters, animal centers, where to source personal protective equipment (PPE), food, as well as volunteer opportunities and places to donate. The list is being continually updated, and you can donate directly to help the group distribute resources on the ground.
GoFundMe
Has created a centralized hub for all its pages related to the wildfires across Southern California, as well as a relief fund that will go to nonprofits and individuals seeking financial relief directly through GoFundMe fundraisers.
The Salvation Army
Also accepting donations online to help provide emergency aid, shelter, food, and other support for first responders and wildfire victims across Southern California.
Support Local On-the-Ground Efforts
Food
The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is mobilizing its network to feed people displaced by the fire. They are accepting food and cash donations, and have opportunities for people to volunteer if you are in the Los Angeles area.
Housing
The nonprofit guide 211 LA is partnering with Airbnb to offer free, temporary housing for a week for people who have been displaced by the fires. You can apply for emergency support by filling out this form here.
If you’re able to host, visit Airbnb’s page for more information on offering shelter to those in need (service fees waived and damage protection insurance included). Not in LA? You can donate directly to Airbnb's efforts to provide free, emergency housing from anywhere online here.
Emergency Supplies
The California-based organization Direct Relief supplies critical PPE including N-95 masks, medication, and other healthcare resources, for first responders and health providers during fire emergencies. Donate to support their efforts against the LA wildfires online here.