How to Help California Wildfire Victims
Find out how to donate to groups assisting those affected by the fall 2019 wildfires
Wind-driven fires this week have displaced residents and destroyed homes in Northern and Southern California. The Kincade Fire in Sonoma County has consumed nearly 77,000 acres and destroyed 165 homes. In Southern California, the Getty Fire in Los Angeles has destroyed at least 10 residences and damaged others. The Hillside Fire in San Bernardino has burned six homes and consumed 200 acres. The Maria Fire in Santa Paula destroyed two homes. The Hill Fire in Jurupa Valley damaged two homes. Earlier, the Tick Fire north of Los Angeles destroyed 22 homes. Here are nonprofit groups that are assisting people affected by the fires in California, as well as information on how to donate to their relief efforts.
Horses are evacuated from the Easy Fire. Photo from Humane Society of Ventura County
California Community Foundation. This foundation’s Wildfire Relief Fund provides intermediate and long-term recovery help for major California wildfires and is involved with preparedness efforts. The fund helps displaced residents rebuild homes and provides for help with basic needs, financial assistance and medical and mental health care. Info
Community Foundation Sonoma County. The foundation’s Sonoma County Resilience Fund supports recovery for individuals affected by fires and works to find housing solutions for the community. One-time and recurring donations are accepted online. Info
California Community Foundation. This foundation’s Wildfire Relief Fund provides intermediate and long-term recovery help for major California wildfires and is involved with preparedness efforts. The fund helps displaced residents rebuild homes and provides for help with basic needs, financial assistance and medical and mental health care. Info
Community Foundation Sonoma County. The foundation’s Sonoma County Resilience Fund supports recovery for individuals affected by fires and works to find housing solutions for the community. One-time and recurring donations are accepted online. Info
Helicopters drop water on hills during the Kincade Fire in Sonoma County on Oct. 28. Photo from California National Guard
GlobalGiving. This nonprofit is supporting recovery and relief efforts for all Californians affected by the 2019 wildfires. It is initially helping first responders provide immediate relief for fire survivors with food, fuel, clean water, hygiene products and shelter. It will then support longer-term recovery efforts by local vetted organizations in the regions affected by the fires. Info
Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation. The foundation is accepting donations to its Noah’s Legacy Fund, which was created to provide food, shelter and medical care for pets separated from their families in major disasters. You can make a donation online or mail a check payable to the Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation with the designation “Noah’s Legacy Fund” to P.O. Box 10015, Pasadena, CA 91189. Info
GlobalGiving. This nonprofit is supporting recovery and relief efforts for all Californians affected by the 2019 wildfires. It is initially helping first responders provide immediate relief for fire survivors with food, fuel, clean water, hygiene products and shelter. It will then support longer-term recovery efforts by local vetted organizations in the regions affected by the fires. Info
Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation. The foundation is accepting donations to its Noah’s Legacy Fund, which was created to provide food, shelter and medical care for pets separated from their families in major disasters. You can make a donation online or mail a check payable to the Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation with the designation “Noah’s Legacy Fund” to P.O. Box 10015, Pasadena, CA 91189. Info
Structure destroyed by the Getty Fire in the hills on the west side of Los Angeles. Los Angeles Fire Department photo by Eric French
Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation. Donations to this foundation help provide tools, equipment, protective gear and resources to first responders during wildfires around Los Angeles. Info
Salvation Army. In response to the Kincade Fire, the relief group’s Del Oro Division is serving meals at shelters in Napa, San Rafael and Petaluma. The group says donations directly support fire evacuees and first responders. Info
Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation. Donations to this foundation help provide tools, equipment, protective gear and resources to first responders during wildfires around Los Angeles. Info
Salvation Army. In response to the Kincade Fire, the relief group’s Del Oro Division is serving meals at shelters in Napa, San Rafael and Petaluma. The group says donations directly support fire evacuees and first responders. Info
The Maria Fire burns in the hills near a Ventura County home. Photo from Ventura County Fire Department
Sonoma County Animal Services. The agency’s Disaster/Emergency Response Fund provides food, blankets and veterinary supplies for pets displaced by the fire. The agency evacuated during the Kincade Fire but is now sheltering displaced animals. Info
Sonoma Family Meal. This nonprofit was created during the devastating Northern California wildfires in 2017 to provide chef-made to-go meals for families affected by the fires. Donations will go toward purchasing food from local farmers and ranchers for the meals prepared for Kincade Fire victims. Info
Sonoma County Animal Services. The agency’s Disaster/Emergency Response Fund provides food, blankets and veterinary supplies for pets displaced by the fire. The agency evacuated during the Kincade Fire but is now sheltering displaced animals. Info
Sonoma Family Meal. This nonprofit was created during the devastating Northern California wildfires in 2017 to provide chef-made to-go meals for families affected by the fires. Donations will go toward purchasing food from local farmers and ranchers for the meals prepared for Kincade Fire victims. Info
A helicopter drops water on the hills in western Los Angeles during the Getty Fire. Los Angeles Fire Department photo by Eric French
United Way of the Wine Country. In response to the Kincade Fire, this chapter of the United Way has started the Kincade Fire Emergency Relief & Recovery Fund to help with postfire relief and recovery. Info
World Central Kitchen. This nonprofit created by chef José Andrés is preparing food for firefighters battling the Kincade Fire, as well as for evacuees and first responders in Santa Rosa and Petaluma. Info
Note: Use caution when making disaster-aid donations. Sites such as Charity Navigator and the Better Business Bureau’s Give.org can help you ensure that a group is legitimate.
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United Way of the Wine Country. In response to the Kincade Fire, this chapter of the United Way has started the Kincade Fire Emergency Relief & Recovery Fund to help with postfire relief and recovery. Info
World Central Kitchen. This nonprofit created by chef José Andrés is preparing food for firefighters battling the Kincade Fire, as well as for evacuees and first responders in Santa Rosa and Petaluma. Info
Note: Use caution when making disaster-aid donations. Sites such as Charity Navigator and the Better Business Bureau’s Give.org can help you ensure that a group is legitimate.
More on Houzz
How to Protect Your Home From a Natural Disaster
How to Prepare Your Family for a Natural Disaster
Buy first-aid and emergency kits on Houzz
American Red Cross. The relief group mobilizes to help victims of natural disaster by opening emergency shelters; providing clean water, hot meals and medical care; supporting emergency responders and helping create recovery plans. Info
California Fire Foundation. The foundation provides emotional and financial assistance to families of fallen firefighters. The nonprofit’s Supplying Aid to Victims of Emergency (SAVE) program provides short-term relief to victims of fire and other natural disasters throughout California with special gift cards for victims of fire and natural disasters, for basic necessities such as food, clothing and medicine. Info
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