To our community, our hearts and thoughts are with you during this time. Many of us have been impacted by the recent fires and we hope that you and your loved ones are staying safe. Below is a list of resources our team has pulled together, and we’ll work on adding additional links and supports as soon as we can.
““In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer.””
List of Resources for So. Cal. Fire Survivors
Evacuation Support
Stay informed about evacuations here and dial 211 or visit www.211LA.org - Airbnb and the city are offering free Airbnb stays to those evacuated. There's an evacuation center at the Pasadena Convention Center, 300 E. Green St., Pasadena, CA 91101.
For those affected by the Eaton Fire, click here to watch the virtual community meeting hosted by the LA Fire Dept. on 1/12/2025.
And if you've been displaced, we love this post from Arielle Estoria.
Mental Health Support: If you are experiencing a life threatening emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. Below are some further resources for your use in an emergency:
- National Suicide Line - 800-273-8255
- National Youth Crisis Hotline - 800-442-4673
- Crisis Text Line - text HOME to 741741, or dial 988 for 24/7 crisis support (English and Spanish available)
- Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline - 800-422-4453
You may find additional resources here:
https://www.thecenterforconnection.org/referrals-for-emergency-services
Online/In-Person Community Support
Recording from Dr. Thema and Jaiya John, “A Gathering on Grief and Loss with medicine words of poetry and sacred teaching”.
January 11, 10 am PT - Free Online Gathering with Susan Stiffelman, MFT, and Dr. Laura Markham.
January 11, 2 pm and 4 pm (and Jan 13 at 10 am and Jan 15 at noon) - Free 90 Minute Zoom Class to Support Parents in Supporting Their Kids (limited to families who have lost a home or school)
January 13, 4 pm PST - “A Sacred Gathering on Grief and Loss with poet Jaiya John and therapist Dr. Thema via IG Live: https://www.instagram.com/dr.thema/
January 22, 3:30 pm PST - donation-based yoga and sound bath with proceeds benefiting World Central Kitchen (also accessible virtually).
Tuesdays, 6:30 - 8 pm PST, January 14 to February 4 - Online processing Group, “Together We Heal”.
Messaging for Kids
For scripts and support in connecting with your child during this difficult time, click here. Individuals impacted by the fires can also receive a free sprite toy from Slumberkins to help children with grief processing. Email california@slumberkins.com to learn more. We even include a communication board to be used with any communication partners and may be especially beneficial for non-speaking or minimally speaking individuals when sharing about the recent wildfires.
Temporary Childcare Support
LA Family Support is offering up to 3 days of child care, camps, or nannies to those affected by the fires. If you're a parent or guardian in need of child care or camps during this difficult time, please fill out the form on this website: https://lafamilysupport.com
YMCA Community Response - Free childcare for first responders, essential workers, and displaced families: https://ymcala.org/community-response
FEMA Disaster Assistance
Residents and businesses in wildfire evacuation zones can apply for immediate and long-term Federal relief: https://www.disasterassistance.gov. You may also call (800) 621-3362 (FEMA). Releif can include temporary displacement assistance (hotel costsfor up to two weeks) and $770 for essential personal items; larger grants to help cover essential needs, such as medical bills, car repairs, and more.
Insurance Support
Click here to download an eight-page guide from CaliClaims Law, LLP. It’s a homeowners guide to insurance and resources available to you.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - Greater Los Angeles County (GLAC)
Please know that NAMI GLAC's Connect with Hope Warmline is available to you if you need someone to talk to during this difficult time for our County. Their Certified Peer Support Specialists are available Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 8 PM by phone at 818-208-1801 or via email at Hope@NAMIGLAC.org.
You can also consider attending one of their no-cost support groups for individuals living with mental health conditions (Connections Recovery Support Group) and for those loving someone with a mental health condition (Family Support Group). Find the dates, times, and meeting information for all of their support groups on their Calendar.
LA Times article: “How to care for your eyes, sinuses, and skin”:
Donation & Distribution Center
Pasadena Unified, Pasadena City College (PCC), YMCA, and Young 9 Foundation have organized a donation and distribution center to help support families affected by the fires. This Friday, January 10, and Saturday, January 11, 2025, donations will be accepted and distributed from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Pasadena City College (1570 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91106). Donation drop-off is at PCC Parking Lot 4 off of Del Mar Boulevard.Distribution pickup is at PCC Parking Lot 3 off of Hill Street.The following donated items will be accepted and distributed:
Clothing
Shoes
Warm outerwear
Blankets
Diapers
New undergarments, including underwear and socks
Bottled water
Reusable and disposable bags
All open centers are serving as evacuation sites with shelter, showers, and basic amenities. Mental health support through licensed social workers available. Emergency supply distribution. Free access to all unaffected Y facilities for displaced residents for community workspace, access to power, wifi and community support"
