Wildfires have destroyed more than 37,000 acres in the Los Angeles metropolitan area in recent days, scorching more than 12,000 buildings, displacing more than 150,000 residents and killing at least 16 people.
On Tuesday, the day the fires first broke out, the White House provided federal disaster assistance to California to aid its recovery efforts. The disaster also sparked an outpouring of donations from around the world.
Follow us for live updates.
As the fires rage on and Los Angeles looks toward its eventual recovery, here’s how you can best support the city’s recovery efforts.
long term donation
Patricia McIlleavy, president and CEO of the Disaster Philanthropy Center, emphasized the need for donations to help Los Angeles communities overcome the immediate aftermath of the wildfires. She likened disaster relief to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Early on, people will say that all we need is protective gear and a vaccine. That’s all we need. But as this crisis drags on, we’ll see what everyone needs to recover from corona. “I now have a deeper understanding of how different things are,” she said. “For some, it was childcare. For others, it was elder care. You know, for some whose children were falling behind in school. It was in so many ways. It has changed, but what does it take for all of us to move beyond that?”
In addition to organizations providing emergency life-saving resources, McIlleavy encouraged donations to organizations focused on preventing Los Angeles communities from being left behind by the devastation.
“What’s the difference between a hot meal and access to your own pantry or kitchen? Hot meals are the best. After a family disaster, it’s great to have a hot meal. But having access to your own pantry or kitchen is great. Being able to prepare your own meals, feed your children, and in some ways access it at a time of your choosing is about dignity and agency. ”
Please be specific with your donation
Blair Birkholz, a spokeswoman for Direct Relief, a California-based nonprofit that provides medical resources for disaster recovery, warned against bringing large bags of miscellaneous items directly to evacuation centers. Birkholz said while it is well-intentioned to do so, Los Angeles shelters often lack the capacity to handle a sudden influx of donations.
“In many cases, the system can be overwhelmed with donations of clothing and items because the system is not prepared and doesn’t have the space to take them all,” she said.
Burgholz suggested people instead volunteer their time or help specific families in need of specific items or housing.
“If you can connect directly with families in need, that’s a much better approach because you know exactly who it’s going to and there’s a place for it,” she says. “Many of the people who are being displaced have nowhere to live. They don’t have homes.”
Wendy Escobedo, emergency response manager at the food relief nonprofit World Central Kitchen, echoed Burkholz’s sentiments.
“At first, it was just an influx of people bringing all sorts of things,” she says. “And now they’re really going to start focusing on, ‘You know what?'” What are the needs? ”
Escobedo said the city’s shelters need more amenities such as diapers, wipes, towels and hairbrushes.
beware of scammers
California officials warned Los Angeles at a press conference Saturday about a surge in scammers taking advantage of the crisis.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta said, “I have a message for those who seek to exploit people for their own greedy gain, those who see dollar signs: You will be held accountable.” . “You will be prosecuted.”
Experts advise doing thorough research before opening your wallet.
“If they say they can do something that trusted organizations can’t or won’t commit to, there may be a reason why. They’re always creative and ahead of the curve. There’s no limit,”’ McIlleavy said.
Escobedo suggested people donate directly to organizations and shelters. For example, World Central Kitchen only accepts donations through its website.
“We do not accept donations in any other way or from other sources,” she said. “That would avoid all those problems.”
The following charities have been scrutinized by NBC News.
california community foundation
California Fire Foundation
LA Fire Department Foundation
Pasadena Humane Society
Ventura County Community Foundation
American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles
disaster charity center
direct relief
world central kitchen
