LAFIRES

3 Mental Health Resources for LA Fire Victims

Recovering from the devastating impact of wildfires isn’t just about rebuilding homes—your mental health is just as important. If you or someone you know has been affected by the Los Angeles wildfires, here are three mental health resources offering free support:

  • Spring Health: Free Therapy
    Spring Health has launched the Wildfire Mental Health Support Program to provide free therapy and resources to individuals and families impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires. Learn more here.

  • Los Angeles County ACCESS Center
    Available 24/7, the ACCESS Center offers support for anxiety, distress, and grief. Call their hotline anytime at (800) 854-7771 for assistance.

  • Headspace: Free Guided Meditations
    Headspace has curated a collection of free guided meditations focused on anxiety, grief, and crisis support to help you navigate this challenging time.

How to Help LA Fire Victims: 5 Trusted Places to Donate

If you’re looking for ways to support those impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires, donating to trusted organizations is a powerful way to make a difference. Here are five organizations working directly to provide relief:

  • Wildfire Recovery Fund
    This fund supports wildfire recovery efforts across California, ensuring resources go where they’re needed most.

  • American Red Cross
    The Red Cross is providing emergency shelter, supplies, and support for wildfire victims. Donate to their disaster relief efforts to help families rebuild.

  • Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation
    Support the firefighters on the frontlines by donating to the LAFD Foundation, which provides equipment and resources to help them stay safe and effective.

  • Baby2Baby
    This organization is distributing diapers, clothing, and basic essentials to children and families affected by the wildfires.

  • Pasadena Humane Society
    Help animals displaced by the fires by donating to Pasadena Humane, which provides emergency shelter and care for pets in need.

Free Resources for People Impacted by the LA Fires

Recovering from the impact of the LA wildfires can feel overwhelming, but many organizations are stepping up to provide free resources for those in need. Here’s a breakdown of the available assistance:

For Pets

  • Vetster: Offering California residents free online vet appointments for pets needing medication or care due to evacuation or fire-related loss.

  • Kismet: Providing free dog food to pet owners and relief organizations. Email support@kismetpets.com to request assistance.

  • Best Friends Animal Society: Operating two pet pantries with supplies like pet food, cat litter, beds, and human sanitary items.

    • Best Friends Pet Adoption Center: 1845 Pontius Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90025.

    • Best Friends Clinic: 17411 Chatsworth St., Suite 100, Granada Hills, CA 91344.

For Baby Supplies and Child Care

  • YMCA of Los Angeles: Free child care for first responders, essential workers, and displaced families with children ages 4 years, 9 months through 8th grade. Email afterschool@ymcaLA.org for more information.

  • Bobbie: Providing free baby formula to parents impacted by the fires. Apply online for assistance.

  • Babyletto: Offering free cribs to families who have lost homes. Contact info@babyletto.com for more details.

For Clothing

  • Aerie: Free clothing for fire victims, including essentials like pajamas and underwear. Fill out their Google form to receive a package.

  • Vuori: Donating activewear at locations listed on their Instagram post.

  • Brooklyn Projects: Offering free clothing, shoes, and socks at 7427 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90046.

Resources and Rights for Renters Impacted by the LA Fires

The recent fires in Los Angeles have left countless individuals and families grappling with the loss of homes, belongings, and stability. For renters, navigating this crisis can feel overwhelming, but there are resources and rights available to help. Below, we’ve compiled critical information and support to assist renters affected by this disaster.

Know Your Rights as a Renter

  • If You’ve Lost Work:

    • Document any notice you receive from your employer.

    • In LA City, you cannot be evicted for owing less than one month’s rent

    • If you receive an eviction notice, don’t panic. You must respond to a court summons and complaint within 10 days to avoid losing your case. Free help is available at Tenant Power Toolkit or by calling (323) 207-5854.

  • If Your Apartment Was Damaged:

    • Completely Destroyed: Your lease is void, and your landlord must return any unpaid security deposit within three weeks.

    • Major Damage (Red-Tagged): You can’t live there but can choose to keep your lease and return after repairs.

    • Minor Damage: Report damage to your landlord and request repairs. You can withhold rent if urgent repairs aren’t made.

  • If You’re Searching for Housing:

    • During the state of emergency, landlords cannot raise rents by more than 10% or engage in price gouging.

    • For new tenancies, landlords cannot charge more than 10% above the previous listing price.

    • Report violations to the State Attorney General’s office.

  • If You’ve Lost Belongings:

    • With Renter’s Insurance:

      • Ensure your policy covers wildfire damage.

      • Document destroyed items and keep track of expenses for reimbursement.

    • Without Renter’s Insurance:

      • Apply for FEMA disaster relief for essentials like lodging, food, and supplies at Disaster Assistance.

Where to Get Help

Tenant Demands

  • Freeze evictions and rents to protect renters from displacement and financial exploitation.

  • Use vacant units and hotels to house displaced individuals and families.

Housing and Shelter Resources for LA Fire Victims

If you or someone you know has been displaced by the recent Los Angeles fires, there are numerous shelter and housing options available to help during this challenging time. From temporary shelters to discounted accommodations, here’s a comprehensive list of resources:

Temporary Shelters and Emergency Housing

  • American Red Cross Shelters Map: Free shelters in the region offering food, water, beds, health services, and more. All shelters are accessible to people with disabilities, and service animals are welcome. Visit the Red Cross website or call 800-733-2767 for more information.

  • L.A. County’s Emergency Web Page: Find dedicated shelters for both people and animals.

  • Cal Fire Incident Web Pages: Stay informed about evacuation shelters in areas affected by the Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire, and others.

  • California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services: Provides updated lists of shelters and disaster recovery centers.

Free and Discounted Accommodations

  • 211 L.A. and Airbnb: A partnership offering free or discounted Airbnb stays for displaced Angelenos. Apply here.

  • Visit WeHo and Visit Palm Springs: Offering discounted rates at participating hotels.

  • Santa Monica Hotels: Special rates for evacuated residents at:

    • Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows

    • Gateway Hotel

    • Hilton Santa Monica

    • The Pierside Santa Monica

    • Regent Santa Monica Beach

    • Sandbourne Santa Monica

    • Shore Hotel

    • Shutters on the Beach

    • Viceroy Santa Monica (More info here.)

  • The Queen Mary: Offering rooms for evacuees at $189, which includes a breakfast buffet voucher for two people. Pet fees are waived. For more details, visit their Instagram or call (562) 435-3511.

  • Big Bear Lodging: Deeply discounted rates for evacuees. More info here.

  • Long Beach and Santa Barbara Hotels: Both areas are offering discounted rates for fire victims.

Financial Assistance for LA Fire Victims

The aftermath of the recent LA fires has left many residents and businesses in need of financial support. Thankfully, there are resources available to provide immediate and long-term assistance. Here’s a guide to the financial help you can access:

Local and Federal Assistance Programs

Insurance and Housing Protections

  • California Department of Insurance: Enforces a mandatory one-year moratorium on homeowners insurance cancellations and non-renewals in affected areas of Southern California. Check if your property is covered by calling 800-927-4357.

Additional Financial Aid Programs

  • The Salvation Army: Offers temporary assistance such as rent vouchers, emergency aid, and legal aid. Find a nearby location through their website or call 562-264-3600.

  • California Department of Aging: Provides support services for older adults during declared disasters. Call 800-510-2020 or email info@aging.ca.gov for assistance.

Additional Resources

  • Cal Fire’s "Who Can Help?": A comprehensive list of federal, state, and non-government organizations offering disaster recovery assistance.

  • Tax Extensions: The federal and state tax deadlines have been extended to October 15 for individuals and businesses impacted by the fires. Those affected by the presidentially declared disaster may also claim a deduction for disaster-related losses.

Support Local: Small Businesses Impacted by the LA Fires

The Pacific Palisades community has been deeply affected by the recent fires, with local businesses and families facing unimaginable losses. Supporting these small businesses is a meaningful way to help them rebuild during this challenging time. Below is a list of local businesses and organizations that could use your support right now.

Local Businesses to Support

  • Bonjour Fête
    Known for their beautifully curated party supplies and decorations, Bonjour Fête has been a cornerstone of the Palisades community. Their Palisades Village store holds a special place in the hearts of locals, and shopping online is a great way to support their team as they navigate these difficult times.

  • Nomadica
    This LA-based wine brand, celebrated for its sommelier-quality, zero-sugar wines in eco-conscious packaging, was founded by Kristin, who tragically lost her home in the fires.

  • Sweet Laurel Bakery
    A beloved bakery offering grain-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free treats, Sweet Laurel has been a community favorite for years. Supporting their business helps them continue spreading comfort and joy through their delicious baked goods.

  • Jaimie Geller Jewelry
    This boutique has been creating custom jewelry for the Palisades community since 2008. Owners Michale and Jaimie lost their home and personal belongings in the fires. You can support them by donating to their GoFundMe.

  • Amber Interiors
    A home and lifestyle store offering locally crafted and artisan goods, Amber Interiors lost their Palisades shop in the fires. Supporting their online shop helps them continue their mission of beautiful, thoughtful design.

  • Keetan Kids
    A family-run children’s boutique, Keetan Kids was impacted by the fires along with the Hayer family’s home. Supporting their shop helps them rebuild both their business and personal lives.

  • Steve's Pets
    This Altadena pet shop was completely destroyed in the fires. Donations are being collected to help their employees, who have lost their livelihoods.

  • MiniK Market
    A small grocery store in Altadena, MiniK Market was lost to the fires. Donations are being accepted to assist in rebuilding the store and supporting their staff.