LA is forever changed

Dear readers,

As you all know, it has been a heartbreaking week to be an LA resident.

While my husband and I have been fortunate enough to live outside of the fire evacuation zones over this past week, many of our friends have not been so lucky and have completely lost their homes and personal possessions.

Given the scale of the fires throughout the city, LA is now a place where everyone knows at least 1 person who no longer has a home to return to.

There has been an incredible outpouring of generosity from those near and far to support victims of this tragedy. It has been so inspiring to participate - the city is full of genuine kindness. In spending time with friends impacted this week, they have repeatedly shared that the love they’re receiving - in all forms, from notes, to necessities, to monetary donations - gives them strength and hope for rebuilding their lives.

As we’ve all been attached to the news and social media this week with information, resources, and opportunities to donate coming from every direction, I’ve found it hard to keep track of ways to support - and instagram stories are so fleeting, they end up disappearing in no time.

If you know someone who has been impacted by the fires, I wanted to share with you a consolidated list of companies who are providing complimentary care packages or discounts on goods / services to those in need. This is an active Google doc that is being compiled by locals.

Here’s the list.

The LA Times has also published a list.

For mothers, there’s a “moms helping moms” matching service that connects moms who have clothes, gear, and / or spare toys to give to other moms in need.

Here’s the matching service.

If you don’t personally know someone impacted, but would like to give directly to a family / person vs. an organization, Go Fund Me has created a consolidated page of verified campaigns across the city. As the scale of these fires as multiplied, these pages have grown significantly in number - especially in the past 24 hours. Reading through these profiles, you’ll learn of individual stories and see countless photos of real people.

Here’s the Go Fund Me page.

And finally, if you’re looking to donate to an organization on the front lines or directly supporting victims, here are some great options.

The Los Angeles Fire Department - their round-the-clock efforts have been heroic throughout the city.

Pasadena Humane - they have now taken in over 400 animals.

The California Fire Foundation - they provide support to surviving families of fallen firefighters, firefighters, and the communities they serve.

Baby2Baby - they give critical supplies to mothers and children.

The LA Times also has a long list of donation opportunities.

If you’re looking for even more detail, Jess Graves sent across a Substack tonight that also linked to this consolidated Google Doc of donation and volunteer opportunities, and resources shared by Courtney Wittich.

And one final thought - I would encourage you in a month or two or even six months to a year from now to return to this page and give it another read and consideration. Perhaps set a calendar reminder. The unfortunate reality is that it is going to take months and even years for families to recover. It’s best we not forget and keep them close in our thoughts and actions.

With a heavy heart,

jz