Our hearts are with all those being impacted this week by the devastating fires in the Los Angeles area. MAZON is headquartered here in Los Angeles, with most of our staff located in the area. Some of us are already directly affected by the evacuation orders, and we are all keenly aware of what a tense situation we are all facing.
Please stay safe. We know Angelenos are so resilient and that this is truly testing our strength, and we know we’ll get through this together. If we can be of any help to you, please do not hesitate to reach out; we are here.
General Resources:
If you or someone you know is in need of a hot meal, please contact our friends and partners at Our Big Kitchen Los Angeles. Los Angeles Unified will also be providing up to two meals for students enrolled in the district.
Additionally, Mutual Aid Los Angeles Network has a list of resources for those in need of food, shelter, or support available here.
For those who have lost their homes due to the fires, Jewish Free Loan Association has opened emergency loans. The organization provides interest free loans, works to develop repayment plans, and is open to people of all faiths and backgrounds. Applications can be submitted here.
In addition to the above organizations, those seeking to make donations towards wildlife relief or ways to get involved can consider the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, the National Council of Jewish Women-Los Angeles, and World Central Kitchen.
National Council of Jewish Women-Los Angeles is offering immediate availability of $100 per person, per household vouchers. These vouchers are available to those who have been impacted directly through loss of home/extended evacuation or indirectly by long-term evacuation due to power outages, water disruption, or other safety concerns. People who receive these vouchers will be on their short-list for additional supportive services, their large distribution events next month, and their direct cash assistance as they roll out those programs. See flier below for more details.
Additional resources, including disaster recovery centers and government assistance for individuals and families, can be found at the City of Los Angeles’s Emergency Management Department page.
In response to the fires, The Los Angeles Food Policy Council is coordinating efforts through their Food Recovery Alliance, connecting nearly 40 organizations receiving major food donations with those in need, including chefs preparing meals for affected communities. They are also tracking the needs of impacted farmers and urban growers, providing resources and support, and collaborating with Asheville, North Carolina, to develop a logistics system to distribute donated produce or compost it responsibly. Their list of resources is below.
- Wildfire Resources Hub from USC Public Exchange
- Click on “Free Prepared Meals” to know where there is free food in your area Fire Aid Info
- Free Groceries, Water and Masks at South LA Cafe
- Purchase Hot Foods with SNAP Benefits Updates
- Open Air Worker Emergency Fund
- LA County Emergency Resources for Workers and Businesses
- Free Legal Help for Los Angeles Region’s Small Business Owners
- List of Los Angeles Wildfire Resources by ICA LA
- List of LA Fire Mutual Aid Resources by MALAN
- Urban Ag Recovery Resources by Cultivating Farmers, LA Food Policy Council
To support families impacted by the fires, LA County Parks Care Camps will provide youth and teens with a safe and supportive place, with breakfast, lunch, and snacks provided as well as dinner for teens. More information, including how to support Care Camps with donations, can be found here.
Information on nutrition assistance for those impacted by the fires, including SNAP emergency waivers and child nutrition programs, can be found at the USDA website.
Legal Assistance:
Individuals needing legal assistance may contact the Disaster Legal Assistance Collaborative.
They may also contact Public Counsel Fire Relief and Recovery Services for LA county for free legal assistance on a variety of issues including tenant rights and assistance for workers affected by the fires.
Individuals who cannot use an on-line platform may text “DRC” and their zip code 43362 to learn where a Disaster Relief Center is located near them. Note, these locations may change frequently.
For those who would like to volunteer legal services, you may do so through the State Bar.
Evacuation Shelters Available
If you are in need of somewhere to go, evacuation shelters have been sheltered for residents impacted by the fires. They include:
- Westwood Recreation Center, 1350 Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025
- El Camino Real Charter High School, 5440 Valley Circle Blvd., Woodland Hills, CA 91367
- Pasadena Civic Center, 300 East Green St., Pasadena, CA 91101
Limit Your Exposure
If you smell smoke or see ash due to wildfire, please follow these tips from the South Coast Air Quality Management District to limit your exposure:
Build Your To-Go Bag
The City of Los Angeles has prepared a helpful guide on your emergency kit, so you know what to put in your to-go bag. Items include:
- A first aid kit, including medications and any medical equipment your family might need
- A flashlight with extra batteries, along with a battery- or solar-powered radio
- Water for everyone in your family, including children and pets, and non-perishable foods
- Important documents, including passports and immigration paperwork, birth/death/marriage certificates, recent family photos, and insurance and financial records
For a full list of recommended supplies, visit the City of Los Angeles’s Emergency Preparedness Guide.
For further updates, please visit the City of Los Angeles’s Emergency Management Department.