Statement on the California Wildfires and Support for Impacted Communities
Our hearts ache as we bear witness to the devastating wildfires that continue to sweep through parts of Los Angeles resulting in mass evacuations, destroyed communities and livelihoods, and tragic loss of life. This crisis hits home as we have hundreds of members in the LA region, including members of our beloved Black California trustee network. We recognize that many of our members have had to evacuate, leaving behind not just their homes but their legacies, and cherished memories. The depth of this loss is unimaginable.
ABFE will continue to support philanthropic efforts addressing the immediate and long-term needs of the Black residents, business owners, and nonprofit leaders in Los Angeles. As an initial effort, ABFE has compiled a comprehensive list of resources from our members, partners, and broader community who are leading critical relief efforts on the ground. This resource list is designed to help guide efforts to assist communities in need.
In addition, we are launching the Wildfire Relief Resource Form: Supporting Black Communities Together where members and partners can submit valuable tools, donation links, and updates to help expand and enhance our collective response. These contributions will enable us to continuously update our resource bank and will be shared across ABFE’s networks and channels.
Submit Resources Today (click here)
Foundation & PSO Resources
1.Black LA Relief & Recovery Fund
This Fund created by ABFE Member, the California Black Freedom Fund and the California Community Foundation, will support community organizations on the ground working to meet the immediate and long-term needs of Black communities displaced by the wildfires.
Historically Black communities, especially in Altadena and Pasadena, have been hit particularly hard by this disaster. These neighborhoods, once places of promise and opportunity for middle-class Black families unable to purchase homes in other parts of Los Angeles because of racist covenants and redlining, are no longer. Communities have been lost, and homes passed down from generation to generation - part of family legacies - have been destroyed.
2. Strengthening Sector Support for Communities Impacted by the 2025 CA Wildfires
In partnership with Philanthropy California, United Philanthropy Forum has developed a comprehensive resource page to help strengthen philanthropic support for affected communities.
The resource page includes:
• Current situation updates and government response information
• Vetted funding opportunities and active relief funds
• Guidance for PSOs to support their foundation members' response
• Critical resources for impacted communities
• Links to partner organizations' response efforts
3. Philanthropy California's Disaster Response Page
4. LA Arts Community Fire Relief Fund: ABFE Member, The Ford Foundation joined a coalition of major arts orgaizations and philanthropists led by the J. Paul Getty Trust to support the LA Arts Community Fire Relief Fund, an emergency relief fund that will provide critical support for artists and arts workers impacted by the California fires.
Impacted artists and art workers can apply for an emergency grant starting on Monday, January 20th. Learn more about the LA Arts Community Fire Relief Fund: www.cciarts.org
Resources for Impacted Communities
Evacuation Sites
1.Westwood Recreation Center (1350 Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025)
2. El Camino Real Charter High School (5440 Valley Circle Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91367)
3. Pasadena Civic Center (300 East Green Street, Pasadena, CA 91101)
4. Arcadia Community Center (375 Campus Drive, Arcadia, CA 91007)
Los Angeles County Emergency Response Resources
1.The California Community Foundation's Wildfire Recovery Fund has a plethora of resources as well.
2. City of Los Angeles Emergency Management Department
3. Mutual Aid Los Angeles’s Resource List
4. Los Angeles County Emergency Notifications
6. Cal Fire’s Incidents Map with Evacuation Information and Notices
7. LACAN’s Practical Ways to Support our Neighbors During the Fires
8. United Way L.A. Wildfire Response
9. Seeking Temporary Housing - sign up here if you are in need of temporary housing
10. Supporting our Neighbors - sign up here if you can support neighbors with housing
11. The Red Cross of Los Angeles County: Disaster relief services, including shelter, food, and emotional support.
12. 211 Los Angeles: A comprehensive helpline connecting residents to essential health and human services, including disaster preparedness and emergency response information.
13. Los Angeles Regional Food Bank: Distributes food to individuals and families in need.
14. Pasadena Community Foundation: Established the Eaton Canyon Fire Relief and Recovery Fund to support immediate and pressing needs arising from local wildfires.
15. LAFD Foundation: Supports the Los Angeles Fire Department by funding essential equipment, training, and public outreach programs, enhancing the department’s emergency response capabilities.
16. Direct Relief International: Works globally and locally to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty and emergencies by providing essential medical resources to healthcare providers.
17. National Disaster Distress Helpline: Provides 24/7 crisis counseling via call or text for individuals affected by traumatic events or disasters.
18. Charity Navigator has compiled a list of highly-rated 501(c)(3) organizations that are providing immediate and long-term assistance to those impacted by the wildfires across Los Angeles County
For state-wide information and support
1.California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services
2. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
4. California Fire Foundation – Supplying Aid to Victims of Emergency (SAVE)
For the most up-to-date Information on the status of disasters
1.Alert. LA – L.A. County Emergency Alert System
2. Los Angeles Fire Department – Latest fire updates
3. CAL FIRE – Statewide fire conditions and updates
Together, we can ensure that those hardest hit by this disaster receive the care and resources they need to recover and rebuild. ABFE will continue to update our resource page as new information becomes available. We stand in solidarity with all communities impacted by this crisis.
