Since Jan. 7, Los Angeles has dealt with the Eaton and Palisades fires, the most destructive fires in Southern California history. So far, nearly 41,000 acres (about three times the size of Manhattan) have burned, and more than 12,000 structures have been destroyed.
The Eaton fire ravaged the communities of Altadena, a historically Black community, and Pasadena. With thousands of Black residents displaced, folks may be wondering how to help. One resource is an ongoing directory of Black families who have active GoFundMe fundraisers. As firefighters continue to battle the flames, local communities have also come together to provide resources, supplies, and services for victims of the wildfires.
Here is a list of free food, mental health services, and housing options available to residents affected by the fires.
Mental health care resources
Black Women for Wellness, Los Angeles, is focused on providing long-term aid to residents in need. The organization’s newsletter will be updated periodically to include resources for maternal and infant health, food, reproductive care, and mental health care services. The organization has also listed different resources throughout the county on its Instagram page.
GoodRx is offering free online healthcare provider visits through GoodRx Care to Los Angeles-area residents affected by the wildfires. The visits can be used for treatment of routine conditions, or to get refills for essential medications that were left behind or destroyed in the fires. The service can be accessed online and Los Angeles residents can use the code LA-GOODRX-CARE.
Integrative Psychotherapy Group, based in Beverly Hills, is offering free short-term therapy services to some fire victims and referral assistance for others needing longer-term or more acute treatment in the upcoming weeks. IPG is offering a brief series of trauma-focused therapy sessions to help individuals, couples and families. For information, contact (310) 461-4393 or info@ipgtherapy.com or visit their online website.
AltaMed has a mobile health unit at the Pasadena Convention Center providing health services to anyone who needs it. The unit provides pediatrics, primary care, senior care, behavioral health, vision exams and free eyeglasses and medications. Social workers are connecting people with resources and outreach workers are providing hygiene kits, blankets, giving people rides to the YMCA for showers and other resources. 300 E. Green St., Pasadena 91101.
BetterHelp, an online mental health company, is providing three months of therapy free for fire victims and first responders. To connect with a therapist, email contact@betterhelp.com.
Free meals
Calamigos Ranch, in Malibu, is offering free breakfast burritos every day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Calamigos Beach Club restaurant. The food can be eaten there or picked up and taken back to families. The space can also be used to rest, charge smartphones and computers and utilize bathroom facilities. 26025 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu 90265.
Jewish Family Service LA’s SOVA Community Food and Resource Program is open to anyone needing access to fresh groceries, personal care items and additional resources for individuals and families. SOVA offers kosher options. For more information on the program location and hours visit the JSFLA website. The organization’s neighborhood dining centers are open to seniors for lunch, Monday through Friday, with 13 locations across Los Angeles. Kosher dining is available at select centers. Details available online or by calling (323) 937-5843.
U.S. Department of Agriculture approved a temporary waiver that will allow participants in the USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program/CalFresh in Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, and Ventura counties to buy hot foods using their benefits through Feb. 8. Normally, hot foods cannot be bought using SNAP benefits. Additionally, USDA has approved California Department of Social Services’ request to waive the 10-day reporting requirement for replacement of food purchased with SNAP benefits that were lost as a result of power outages due to wildfires that began on January 7. The waiver is in effect through Feb. 5. CalFresh recipients can contact the Los Angeles Department of Public Social Services at (866) 613-3777, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., to request replacement benefits.
The Los Angeles Times has an ongoing list of L.A. restaurants offering free meals, discounted food, or places to rest and recharge. So far, they have more than 40 restaurant locations throughout the county helping displaced residents. Food options range from Cuban to Italian to Mexican. Check it out.
Housing, shelter, changing options
MALAN Fire & Wind Storm Resources, is a Google spreadsheet that offers free items, donation drives, free meals, Wi-Fi and charging locations, temporary shelter, and additional resources. Most of the resources listed have a location listed and point of contact.
The Los Angeles County Fire Resources has compiled a list of evacuation centers, gyms, and animal evacuation centers for residents impacted by the fires. The organization also offers resources to help impacted residents know their rights in terms of health care coverage and housing.
The Hotel Assn. of Los Angeles has compiled a list of hotels in the L.A. area that have rooms available and are offering special rates for fire victims. The list is being continuously being updated and contains contact information and details on any fire-related special rate.
YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles is opening its locations that aren’t affected by the fires for temporary shelter, showers, basic amenities, and mental health support. They have also teamed up with L.A. Unified School District to provide childcare services for essential workers and affected families until schools reopen. Register on their website.
The city of Anaheim has compiled an online list of 39 hotels within the city that are offering discounted rates for people displaced by the fire. The list includes the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa, Clementine Hotel and Suites Anaheim, Clarion Hotel Anaheim Resort and Cambria Hotel and Suites Anaheim.
Santa Monica Hotels are offering special rates for evacuated area residents. 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 and more.
San Diego Tourism Authority has an online list of 34 San Diego-area hotels that are offering special rates for fire victims, including Town and Country Resort, Intercontinental San Diego, Bahia Resort Hotel, Rancho Bernardo Inn, La Jolla Shores Hotel and more.
Visit Santa Barbara created an online list of 23 Santa Barbara-area discounted lodging rates for those affected by the fire. Due to high demand, availability may be limited. The organization recommends contacting hotels directly for the most up-to-date information.
Discover Torrance has created an online tool where fire victims can type in their dates for stay and number of guests to see which hotels in the Torrance area have availability for special rates.
Airbnb is partnering with 211 LA, which is identifying residents in need of temporary housing and helping to connect them with free, temporary Airbnb stays. Applicants can complete an online form with 211 LA.
Planet Fitness locations are offering those affected by the fires free access to shower, recharge and relax through the end of January. All locations are available. No membership is required to take advantage of these services, which include locker rooms, showers, HydroMassage loungers, Wi-Fi and device charging stations at any Los Angeles County location not affected by the fires.
Get Word In Black directly in your inbox. Subscribe today.