California is battling three simultaneous wildfires, which have destroyed almost 200,000 acres and killed 31 people. More than 250,000 people have been evacuated, according to CBS News, and thousand of homes have burned to the ground. Here’s how you can help.
Airbnb
Are you an Airbnb host within range of the fires? The company is encouraging its hosts with homes nearby to allow evacuees and relief workers to stay for free until November 29, according to Time. So far, about 900 hosts have offer. You join them or look for a place to stay here.
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Enloe Medical Center
The largest fire, called the Camp Fire, has evacuation centers at this hospital located in Chico, reports the New York Times. Donations to Enloe are being used for “patients, families and caregivers who have lost their homes or been displaced due to the fire.” You can donate here or text “CampFireRelief” to 91999.
Caring Choices
Also located in Chico, Caring Choices is organizing volunteers. Certified doctors and nurses are needed for medical care, but they also need people to help with displaced animals and are asking on their site for donations of N95 respirator masks as well as financial aid. They’re also reminding people that “this is a marathon, not a sprint”; volunteers will be needed for many weeks to come.
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North Valley Community Foundation:
This nonprofit is organizing efforts in Chico for feeding and sheltering evacuees of the Camp Fire as well. As a local organization, they’re familiar with the churches and community centers in the area that need help. You can donate to them here.
Direct Relief
This organization works consistently around aid for wildfires; they keep an inventory of necessary gear, like N-95 masks and respiratory medication for healthcare agencies and first responders. You can donate here.
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California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Relief Fund
The fund opened in 2003, and is provides “intermediate and long-term recovery efforts for major California wildfires, as well as preparedness efforts.” They help rebuild homes and offer both financial and mental health assistance to those affected by the fires. Learn more here.
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is organizing meals at churches, fairgrounds and community colleges according to the NYT, and are located in both the north and south end of the state. More info here.
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United Way of Greater Los Angeles
United Way is specifically raising money to help low-income residents hit by the fires; certain working-class neighborhoods in Malibu and Ventura county were hit, despite the areas reputation for luxury mansions. Donate money to help them get reestablished here.
Entertainment Industry Foundation
This nonprofit is specifically raising money to help the firefighters and other emergency workers working to put out the wildfires. They’re partnering with the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation who need special equipment like hydration backpacks and night vision goggles for helicopter pilots. They’re also providing money for meals going to workers and evacuees at shelters. Donate here.
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Humane Society of Ventura County
In addition to the people displaced by the wildfires, there are thousands of displaced, lost, or injured animals. The nonprofit is taking in and and helping both domestic pets like dogs, cats and birds, but they’re also saving livestock and horses that are common in the area. Help them with that here.
GoFundMe
The crowdfunding company has an entire page of fundraising efforts directed towards the victims of the California fires. You can even donate to specific families who have lost their homes and belongings, or other campaigns verified by the site here.
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