On Tuesday, Jan. 7, multiple wildfires ignited and engulfed several regions of Los Angeles County, including Pacific Palisades, Pasadena and Altadena, Hollywood, and near San Fernando.
Firefighters continue working tirelessly to contain the fires, battling strong winds that intensify the flames. These wildfires have devastated countless families, with the predominantly Black community of Altadena being particularly hard-hit as many residents lost their homes and livelihoods.
To mitigate losses, several organizations and individuals took action to provide critical support to wildfire survivors through mutual aid efforts. From celebrities like Beyoncé and The Game to organizations such as Sisters of Watts and Compton Cowboys, leaders have shown up, demonstrating compassion and the power of collective.
Through her BeyGOOD Foundation, Beyoncé donated $2.5 million to the L.A. Fire Relief Fund to assist residents of Altadena and Pasadena, posting a message of solidarity: “Los Angeles, we stand with you.”
Halle Berry donated her wardrobe to provide clothing, using her platform to signal boost a clothing drive at COOP. Compton rapper The Game contributed by assisting 10 families with a week of free Airbnb shelter, delivering essentials to firefighters on the frontline, and sharing resources to encourage others to help. Snoop Dogg also provided clothing and essential items through his clothing store.
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Community leaders and grassroots organizations have also played a pivotal role. To date, Afropunk, in partnership with Spill and WalkGood LA, raised $10 million through crowdfunding and donations, supporting over 388 families. The Compton Cowboys provided horse hauling to large animal shelters while the Sisters of Watts gathered and distributed essential items, coordinated drop-offs, and collaborated with the East Side Riders Bike Club to deliver donations to the Watts Civic Center.
In Pasadena, community leader Brandon Lamar organized the Dena Relief Drive, and West Angeles Church distributed essential supplies while hosting intercessory prayer services for affected families. Impact LA, ANE Foundation, AFTP Foundation, Mr. Checkpoint, and LoveChild came together to create and launch the 930 LA Evacuation Resource Center, which offers shelter, meals, baby items, supplies, clothes, phone-charging stations, and hygiene products for evacuees.
The Heart Dept. brought together holistic healers and massage therapists to provide grief support and pain relief for survivors and are organizing a Community Care Day on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. It’s Bigger Than Us (IBTU) has served as a vital link to goods, services, and funds, while also mobilizing volunteers. Countless individuals and foundations contributed to the distribution of resources and the provision of support, showing collective resilience and care.
Roscii Woolley, founder and CEO of The Source LA, has tirelessly shared resources, updates, and helpful tips around the clock throughout the wildfire crisis. Social media accounts like Black Events LA have consistently updated lists of donation needs for supplies, and The Black Bouquet LA has been actively providing announcements on available resources and places to turn to for support.
If you are able, consider donating to these organizations, volunteering your time, or spreading the word about ongoing relief efforts.
