Want to Help LA? Resources for People Who Lost So Much and How We Can Support
Issue 2835 — January 13, 2024
“It’s about so much more than losing things and getting new things,” a friend said to me.
I’m rarely at a loss for words. But I’m struggling to express my feelings of shock, horror, and grief for the people of the Los Angeles area in the midst of the horrific fires that have devastated entire communities and robbed so many of their homes and all their physical possessions.
And my friend’s words have been occupying my mind.
Losing memories, mementos, history, home. Tragic.
Losing life, of course, even more tragic.
Recovering emotionally from such losses is the hardest part. As my friend and journalist Ellen Snortland said. “We’re stunned and PTSDing basically. Taking everything one step at a time. We have no idea where we’re going to go or when…We’re a bit of a traveling carnival side show with 3 dogs…”
I’m obsessively checking in on friends. Some have indeed lost everything but, fortunately, have their lives and their pets. I know not everyone was so lucky.
One dear friend I had been trying to reach since the fires started and finally heard from yesterday, said, “Los Angeles will never be the same.” That’s true, but I’m betting that something smarter and better will be built instead.
It’s going to be a long hard road though.
So today I’m reaching back out to check on people so they know they haven’t been forgotten like the last news cycle, and making contributions to some of the organizations I’m listing below. I’m sharing this not-comprehensive list with you to help you find ways you’d like to help. I haven’t vetted them all, but received them from trusted sources.
Here is an excellent spreadsheet with a wide variety of resources for people in need as well as opportunities to contribute and help:
Where to volunteer — it says this weekend, but odds are these are places where you can volunteer will continue to need volunteers:
How to help — click on the graphic to find out more:
Here are verified places to donate to:
California Fire Foundation , LA Food Bank , Climate Crisis Relief Fund , Pet Rescue LA Animal Services , World Central Kitchen
I know this list is just a small portion of the outpouring of help. For example, my friend Suzanne Lerner, CEO of Michael Stars has given away dozens of bags of clothing, and I am seeing posts of people loading up their cars with food, water, and household items to take to those who have been left with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
So please keep adding resources and sharing this compilation along with them. Give what you can, help where you can, and most of all stay in touch with your Los Angeles friends and family. I’ll leave you with this hopeful post:
GLORIA FELDT is the Cofounder and President of Take The Lead, a motivational speaker, a global expert in women’s leadership development and DEI for individuals and companies that want to build gender balance. She is a bestselling author of five books, most recently Intentioning: Sex, Power, Pandemics, and How Women Will Take The Lead for (Everyone’s) Good. Honored as Forbes 50 Over 50, and Former President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, she is a frequent media commentator. Learn more at www.gloriafeldt.com and www.taketheleadwomen.com. Find her @GloriaFeldt on all social media.