How to Get Help During the Los Angeles Wildfires: Shelters, Aid, and Support

The ongoing wildfires across Southern California, particularly the Palisades Fire, have inflicted severe damage, displacing thousands of residents and causing extensive loss of property and resources. This document provides an exhaustive overview of available assistance, focusing on shelter, financial aid, food support, transportation, and community resources. As we update this guide regularly, please email [email protected] to contribute additional resources or corrections.

Emergency Shelters and Housing Assistance

Displaced residents can access these temporary shelter and housing options:

Westwood Recreation Center: Located at 1350 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. Accepts small animals.

El Camino Real Charter High School: Address: 5440 Valley Circle Blvd., Woodland Hills. Accepts small animals.

Pasadena Convention Center: Address: 300 E Green St., Pasadena.

Airbnb (via 211 LA): Temporary housing for evacuees.

Queen Mary: Long Beach-based accommodation for displaced residents.

Pepperdine University: Located in Malibu. Contact their housing department for assistance.

These shelters have made arrangements to accommodate the growing number of evacuees, offering both short-term and extended stay options to ensure stability during this crisis.

Animal Shelters and Resources

If you have evacuated with pets or livestock, the following organizations provide assistance:

Los Angeles Equestrian Center: Provides safe accommodations for large animals. Location: 480 W Riverside Dr, Burbank.

Pierce College Equestrian Center: Shelter for large animals. Location: 7100 El Rancho Dr, Woodland Hills.

Agoura Animal Care Center: Offers boarding and care for small animals. Location: 29525 Agoura Rd, Agoura Hills.

Pasadena Humane Society: Provides shelter and medical care for small animals. Location: 361 S Raymond Ave, Pasadena.

Westwood Recreation Center: Accepts small pets. Location: 1350 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles.

Dogtopia of East Pasadena: Offers three free overnight stays for displaced dogs, with discounted rates thereafter.

Transportation Assistance

Evacuation and mobility support are available through the following services:

Uber: Free rides (up to $40) to shelters using promo code "WILDFIRE25."

Lyft: Two free rides (up to $25 each) to evacuation centers with promo code "CAFIRERELIEF25."

LA Metro: Free bus and rail services for evacuees traveling to shelters or relief centers.

Caltrans: Provides real-time road closure updates and alternative evacuation routes.

Financial Assistance Programs

For those experiencing financial strain, the following organizations offer aid:

GoFundMe: Features verified campaigns for individuals, families, and businesses.

California Community Foundation: Distributes grants for sustained recovery through its Wildfire Recovery Fund.

The Salvation Army: Offers emergency shelter and financial aid.

FEMA: Provides grants for housing, medical, and essential recovery needs.

Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation: Supports firefighter operations and emergency response.

Congressman Chu's Office: Offers financial displacement grants, essential recovery funding, and small business loans.

Critical Updates and Monitoring

Stay informed with these trusted sources:

Alert LA: Sign up for evacuation alerts at Alert LA.

CAL FIRE: Access wildfire updates and safety advisories at CAL FIRE.

City of Malibu Hotline: Call 310-456-9982 for local updates.

Find more information here on applying for FEMA aid, preparing for insurance claims, and planning for rebuilding.

To contribute additional resources, email us at [email protected]. Together, we can assist those in need and rebuild stronger communities.