How To Help Those Who Have Lost Homes, Businesses In Los Angeles Wildfires

As wildfires continue to sweep through Southern California, communities across Los Angeles and its surrounding areas are enduring heartbreaking losses of life, residences, businesses and landmarks, plus cherished family heirlooms and memories. According to the Associated Press, more than 12,000 homes and structures have been destroyed, with at least 25 lives tragically lost in the Palisades, Eaton, Kenneth, Hurst, Lidia fires and more.

A longtime creative hub celebrated for its architecture and innovation, the Los Angeles region is home to many in the design industry who have shared stories of loss, gratitude and uncertainty over the past weeks, as the area faces a challenging future. As these resilient communities look toward relief, we remain hopeful for the restoration of spaces that carry deep personal and cultural significance.

Relief efforts by and for the design community are taking shape through initiatives like The Soft Landing Project and the Los Angeles Fire Relief Charity Art Auction, while others are offering places of refuge, sharing helpful resources, or organizing donation drop-offs.

[Updated Jan. 17. 2025]

To support those affected, here’s a list of organizations and nonprofits providing aid in the area:

Support Designers and Architects Affected by LA Fires: Organized by Quintus' Jobi Blachy, this GoFundMe aims to provide relief to those in the design industry who have lost homes or studios.

LA CAN DO by Creatives Aid in Natural Disasters Org: A non-profit uniting designers, builders, operators and volunteers offering essential furnishings (furniture, homewares, linens, more) to affected individuals and families—with L.A. designers like Adam Hunter and showrooms like Una Malan and Thomas Lavin involved amid a growing coalition of firms and brands.

LA Arts Community Fire Relief Fund: Getty, together with a growing number of local, national and international arts groups and philanthropists, have organized this emergency relief fund to support those in the arts community affected by the wildfires. Creatives impacted can apply for a grant starting Jan. 20.

Direct Relief: California-based organization providing critical resources to wildfire-affected communities. 100% of donations to Direct Relief’s wildfire response fund directly support efforts to assist individuals impacted by fires in Palisades, Altadena, and across California.

American Red Cross: Nonprofit providing emergency assistance and disaster relief through its diverse network of organizations.

LAFD: The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation is helps provide vital equipment and funds critical programs to support the LAFD.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles: Nonprofit housing organization that works within local communities to provide both immediate support and aid in long-term recovery efforts.

California Fire Foundation: An organization providing emotional and financial assistance to families of fallen firefighters, firefighters and the communities they serve.

LA Food Bank: The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank provides meals to those in need, prioritizing hunger relief while working alongside other disaster aid partners to support the community.

Pasadena Humane Society: Community-supported animal resource center providing compassion and care for all animals, and aiding in emergency resources for animals affected by the wildfires.

GoFundMe: Explore GoFundMe-verified fundraisers for people affected by wildfires in Los Angeles County.

Charity Navigator: The nonprofit evaluator tool has created a hub featuring a list of highly-rated 501(c)(3) organizations that are providing immediate and long-term assistance to those impacted by the wildfires across Los Angeles County, including the Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst fires.

This article was originally published January 10, 2025, and has since been updated with new information.