Supporting Our Community Through the Fires and Floods: Resources and Ways to Help
As the devastating fires rage through Los Angeles, BJE has our entire community in our hearts.
If you need help, below are some resources to support you.
There are plenty of ways to help one another. In doing so, we’re not only supporting our neighbors, but teaching - and showing - our children the value of kol yisrael areivim zeh bazeh, we are all responsible for one another.
Wildfire Relief and Support
City, County & State Resources
- Housing: Contact 211LA if you need immediate housing support.
- Need emergency support? Get evacuation information.
- Hot Meals for Those in Need: Contact Our Big Kitchen L.A and scroll down at www.obkla.org or email [email protected]
- LA County Resources for Emergencies: For LA County residents, visit https://lacounty.gov/emergency/ for real-time emergency updates, resources, and evacuation instructions.
- Power Outages: Report outages and track crew status at ladwp.com/outages.
- Tree Removal: Request service via lacity.gov/myla311 or by calling 3-1-1.
- The Hotel Association of Los Angeles has compiled a list of hotels offering discounted rates for displaced individuals. Please click here to view the list.
Jewish Communal Resources
- JewishLA (JFEDLA): Guide for Wildfire Crisis Relief
- Jewish Family Service LA has social workers that can connect you with JFSLA services and programs, provide meals, and much more. Click here for more information.
- Jewish Free Loans: Emergency Loans for Individuals & Families Impacted by the Wildfires. Contact Jewish Free Loan
Stay Informed
- NotifyLA: Sign up for local alerts at NotifyLA.org.
- Cal Fire: CalFire
- County of LA: County of Los Angeles Incident Report
- Watch Duty: To stay up to date go to https://www.watchduty.org/ or download the Watch Duty app on your cellphone.
Be prepared
- Learn what to pack, and what to leave, if you must evacuate; check the go-bag cheat sheet.
- Learn about fire safety from California Fire Prevention.
For Kids and Families
- Need childcare support? Keep an eye on Project:Camp for free camp/childcare opportunities.
- As Mr. Rogers taught us, look for the helpers! Your family can create care packages for firefighters and police officers. Some items that may be helpful include: sunscreen, lip balm, Gold-Bond powder, energy bars and/or beef sticks/jerky, powdered energy drink mix, towelettes, and eye drops. Add a handmade thank-you note and drop them off at a local fire or police station.
- Emergencies are scary for young children. The California PTA has tips for helping children cope with the fear and anxiety they may feel.
- Help Children Process a Natural Disaster.pdf
Ways to Give Back
- Tzedek America has created a comprehensive guide to support our neighbors during this critical time. This resource includes opportunities to:
1. Volunteer your time to help with relief efforts.
2. Collect and distribute essential items to those in need.
3. Make monetary donations to trusted organizations providing direct support.
4. Support local restaurants feeding displaced families and first responders.
Volunteer
- Volunteers Needed to Make Emergency Meals for Those in Need & First Responders Sign up with Our Big Kitchen L.A. Scroll down at www.obkla.org or email [email protected]
- YMCA needs Volunteers - Volunteers play a crucial role in the Y’s mission to provide much-needed support and resources to those affected by the fires hitting Los Angeles. Your willingness to spend your time and energy to help others in need will greatly impact the speed and effectiveness of relief operations. Volunteers can assist in various tasks such as handing out meals and fresh produce, donating emergency supplies, helping to organize donations, and so much more.
Other Ways to Support
- With your children, send notes of support and/or make donations to the organizations that mean the most to you.