It’s exceptionally challenging to put into words the horror, grief, and pain that have fallen over Los Angeles in the last couple of days. The number of people who have been directly or indirectly impacted by the fires is staggering. Over 10,000 buildings have been destroyed, and tens of thousands of people are displaced and without homes to return to.
I know more than a few dozen people who have lost everything, and I’m sure that number will continue growing. It’s also excruciating to think of the countless animals and plants that have lost their homes and lives as a result of these horrific events.
Los Angeles is in mourning and shock. Many feel a heavy sense of unease as the fires continue to rage, and high winds are expected to return later today and next week.
The impact on artists, musicians, filmmakers, and creators has made this experience especially personal and heart-wrenching for me. The fires have destroyed homes and businesses and shattered people's sense of safety and security. Not only that, but these fires have also wiped out countless memories, cultural archives, and artworks. This loss is significant not only for those directly impacted but also for the broader world.
I am outraged by how quickly this disaster has been manipulated to spread misinformation and to serve harmful political agendas. It is alarming that mainstream media is neglecting to address the connection between this tragedy and capitalism and climate change and the urgent need for significant structural changes to tackle this crisis moving forward. Additionally, it is unconscionable that incarcerated people are being paid only $5 a day to risk their lives fighting these wildfires.
Despite all of this, the greatest source of hope that has arisen from this tragedy is seeing how people have united to provide support and care. I have received countless messages from loved ones worldwide and felt deeply cared for and embraced during this unparalleled period of uncertainty and fear. I have been moved to tears to see people show up for each other, sometimes even risking their own lives to help others in need. When all the systems fail us, we have each other. We will always have each other.
Below, I will provide various ways you can help. I encourage you to share this resource with your friends and colleagues to amplify the impact our sacred web can have on our communities. If you have any important resources you think I should include, please share them in the comments below or contact me to add them to the list.
Smoke from the devastating Palisades fires creates an ominous orange sky over Los Angeles.
How to Help LA Fire Victims: Comprehensive List of Verified Fundraisers and Aid Programs
Here’s How You Can Help
Here is a big list of fundraisers to directly help artists and musicians who have been impacted and resources for them.
The artist Renée Reizman has compiled a list of fundraisers.
Sign this petition created by Patrice Cullors, Metabolic Studios, and Anawakalmekak and addressed to city, state and federal entities demanding immediate and long-term change, and the creation of an Indigenous-centered Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TKE) plan. To sign the petition, click here.
Support Black and Brown Communities
Directly support displaced black families in the Altadena neighborhood here.
Support for Latine folks displaced by LA fires here.
Directly Help Artists and Cultural Spaces impacted:
Here is a general fund for LA Artists and arts workers that is being organized.
Grief and Hope is a volunteer-led mutual aid and relief effort dedicated to supporting artists and individuals impacted by the fires.
Artists You Can Directly Support
Watch for a Gofundme to support The Bunny Museum in Altadena.
Witches, Visualize It Raining in California
My wonderful friend Erin Aquarian sent me this Manifesting Rain in California playlist on Spotify, and I thought I’d share it and invite you all to listen while envisioning large rain clouds forming over Los Angeles and Southern California.
If You Need Help
Mutual Aid Los Angeles has compiled a master list of resources available for victims of these fires as well as ways you can support them.
Community Partners has compiled a huge list of available resources as an easy to print and e-mail PDF File.
Mental Health Resources & Requests
Pro-bono therapy is offered to those impacted by the fires and first responders. You can find the list here.
If you are a therapist or know someone who is, you can sign up here to offer pro-bono therapy sessions to first responders and people impacted by the Los Angeles fires who cannot afford therapy.
Help With Navigating the Insurance Process
United Policyholders (UP) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) whose mission is to be a trustworthy and useful information resource and a respected voice for consumers of all types of insurance across the United States
Artist Specific Resources
Other Places is offering micro-grants to artists and arts organizations impacted by these fires. You can request support here. If you would like to contribute to the grant fund, please dm us, email us at opaf.info@opaf.info, or simply send money via Venmo to @otherplacesartfair, and we will add it to the pot.
The Artists’ Fellowship provides a one-time emergency aid to professional visual artists and their families.
Gottlieb Foundation provides emergency grants of up to $15,000 for painters, printmakers, and sculptors.
Rauschenberg Danger Emergency Funds offers up to $3,000 for professional dancers in need.
The Craft Artists Emergency Relief Grant offers $3,000 Emergency Relief Grants to craft artists who have experienced a recent and substantially disruptive emergency or disaster.
Street Vendors and those who work outdoors can apply for support here.
The Shafranski Art Foundation will offer an artist residency for those affected by the wildfires. Applications will open up on February 1st.
The Getty announced a $12 million Fire Relief Fund for artists and arts workers who have been impacted in coalition with many partners, including The Hammer Museum, LACMA, Lucas Family Foundation, etc.
There are many ways to provide support; these are just the ones I compiled this morning. Please share this list with friends, and anyone you think can help amplify and provide support. Also, feel free to comment below if you have a resource I should include or if you know someone else who needs support.