Morristown, NJ, January 13, 2025 — We’ve been reading and watching the reports about the horrifying damage and devastation in California along with many of you and wanted to share ways that we can collectively support individuals, families, and communities in their time of need.
As of today, more than 12,000 structures — including homes, businesses, and landmarks — have been damaged or destroyed in the wildfires and the death toll has risen to 24. The affected areas include Pacific Palisades, the Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, Altadena, Pasadena, Los Angeles, and others. Although some fires have been contained, some evacuation orders have been lifted, and water and fire retardant are being dropped by airplanes and helicopters on many areas, the wildfires and dangerous wind gusts are continuing.
Thankfully, dedicated emergency responders are mobilizing on the ground to provide food, shelter, and supplies. But the scope of support that organizations will need to take care of individuals and families, and ensure their well-being, grows by the day.
You’re welcome to share the following list of organizations that would greatly appreciate your help, and CFNJ fundholders can make a donation from their Donor Advised Fund by logging into their account.
Local & National Organizations Supporting Relief Efforts in California
- California Community Foundation (CCF)
CCF’s Wildfire Recovery Fund focuses on supporting underserved communities by using data-driven approaches like CalFire reports and the CDC’s Social Vulnerability Index. Since 2003, the fund has provided over $32 million to aid recovery, help rebuild homes, restore belongings and employment, and provide support services such as mental health care, case management, and financial assistance.By collaborating with local organizations and community foundations, the fund ensures sustained recovery efforts and resilience for the most affected populations, including Native American, migrant, and non-English-speaking communities, as well as vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities.
- LA Regional Food Bank
The food bank is responding to the fires across Los Angeles County in collaboration with government agencies, non-profit organizations, and religious partners. It’s reaching out to a network of over 600 partner agencies to determine their needs and whether they’re still operating in evacuated areas, in addition to dispersing food and financial donations at its two distribution facilities.
- Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation
Noah’s Legacy Fund, which is part of the Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation, plays a vital role in supporting the Department’s emergency response and disaster relief efforts — ensuring animals are rescued and cared for during wildfires, floods, earthquakes, and other crises. Your contributions help provide essential supplies, equipment, and training, including the funding of four self-sustaining Animal Safe trailers.These state-of-the-art trailers — equipped with heating, cooling, power, and water — offer displaced pets safe shelter near Red Cross emergency sites that are close to their owners. The Foundation also sponsors specialized training for horse evacuation and care, enabling the Department to safely rescue and shelter horses from wildfire zones.
- Project HOPE
In order to help marginalized communities and health workers address the calls for shelter, essential supplies, mental health care, and other necessities, Project HOPE’s emergency team is assessing the needs at nearby shelters. In addition, they are accepting financial donations that will go to toward supporting the communities affected by the fires.
- Team Rubicon
This veteran-led humanitarian non-profit has established an emergency operations center in Los Angeles. Their dedicated volunteers, Greyshirts, are trained to provide critical logistical support, road debris removal, and vegetative debris clearance — ensuring firefighters on the frontlines can remain focused on containing and extinguishing the fires. By addressing essential recovery tasks, Team Rubicon will significantly reduce the strain on emergency responders.
- World Central Kitchen (WCK)
The WCK Relief Team has mobilized across the region to provide immediate relief to first responders, families, and individuals impacted by the wildfires. They are working with restaurant and food truck partners to provide comforting meals.
Our team at CFNJ appreciates your generous support of families and communities during this incredibly difficult time. Feel free to reach out to us at 973.267.5533 if you have questions or would like information about additional organizations that are engaged in relief efforts across California.