Our beloved L.A. readers, we are thinking of you constantly during these catastrophic wildfires.
We’ve been tracking New York Times live updates (gift link), which report that fires have killed at least five people, put nearly 180,000 people under mandatory evacuation orders, and burned more than 27,000 acres, equivalent to nearly 20,000 football fields. “I’ve lived here my whole life and never seen anything like this,” former mayor Antonio Villaraigosa told reporters; the fires have been described as “biblical” and “the worst I’ve ever seen.”
Please tell us in the comments how you are and how we can help rally around you.
A few resources:
This document — made by survivors of the devastating Marshall Fire — offers advice for both people affected by the fires and those who want to help. Also, Lizz Porter, who lost her home in a 2021 fire, shares seven practical things she wish she’d known when she evacuated.
AirBnb is offering temporary housing for people impacted by the L.A. fires.
The New York Times shares tips for staying safe, including signing up for emergency alerts and packing a go-bag.
GoFundMe has created a centralized hub of verified fundraising pages related to the wildfires.
Mutual Aid L.A. Network is constantly updating a list of volunteering and donation needs.
California Fire Foundation Wildfire and Disaster Relief Fund directly supports victims of wildfires.
Please join us, if you are able, in donating to California wildfire relief and aid. We will be matching up to $5,000 in donations; simply email your receipt to hello@cupofjo.com, if you’d like.
Sending so much love westward. xoxoxo
(Photo by Jayme Burrows.)
