Wildfire Relief
As devastating fires ravage throughout the state many are wondering, ‘How can I help?’
Unfortunately, wildfire season has become an expected part of life in California. The fire season started early this year with the Dixie Fire becoming the largest ‘stand alone’ wildfire in California history. The Dixie Fire has now been burning for well over a month, currently spread over 600,000 acres. It has completely destroyed towns and over 1,100 homes and businesses, and nowhere close to being fully contained. There are 10 other active wildfires across the state including the River Fire, Monument Fire, McFarland Fire, the Caldor Fire and others. However, wildfire season is hitting closer to home this year. Not only has the smoke arrived in the Bay Area, but one of our own agents had her son and his family lose everything when the town of Greenville was left decimated by the Dixie fire. Now, the question is what can we do to help those affected by these horrific fires? Donate!
Where to Donate:
The California Wildfire Relief Fund 2021 by Global Giving: This fund has your donations go to vetted nonprofits providing food, water, and shelter to people and animals in need. This fund will remain open through fire season and beyond to support the most impacted communities.
California Wildfire Relief Fund: As a California-based disaster relief and medical assistance organization, California Wildfire Relief has responded to wildfires in California and throughout the U.S. for several years. All donations to this fund will support wildfire relief and recovery efforts in California, majorly food, water, shelter and emergency medical supply to evacuated families and rescued animals. Your donation will go to vetted nonprofits providing food, water, and shelter to people and animals in need. People from marginalized communities have less access to support before and after wildfires, which means they also tend to bear the brunt of the long-term impact, including instability and homelessness. Local organizations there for the long haul also tend to be overlooked and underfunded. Initially, the fund helps first responders meet survivors’ immediate needs for food, fuel, clean water, medicine, and shelter. As needs emerge, we will support longer-term recovery efforts run by local, vetted organizations in the impacted area(s), particularly those working with low-income, historically underserved communities.
The American Red Cross® - Western Wildfires: With this year’s wildfire season underway, donor dollars are supporting efforts to help people impacted by disasters like these current emergencies. $250 provides a full day of shelter and food for five people. Open the rest of the doors with your gift to ensure that those affected by future disasters get a safe night's sleep.
The California Fire Foundation: This fund provides immediate short-term relief to victims by handing out $250 gift cards so that people can buy basic necessities that were lost in fires.
The Latino Community Foundation provides support for Latino-led organizations that are helping Latino and immigrant families who have been displaced by fires throughout the state.
Food banks across California are providing meals to communities affected by wildfires. You can find a local food bank to donate to on the California Association of Food Banks’ website or donate directly to the organization.
How to Help the Animals:
Red Rover shelters and cares for animals during national disasters and reunites them with their owners. You can donate to the organization here. You can also sign up to foster animals or donate to the Humane Society.
North Valley Animal Disaster Group (NVADG): Working jointly with public and private agencies and organizations in the North Valley to promote the safety and well-being of all domestic animals and farm animals affected by a disaster with emergency temporary sheltering, evacuation, medical care, identification for reuniting animals with their owners or adopting into good, suitable permanent homes.
UC Davis Veterinary Emergency Response Team: Emergency response to assist animals in disasters.