A rather unconventional post but since I want to utilise non-social media spaces for my art, why not also use these spaces to help others as well?
Parts of Los Angeles are in danger of the ongoing Palisades wildfire, or have already burned to the ground, and this post is a compilation of some of the resources and GoFundMe campaigns I've come across on social media for those in need, or for those who want a way to help.
If you’re in the LA area and are looking to help volunteer with the fire relief efforts, here's a google doc compiling different opportunities as well as whether or not they're accepting donations (and what they need:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1eaSXTYlLY_spJ-_w43ac55qu6X4YtgApgRGfads3cM4/htmlview
This is a resource doc of places helping in the LA area, what they need, and places to donate directly to those helping at the community level, with sources.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/1/d/1KMk34XY5dsvVJjAoD2mQUVHYU_Ib6COz6jcGH5uJWDY/htmlview?urp=gmail_link&pli=1
Here is a list of resources compiled by ARTSY.NET for artists and art workers affected by the LA wildfires. They also have a list of ways to help artists that have been affected such as where to donate supplies as well as fundraisers for individual artists and institutions:
https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-list-resources-artists-art-workers-los-angeles-wildfires
Price gouging after natural disasters is illegal and that includes rent gouging. Here is a KQED article that shares information regarding price gouging and what to do if you are a potential victim of price gouging, or if you see it in the wild:
https://www.kqed.org/news/12021308/wildfire-los-angeles-price-gouging-palisades-eaton-hurst-lidia-sunset-fires
Here is an article from NPR detailing how to DIY an air purifier using a box fan, high quality air-filters, and duct tape:
https://www.npr.org/sections/back-to-school-live-updates/2021/08/26/1031018250/does-your-kids-classroom-need-an-air-purifier-heres-how-you-can-make-one-yoursel
WATCH DUTY
Watch Duty is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that alerts you of nearby wildfires and firefighting efforts in real-time. The app is available on the Apple Store, Google Play, and through a web browser.
This app is entirely free, but they do have non-essential features available for premium users (fire fighting flight tracker, alerts for more than 4 counties, and saving more places for alerts).
Watch Duty provides open access to life-saving information for everyone, and they do accept financial donations to help keep the app up and running.
LOS ANGELES EQUESTRIAN CENTER
The LA Parks Foundation/ LA Equestrian Center is taking donations for horses, donkeys, etc. that have been displaced by the fires.
Fleet of Angels is a non-profit equine safety net organization that is fundraising to cover the costs of supplying hay to three of the shelters accepting horses from the impacted areas.
They will also be issuing micro-grants to affected individuals in need of emergency assistance.
Pasadena Humane has taken in over 400 animals due to evacuations.
You can keep track of their updates here: https://pasadenahumane.org/eaton-canyon-fire-update/
They are no longer seeking donation supplies but instead are in need of monetary donations to help with their fire relief efforts.
These are some resources shared by CHEWY for folks in need of veterinary care or are looking to donate resources:
GoFundMe CAMPAIGNS / INDIVIDUAL FUNDRAISERS
Here are some of the GoFundMe campaigns I've come across, as well as resources to find more campaigns that you can contribute towards. Some campaigns may already have reached funding by the time I share this post, but it doesn't hurt to still give if you feel inclined to do so!
This is a resource doc of Black families displaced and in need of monetary assistance:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1pK5omSsD4KGhjEHCVgcVw-rd4FZP9haoijEx1mSAm5c/htmlview
This is a resource doc that has compiled folks in the animation industry, as well as friends of, who are in need of monetary help:
https://airtable.com/appugwkqKAVGDdeaJ/shrrujOu1GKwKAW0f/tblBTejpocYFoeauX
(I don't know why these html widgets are duplicating but I don't have the brain space to figure it out right now so just scroll until you see a different one! There should be five different campaigns featured here!)