Almost 6,000 California wildfires have been reported in 2019, and they’re not done burning yet.
The past five years have been the most devastating for Californians, with 2015 and 2017 being the two most destructive years since 1980. New fires are breaking out before the current ones can be contained.
It can seem discouraging to people who want to help, especially those who live far away from the West Coast. Where do you even start?
Keep reading to learn the best ways to help those affected by the wildfires in California.
Make a Donation
One of the best ways to support wildfire victims is by donating to local relief organizations.
Charity Navigator is an excellent resource that helps you find reputable charities. You want to make make sure that the organization is using your money responsibly.
Donating money is more helpful than donating items because volunteers have to sort through all the items they receive. This takes time away from directly helping victims.
With monetary donations, volunteers for the California wildfires can save time by buying exactly what they need. This also saves money in the long run, as they can buy the items in bulk.
You save money on shipping, and they can use their donations more effectively.
Nonprofits Helping Those Affected By the California Wildfires
If you are wondering where to start with charities, here are some great organizations look in to:
- The American Red Cross
- California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Relief Fund
- SoCal Fires Disaster Relief
- Sandalwood Incident Fund
You can also spread awareness of the following resources available to wildfire victims:
- Guide to Disaster Assistance Services for Immigrant Californians
- California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services
Host Victims and Volunteers
Over 250,000 people have been displaced from their homes because of the wildfires in California. While some people lost their homes to the fires, many others had to evacuate for safety.
Not only are victims need a place to stay, but so do relief workers. If you live in California and have space, you can host people through Airbnb’s OpenHomes.
Offering your hospitality during this difficult time may be one of the most meaningful ways you can help out.
Show Appreciation for the Firefighters
While thousands of people are fleeing to safety, thousands more are flocking in to contain the fires.
It’s important to show appreciation to those risking their lives for others. Not every firefighter comes home at the end of the day, so it is also important to remember the families of these heroes.
Here are some organizations that support firefighters and their families:
If you want more ideas for showing your appreciation, you can read more here.
You Can Make a Difference
Even though the damage caused by the California wildfires seems too large to tackle, every little bit you can contribute helps. Never feel discouraged, even if you don’t live close enough to volunteer your time or home.
Want to help others in the face of disaster? Read the rest of the blog for more information.
