Disaster Relief Center

 

In times of crisis or disaster, the Combined Fund Drive (CFD) will post relevant information to help you support communities in need through contributions to verified nonprofits. Our goal is to provide you with information and is not an endorsement of a particular charity. Our goal is to share relevant and accurate information.

The CFD defines crisis or disaster as a serious disruption that exceeds a community’s or a region’s capacity to cope using typical resources. Crises can be caused by natural and/or man-made hazards, as well as systemic factors that expose the vulnerability of a community or region.

The CFD is committed to maintaining a sustainable, coordinated channel for Washington state employees and retirees to confidently and efficiently direct their charitable giving in the event of a disaster or crisis. In accordance with WAC 434-750-310, in extraordinary circumstances, the CFD is authorized to conduct special campaigns for disaster relief.

LA County Wildfires

 

A woman cries as the Palsades Fire Advances in the Pacific Palsades neighborhood of Los Angeles (AP Photo/Etienne Larent)

 

Los Angeles County is currently facing a severe wildfire crisis with multiple fires causing widespread devastation. The most significant, the Palisades Fire, has burned over 17,000 acres in Pacific Palisades, leading to the destruction of numerous homes and businesses. Other major fires include the Eaton Fire in Altadena, covering nearly 11,000 acres, the Hurst Fire north of San Fernando at 855 acres, the Lidia Fire in Acton at 348 acres, and the Sunset Fire in Hollywood Hills at 43 acres.

The region is in immediate need of medical and disaster relief supplies.

For state employees and retirees, consider making a one-time gift or setting up monthly payroll deduction through the CFD to one of our member organizations actively responding to the California fires.

For Washington residents, you may also utilize this Secure Credit Card Link 

The American Red Cross (charity code 0337346) provides many relief services in the aftermath of disasters, including sheltering and feeding evacuees in shelters, providing mental health support and counseling for families impacted with tips on self-care and how to cope. When it is safe to do so, Red Cross teams will help with damage assessment and begin distributing relief supplies.

  • All Red Cross responders have 24/7 access to Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) services through LanguageLine Solutions. Our Disaster Disability Integration responders are also encouraged to arrange in-person ASL interpreting services for clients on a case-by-case basis when appropriate. 

American Red Cross Disaster Relief Services (charity code 1468727) responds to an emergency every 8 minutes. No one else does this -- not the government and not other charities. From small house fires to multistate natural disasters, the American Red Cross goes wherever they are needed, so people can have clean water, safe shelter, and hot meals when they need them most.

Americares (charity code 0315518) offers assistance to more than 70 partners across California and are prepared to address urgent health needs and provide health services to wildfire survivors.

Direct Relief (charity code 0316325) delivers medical aid to first responders battling the fires as well as displaced residents.

Humane Society Disaster Relief (charity code 0314983) has an Animal Rescue and Response team that is prepared to answer the call for any large-scale emergencies, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, earthquakes, utility outages, and more.

International Medical Corps (Charity Code 1479246)

Operation California (Charity Code 1480159)

The Salvation Army USA (charity code 1478728) is utilizing its Southern California division to provide food, emotional and spiritual care, and other critical services to evacuees.

World Central Kitchen (charity code 2006691) has mobilized across the region to provide immediate comforting meals and drinks to first responders and to those families and individuals affected by the fires.

World Vison (charity code 0315561) is sending water, food, personal hygiene items, diapers, masks, blankets, air mattresses, and toys to assist those impacted by the fires.

Non-CFD organizations helping wildfire-affected communities:

  • California Community Foundation is using its Wildfire Recovery Fund for both intermediate and long-term relief in underserved areas.
  • California Fire Foundation works with local fire agencies and community-based organizations to provide ongoing support to California communities affected by wildfires and other natural disasters.
  • Center for Disaster Philanthropy activated its California Wildfires Recovery Fund to help communities rebuild after the fires.
  • Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation provides equipment for firefighters and funds critical programs to help the Los Angeles Fire Department protect communities and save lives.
  • Ventura County Community Foundation has a Wildfire Relief & Recovery Fund that provides immediate funding for those in most urgent need.
  • Pasadena Humane Society is helping with pet evacuations in the Los Angeles area.
  • Greater Los Angeles Agency on Deafness, Inc. (GLAD) https://gladinc.org/ is an organization that is ready on standby with all the information and resources needed. They have reached out to local places for information on shelters and they are making sure shelters have ASL interpreters available whether there is an in-person or video remote interpreter on screen.

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Resources for learning and emotional support

If you know of other organizations helping that should be on this list, please contact the CFD at [email protected]