The fires raging across Southern California have left devastation in their wake—homes lost, communities uprooted, and lives forever changed. It’s hard to fathom the depth of loss for those directly impacted, and yet, in this moment, our focus must remain on one thing: care.

When disaster strikes, it reminds us of our shared humanity. In times like these, our ability to show up for one another—with compassion, empathy, and a commitment to meeting immediate needs—is what makes healing possible.

Right now, people need shelter. They need food. They need spaces to grieve and to process what they’ve lost. As we come together as a broader community, let’s focus on how we can create support systems rooted in love and care. Here’s where we can start:

1. Offer What You Can, Where You Are
   Whether it’s donating to a local relief fund, volunteering at a shelter, or simply offering a listening ear, every action matters. Showing up doesn’t require perfection—only a willingness to extend kindness and care.

2. Make Space for Grief
   Loss affects everyone differently, and the weight of it can feel overwhelming. Be a witness to someone’s pain without rushing to “fix” it. Sometimes, the greatest gift we can give is our presence.

3. Build a Web of Support
   This is a time to lean into community care. Check on your neighbors, offer rides to those who need to evacuate, or share resources for housing and aid. Together, we can ensure no one feels alone in this.

4. Share and Access Resources
   Getting help to those in need quickly and efficiently is critical. Below is a list of organizations providing immediate relief to fire victims:

   • American Red Cross: Provides shelters, food, and emergency supplies. redcross.org
   • California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Relief Fund: Offers financial support to affected families. calfund.org
   • Direct Relief: Supplies health resources and emergency aid. directrelief.org
   • GoFundMe’s Wildfire Relief Hub: Connects donors with verified fundraisers for victims. gofundme.com
   • Local Mutual Aid Networks: Look for community-driven efforts in your area for targeted, direct support.

While we understand that these fires exist within broader social and political frameworks, now is not the time to focus on those complexities. Right now, people need connection. They need compassion. They need to know they are not forgotten in the chaos.

In the days ahead, we’ll talk about the systems that shape these events, but for now, let’s center our energy on making sure people feel held, heard, and supported. We are all in this together, and together is how we heal our  way forward.