(Updated January 14)

The devastating fires sweeping through the Los Angeles area have brought immense challenges to our community, impacting lives, homes, and businesses.  We offer this list of resources in the hopes that they may help you navigate this crisis with information, support, and hope.

Before we dive into the emergency services currently available, if you’re able to volunteer or donate please consider:

  • Our Big Kitchen LA is preparing meals for those in need and first responders, Volunteers are needed urgently, contact [email protected]
  • World Central Kitchen operates a robust volunteer network, sign up here
  • The Giving Kitchen provides urgent financial assistance to food service workers. Donate here.
  • Go Fund Me has a list of verified fundraisers for the area here.

Industry Specific Assistance

  • RE: Her is actively working to identify and create financial assistance. You will find their list of grant programs here. 
  • The United Sommeliers Foundation Financial Assistance applications are now open. Apply here
  • The Giving Kitchen provides Financial assistance based on the food service worker's financial need as well as a set of criteria according to the type of crisis. Visit https://thegivingkitchen.org/financial-assistance to learn more and apply
  • Oyster Sunday is offering support to guide restaurant owners, operators and HR teams as they navigate this crisis and support their teams. For assistance please email them directly.

Immediate Resources for Food and Temporary Housing

If you or your team members have been displaced or are in need of meals, the following organizations and locations are providing assistance:

  • The LA Times is frequently updating this list of restaurants offering shelter, discounts and food to evacuees and first responders.
  • World Central Kitchen is providing free meals at various locations for affected communities. Real-time updates are available on their Instagram and Facebook pages
  • American Red Cross Shelters: Temporary housing and food for individuals and families. Visit redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS for assistance.
  • 211 LA is partnering with Airbnb to offer free temporary shelter for people displaced from their homes by fire. Start by filling out this form.

Showers/Transportation/Communication Assistance

  • Planet Fitness locations in L.A. are offering anyone affected by the fires, including first responders, free access to their facilities, including showers, locker rooms, and WiFi. Contact the club near you  for more information and hours
  • AT&T is offering people in fire-affected areas unlimited talk, text and data through Feb. 6 (if you don’t already have an unlimited plan). Check their website for a list of included ZIP codes
  • Lyft is offering vouchers to help people get to and from shelters. The offer — up to two rides per person, worth up to $25 per ride — is good for 500 rides and ends at midnight on Jan. 15. Use the code CAFIRERELIEF25.
  • PacSun is supporting evacuees with clothing. They suggest you direct message them on Instagram and will do their best to help.

Mental Health Support

The emotional toll of this disaster cannot be overstated. Support is available for you and your teams:

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text “HELLO” to 741741
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness: NAMI’s Warm Line: 310-889-7200
  • SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline. Call or Text 1-800-985-5990 (press 2 for Spanish). People with deafness or hearing loss can use their preferred relay service to call 1-800-985-5990.
  • Behind You, a program from the  Southern Smoke Foundation offers mental health services in partnership with Cal Lutheran. Foundation

 

Filing Insurance Claims and Navigating Government Assistance

Recovering from a disaster often involves navigating complex systems for insurance and government aid. Here are key steps and resources:

  1. Document Damages: When it safe to do so, take photos and videos of any damage to your property, equipment, and inventory.
  2. File Insurance Claims Promptly: Contact your insurance provider and ask for guidance on submitting claims. If you experience delays or denials, consider reaching out to the United Policyholders, a non-profit whose mission is to be a trustworthy and useful information resource and a respected voice for consumers of all types of insurance across the United States. They don’t sell insurance or take money from insurance companies and can offer support
  3. Federal Disaster Assistance:
    • FEMA: Apply for disaster assistance right away at disasterassistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362.
    • Small Business Administration (SBA): Offers low-interest loans to businesses and homeowners. Visit sba.gov/disaster to apply.

At the Independent Restaurant Coalition, we understand that disasters like these are terrifying and overwhelming, but you are not alone. We are actively advocating for relief measures, supporting policy changes to protect small businesses, and connecting our members to vital resources.  If you know of a resource we haven't listed, please email us and we'll share it right away.  Thank you.