Wildfires are currently devastating regions of Southern California – with hundreds of thousands of acres destroyed and people displaced – from Ventura County to San Diego.

United Way of Greater Los Angeles has set up the Southern California Wildfire Fund to help victims of these fires rebuild their lives.

100 percent of the donations collected through this designated fund will support long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts for low-income families affected by the fires.

Donations can be made online at www.unitedwayla.org. Checks may be sent to the United Way office at 1150 S. Olive Street, Suite T500, Los Angeles, CA 90015. Please write “SoCal Wildfire Fund” in the memo line.

Funds will be allocated based on need to vetted organizations throughout Southern California that will focus on rebuilding and recovery efforts for victims affected by the fires, including United Way of Ventura County and United Way of San Diego.

“We’re devastated for the communities who have lost their homes and possessions to these wildfires and want to ensure that they get the support needed to rebuild their lives in the aftermath,” said Elise Buik, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Los Angeles. “We’re proud to see so many business, community, and civic leaders voice their support and so many individuals provide necessary items for those in need.”

How to Apply for Aid
If you or someone you know has been effected by the fires, individuals may connect with 2-1-1, a free 24-hour emergency hotline that links you to thousands of local health and human services resources. 2-1-1 connects you with services including, but not limited to, emergency housing, food distribution, elder services, other youth and child care issues, and other physical and mental health services.

Contact 2-1-1 by:

* Calling 2-1-1 on your phone

* View all 2-1-1 Los Angeles resources available to help you [here].

* View all 2-1-1 Ventura County resources available to help you [here].

United Way of Ventura County has set up an exclusive Thomas Fire fund to support those in the Ventura County community affected by the wildfire. Donations can be made to the Thomas Fire Fund by texting UWVC to 41444, online at www.vcunitedway.org or calling 805-485-6288. Checks may be sent to the United Way office at 702 County Square Drive, Suite 100, Ventura, CA 93003. Please write “Thomas Fire Fund” in the memo.

About United Way Greater Los Angeles
United Way of Greater Los Angeles is a nonprofit organization fighting to end homelessness and poverty by providing students with support needed to graduate high school prepared for college and the workforce, providing housing for our homeless neighbors, and helping hard-working families become financially stable. United Way identifies the root causes of poverty and works strategically to solve them by building alliances across all sectors, funding targeted programs and advocating for change. For more information, visit http://www.unitedwayla.org.