As multiple wildfires continue to burn in the Los Angeles area, nearly 180,000 people have been asked to evacuate their homes – many of whom are unsure if there is a home to return to.

As of Thursday afternoon, at least five people had died and over 1,000 buildings had been destroyed by the flames. Several states have sent hundreds of firefighters to join those in California who have been trying for days to bring the fires under control.

Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley described the situation Thursday as “one of the most devastating natural disasters in Los Angeles history.”

If you’re following the news remotely and would like to help, here is a list of organizations accepting donations on behalf of affected communities.

American Red Cross

The American Red Cross is working to provide shelter, food and mental health services. You can donate money online or by calling (800) 733-2767 or texting “REDCROSS” to 90999. If you are interested in volunteering with the organization, you can register online after completing a training session.

Animal Wellness Foundation

For residents who have pets or care for farm animals, the Animal Wellness Foundation is raising money to help house and feed pets that had to be left behind by owners who had to evacuate and were unable to take the animals with them. The organization uses an old veterinary hospital in Marina Del Rey to ensure the safety of pets. You can donate to their fundraising efforts here. If you or someone you know is evacuated and cannot bring a pet, you can also find shelters that are still available for large or small animals.

Baby2Baby

Baby2Baby has set up To further help Baby2Baby, you can donate online to the Disaster Relief and Emergency Response Program.

California Community Foundation

The California Community Foundation has a Wildfire Recovery Fund that addresses the long-term impacts of wildfires, such as: B. by supporting the reconstruction of houses, providing psychological support and financial assistance, and strengthening infrastructure to improve emergency response systems. You can donate to the fund online or by check to 717 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, California, 90012.

California Fire Foundation

The California Fire Foundation is currently supporting some of the thousands of firefighters and emergency responders battling the fires. You can donate to the group online.

Community Organized Relief Effort (CORE)

CORE has an emergency response team providing hygiene kits, masks and protective equipment for anyone suffering from poor air quality due to the wildfires. You can donate to them here.

Direct relief

Direct Relief is partnering with two YMCA locations in Koreatown to help distribute free protective masks to any residents who may be affected by the smoke. Koreatown YMCA centers are not accepting online donations, but are accepting physical donations — unopened food, clothing, blankets, emergency supplies — in person. Direct Relief has launched a fund online to help anyone affected by the wildfires and in need of urgent assistance.

GoFundMe

Several individuals have set up GoFundMe pages for financial assistance following the wildfires, and GoFundMe has created a central online hub of all verified fundraising pages. GoFundMe recommends going through the verified accounts and selecting who and how many accounts they want to help directly. GoFundMe has also set up its own Wildfire Relief Fund, which aims to raise $300,000, which the organization plans to distribute to everyone affected by the fires. (GoFundMe’s 2024 Wildfire Relief Fund has been distributed to over 150 people and families struggling with wildfires in California, New Mexico, Texas and Colorado.)

Los Angeles Regional Food Bank

The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is accepting food donations at its two distribution centers. If you are not a Los Angeles resident, you can donate money to the food bank online.

Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation

The foundation is seeking donations to help the Los Angeles Fire Department fight the wildfires, including by providing emergency shelter and necessary tools such as hydration packs and brush tools. You can donate here.

Salvation Army

The Southern California Division of The Salvation Army is working to provide free food, essential supplies and shelter to all evacuees and first responders. You can make targeted donations online to the Southern California Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Fund.

Pasadena Humane

Pasadena Humane animal control officers have assisted in the evacuation of pets and animals and have worked at shelters that hold abandoned pets after owners are evacuated. The group said it had taken in over 300 animals as of Wednesday afternoon. Pasadena Humane is accepting personal donations for the pets and monetary donations online.

World Central Kitchen

World Central Kitchen’s relief team is in Southern California to help distribute food and meals to everyone who needs them. You can donate to help them cook and provide them with nutritious meals online.

United Way of Greater Los Angeles

United Way said it is focused on longer-term recovery efforts to support people affected by the Los Angeles wildfires. You can support their efforts by donating here.