California Wildfires Relief Fund

Los Angeles County is grappling with a devastating wildfire crisis, as multiple fires spread rapidly across the region. Now, more than ever, you can support the most vulnerable communities during this critical time. Your compassionate action can remind our neighbors —through every step of their journey from response to recovery—that they are not alone.
California Wild Fire Fund

Los Angeles County is grappling with a devastating wildfire crisis, as multiple fires spread rapidly across the region. Now, more than ever, you can support the most vulnerable communities during this critical time. Your compassionate action can remind our neighbors —through every step of their journey from response to recovery—that they are not alone.

Donate

Photo: Associated Press, Ethan Swope 2025

Wildfires have rapidly escalated across Los Angeles County, forcing over 150,000 residents to evacuate as powerful Santa Ana winds intensify the crisis. The fires, which began on January 7, have already destroyed 12,300 structures and killed at least 24 people. Thousands of firefighters are battling extreme winds and dry conditions, while widespread power outages affect 200,000 people and thick smoke blankets neighborhoods far beyond evacuation zones.

Click here to read the full situation report.

Donate

As of October 18, CWS has distributed 5,824 Emergency Cleanup Buckets, 10,310 Hygiene Kits, 7,280 Blankets, 1,800 Menstrual Hygiene Kits, 650 School Kits and 72 Welcome Backpacks to partners in Florida and North Carolina (a value of more than $697,000). We are shipping more supplies as impacted communities become accessible. CWS has also been working to connect impacted families who are not eligible for FEMA assistance with safe temporary housing. CWS will also be involved in long-term recovery to help meet the needs of those impacted in the months and years to come.

In the wake of back-to-back hurricanes, with entire communities battered and broken, your support through CWS can be the lifeline families need to survive and rebuild.

Donate
Donations to support the Hurricane Helene and Milton response can be made online or if by check, make payable to CWS and mailed to CWS, PO Box 968, Elkhart IN 46515 with appeal 6290 in the memo line).

Stories

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Learn how CWS' EPRR team trains communities of newcomers to stay prepared for wildfires

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Learn more about how disaster response makes a difference for people like Melissa, whose life changed overnight by wildfires

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Learn how to stay better prepared for emergency situations like wildfires
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Resources

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List of information and resources for those in the impacted area:

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 CWS Emergency Preparedness, Response and Recovery

In the days immediately following a catastrophic disaster, CWS provides cleanup buckets, kits and vital supplies to help impacted people begin to clear up what was left behind. In the U.S. and around the world CWS works with trusted local community-based organizations to reach the most vulnerable communities, including immigrants and refugees, to provide the support these families need. When disasters, both natural and man-made, force families to flee their homes in search of safety, CWS provides emergency support along the journey and connects them with vital services to rebuild their lives.

The road to recovery is often long and challenging. That’s why after attention fades, CWS works to ensure that affected communities continue to receive the help they need by providing support to community long-term recovery groups. The Emergency Response Fund allows us to quickly respond to emergencies as soon as they occur. Donor support not only allows CWS to quickly respond to emergencies as soon as they occur, but also reminds our neighbors on the journey from recovery to thriving, they are never alone.

About CWS

For nearly 80 years, CWS has been a trusted leader in emergency response work. As a member of the global ACT Alliance, national and statewide VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster), we work for the safety, justice and dignity of all people and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation or national origin. We do not promote religious conversion or require any profession of faith to be a part of our programs or to receive support. CWS was awarded the 2022 National VOAD Member of the Year.