Camp Fire, now the most destructive wildfire in the history of California, has desecrated an insurmountable number of people’s lives, families, friends, homes, and livelihoods. In addition, two more wildfires in Southern California are displacing residents and businesses.
As K·Coe Isom’s Chico, California location is just outside the perimeter of the Camp Fire, our employees and their families, as well as many clients and friends, continue to face the threat and devastation that has affected their homes, businesses, hospitals, churches, etc. In times like these, we look to find ways to support these efforts and reach out to lend a helping hand.
The U.S. Government has declared the fire a FEMA-eligible disaster and is making aid available. Victims of the California fires can seek help through these primary resources:
- FEMA
- State of California Disaster Unemployment Assistance – available for a spouse or family member who is now unemployed due to the Camp Fire
Here’s how you can help:
For many living in outlying areas, sending money is almost always the most efficient way to help in a disaster, according to the Center for International Disaster Information, part of the United States Agency for International Development.
Nonprofits that are seeking donations:
- Butte Humane Society is now accepting animal donations to create the BHS Animal Food and Supply Pantry for displaced pet owners as well as those who have taken in family and friends with pets. Donations can be made at warehouse (across the street from the shelter) every day from 9 am – 5 pm. The pantry is available to anyone affected by the fire in need of food and supplies for their pets – including those who are housing evacuees.
- California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Relief Fund: For 15 years, the foundation has offered aid to those affected by wildfires. Grants have gone to rebuilding homes, providing financial and mental health assistance and helping those affected to get medical treatment.
- Caring Choices: This nonprofit, which is in Chico, Calif., has turned into a hub for organizing volunteers to help those affected by the Camp Fire. Volunteers are assigned a variety of duties, including caring for displaced animals and, for those who are certified doctors or nurses, offering medical care. The organization has paused taking on new volunteers for the next few days but still encourages applications. It said it will need extra hands in the coming weeks. Caring Choices is also seeking monetary donations for its operations.
- Enloe Medical Center: This 298-bed hospital is in Chico, the site of multiple evacuation centers for the Camp Fire. It is accepting donations for patients and families who have been displaced.
- Entertainment Industry Foundation: This nonprofit, started by Hollywood stars, has a fund that helps firefighters and other emergency workers battling California wildfires. One of its beneficiaries is the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, which provides hydration backpacks and night vision goggles for helicopter pilots. Another beneficiary provides meals for emergency workers and evacuees staying in shelters.
- Golden Valley Bank: Golden Valley Bank created sub accounts within their Foundation for businesses, employees, individuals or groups to accept contributions and self-direct funding for Camp Fire relief. The Foundation will pay interest on these accounts, and every penny donated will go directly to those in need.
- Humane Society of Ventura County: This nonprofit is accepting donations to help animals displaced by the Woolsey and Hill Fires. It is taking in domestic animals, such as dogs, cats and birds, as well as livestock.
- North Valley Community Foundation: This nonprofit in Chico is raising money to support organizations that are sheltering evacuees of the Camp Fire. These could include churches, fairgrounds and community centers, said Logan Todd, a foundation spokesman.
- Red Cross – for California Wildfires: The Red Cross works 24/7 to be ready to respond to disasters like wildfires and other countless crises. Please donate to the Red Cross now to help. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
- Salvation Army: At both ends of the state, the Salvation Army is providing meals to shelters in local churches, fairgrounds and a community college.
- United Way of Greater Los Angeles: This local branch of the national organization is raising money for those affected by the Woolsey and Hill Fires, specifically to help low-income residents.
- United Way of Northern California: This local chapter of the national nonprofit has established a disaster relief fund to offer emergency cash and help to people who have lost their homes, according to a news release.
- Crowdfunding: There are multiple crowdfunding efforts for victims of the California fires. GoFundMe has organized a page that catalogs the relief efforts in Northern and Southern California. It includes links to donate to families who have lost their homes.
