As we face the ongoing wildfires across Los Angeles County, our hearts are heavy with shock and sorrow. Los Angeles is grieving. The devastation ripples outward, touching us all, and we stand together amidst this unfathomable loss.

Entire neighborhoods have been reduced to ash. Fragments of identity and history have been lost — iconic gathering spaces, irreplaceable artworks, cultural archives and personal mementos that carried deep meaning and significance.

Yet, even amidst this devastation there are glimmers of hope.

We are witnessing an extraordinary outpouring of solidarity and the resilience of our city shines brighter than ever. Los Angeles, a place defined by its diversity, creativity, and strength, has weathered countless challenges in the past — and each time, we have emerged stronger, more united, and more determined.

The fires have again revealed the unwavering spirit of our people. We have seen neighbors helping neighbors, strangers offering shelter, and first responders working tirelessly to protect lives and homes. These acts of courage and compassion embody the very best of who we are.

The road to recovery will be long and filled with challenges, but together, we will rise. Step by step, we reaffirm that no loss is insurmountable when a community stands together as one.

With deepest compassion,
Edgar Miramontes
Executive & Artistic Director

RESOURCES AND WAYS TO HELP

UCLA Resources:
Campus wildfire updates and resources can be found on this UCLA Newsroom page. Here you can find a list of organizations deserving of your support, including the Bruin Wildlife Relief Funds, and connect with ongoing community relief efforts via the Volunteer Database. Contributions to support UCLA Arts students who have been affected by the wildfires can made to the UCLA Arts Student Access, Equity, and Emergency Fund.

Resources for the LA Arts Community:
Beginning Monday, January 20, 2025, artists and arts workers who have been impacted by the fires can visit the CCI website to apply for emergency funding from the L.A. Arts Community Fire Relief Fund. Led by the J. Paul Getty Trust, the fund was created by a coalition of arts organizations and philanthropists including The Hammer Museum, alongside its Mohn Art Collective partners LACMA and MOCA.

An online hub from the LA County Department of Arts and Culture centering resources for the arts community.

Ways to Help:
There are several ways you can help the victims of the L.A. wild fires, first responders, and affected communities. Immediate actions you can take:

Support

Financial contributions remain one of the most effective ways to provide relief. Donations allow organizations to quickly purchase what’s needed most, including supplies, food, and shelter. Some trusted organizations to donate to include:

1. American Red Cross – Los Angeles Region
Provides shelter, food, and emotional support to those affected by the wildfires.

2. Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation
Supplies LAFD firefighters with essential equipment and resources to combat wildfires effectively.

3. California Fire Foundation
Offers immediate financial assistance to victims through its Supplying Aid to Victims of Emergency (SAVE) program and supports firefighters with essential resources.

4. Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
Distributes food and essentials to individuals and families affected by the wildfires, ensuring they have access to necessary supplies during this crisis.

5. World Central Kitchen
Provides meals to communities in need during disasters, mobilizing across Southern California to offer food to those impacted by the wildfires.

6. Pasadena Humane
Rescues and shelters animals displaced by the wildfires, seeking donations and foster homes to support their efforts.

7. Best Friends Animal Society
Uses donations for emergency assistance to animals impacted by the wildfires.

Volunteer
Volunteering your time can help with various needs in affected areas, from distributing food and water to assisting with cleanup efforts.

Mutual Aid Los Angeles Network (MALAN)
The network provides details on how people can help. Check their comprehensive spreadsheet for a master list of resources available for victims of these fires as well as ways you can support them.

Donate
While donation centers might be overwhelmed, some organizations might still accept essential goods like hygiene products, water, or non-perishable food. Check with local shelters, fire stations, or mutual aid groups to see what is most urgently needed.

Amplify
Amplifying verified fundraising campaigns, information about where to donate, and calls for help can make a significant difference. Use your social media platforms to spread the word about where people can get help or where donations are most needed.

Self-Care
Sometimes the best way to help is by taking care of yourself. In times of crisis, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the need to do everything for others, but your own well-being is just as important. By resting, staying grounded, and maintaining your physical and mental health, you ensure that you can continue to support those who need it. Self-care allows you to recharge, process your emotions, and be present for others when they need it most.