California Wildfires – How to Help

Giving Opportunities and Resources

Our hearts and prayers go out to all who have been affected by this tragedy

The Camp Fire that destroyed the town of Paradise has become the most destructive and one of the deadliest in our state’s history. The Woolsey and Hill Fires in Southern California have impacted the Malibu and Thousand Oaks communities. In particular, the Ilan Ramon Day School was destroyed, and Camp JCA Shalom and the Wilshire Boulevard Camps Hess Kramer and Gindling Hilltop Camp have suffered significant damage. We know how that feels, having dealt with the destruction to URJ Camp Newman just one year ago.

Many of us in the Bay Area have deep connections throughout California, including family and friends in the Malibu and Ventura communities, and personal connection to the Jewish camps that have been impacted. In that spirit, the following are some ways that you can help.

To make a grant from your Federation donor advised fund, log in to the Federation's DAF portal and click on ‘recommend a grant’ to enter the name of the grantee(s) you would like to support.

Northern California: Camp Fire Relief and Response

  • The Jewish Federation of the Sacramento Region has opened a fund to help those affected by the Camp Fire, with 100% of all funds raised to be allocated to the victims.
  • IsraAID has deployed an emergency response team to Chico and created an Emergency Fund. They're also recruiting for a variety of professionals to assist.
  • The North Peninsula Jewish Community is collecting Target gift cards as needed to help those who have lost everything (minimum $25). Target provides one-stop shopping so please contribute Target gift cards only.
    • Gift cards can be delivered to the PJCC, Wornick, PSC, PTBE, CBJ, or PTS. Gift cards will be distributed to fire victims in both Northern and Southern California. Please donate gift cards by Friday, November 23. Gift cards can be mailed to PJCC, 800 Foster City Blvd, Foster City, CA 94404, Attn. Stephanie Levin
  • Hebrew Free Loan offers interest-free disaster relief loans to provide a helping hand for those in the Northern California Jewish community rebuilding their lives after the devastation.
  • Caring Choices is organizing volunteers to help those affected by the Camp Fire, as well as requesting N95 respirator masks to provide to volunteers upon deployment.
  • Enloe Medical Center is the site of multiple evacuation centers for the Camp Fire. It is accepting donations for patients and families who have been displaced.
  • North Valley Community Foundation: 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.
  • United Way of Northern California has established a disaster relief fund to offer emergency cash and help to people who have lost their homes, according to a news release.
  • The American Red Cross is providing shelter and aid for fire victims in Northern California. Those who want to help the organization can make $10 donations to the Red Cross by texting REDCROSS to 90999.
    The Shasta Regional Community Foundation is accepting donations for its Community Disaster Relief Fund. The money collected will be funneled to local nonprofits and disaster relief organizations.

Southern California: Woolsey and Hill Fire Relief and Response

  • The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles has opened a LA Wildfire Relief Fund, with 100% of funds raised to be allocated to individuals and institutions affected by the fires.
    • They have also set up an Emergency Hotline at 323.761.8100, open from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, for those who need information, services, or assistance of any kind. You can also meet with a professional in person for counseling, financial and legal assistance, and more. Beginning the week of November 19, the Ezra Network will also offer "Your Right to Know" – free, in-person and online information sessions providing answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding insurance, emergency benefits, and renters' rights.
  • GoFundMe to Help Rebuild Ilan Ramon Day School, which suffered severe structural damage.
  • Wilshire Boulevard Temple’s Camp Hess Kramer sustained significant damage and Gindling Hilltop Camp lost almost all structures. The Temple has set up a webpage to provide ongoing updates.
  • Camp JCA/Shalom Institute Wildfire Relief Fund has been opened to help support the families, staff, community, as well as the physical damage.
  • Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation is requesting donations in order to provide hydration backpacks for firefighters working across Southern California.
  • United Way of Greater Los Angeles is raising money for those affected by the Woolsey and Hill Fires, specifically to help low-income residents.

Statewide Support

  • California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Relief Fund has supported preparedness, intermediate and long-term recovery efforts for major California wildfires for 15 years. Grants support rebuilding homes, providing financial and mental health assistance and helping those affected to get medical treatment.
  • California Fire Foundation provides emotional and financial assistance to families of fallen firefighters, firefighters, and the communities they protect.
  • Direct Relief is providing N-95 masks, medicine, and other resources to healthcare agencies and first responders in wildfire-affected communities across California.
  • Salvation Army is providing meals to shelters in local churches, fairgrounds and a community college at both ends of the state.
  • Thrivent will match dollar for dollar up to $250,000 through January 31, 2019, and will cover processing fees so 100% of donations go directly to help those in need.

Resources