If this is a mental health-related emergency, please call 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. For other emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital.

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Wildfires 2

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES

Sycamores is helping Angelenos recover.
So can you.

Be a Lifeline for Californians in Need

The wildfires in Pacific Palisades, Altadena and surrounding areas have caused unimaginable damage affecting all of us – our family, friends and communities – in lasting ways. We’ve all been moved by the courage, selfless dedication and generosity of so many, including firefighters and other first responders and volunteers. At Sycamores, we are shaken, but we are undeterred. Our mission remains the same: To serve others and help them create a better life.

Sycamores’ Response

Many of our consumers live in neighborhoods with significant damage. Some have lost everything. We are contacting everyone we serve to determine how we can best help.

Our staff members have been conducting telehealth and, when possible, in person appointments with people who have been displaced or evacuated or are unable to travel due to the fires.

We are working with our local school districts to be on site to support the students when they return to campus.

Current Status of El Nido

“Our boys, they’ve already experienced a lot of trauma. They just have a lot of anxiety over what could happen.”

-Sycamores’ Chief Program Officer Joe Ford describing the impact of the recent evacuation of the El Nido residential center on the displaced residents.

El Nido is a residential treatment program we operate for boys (mostly foster youth) who need intensive, short-term therapeutic care. The campus is located in Altadena in the Eaton fire evacuation zone.

Because of the fire, we had to evacuate the campus. Our staff members selflessly responded in the middle of the night to help lead 10 residents to safety in a chaotic situation. The youth were relocated and are receiving counseling and services, though they were deeply affected by the stressful events. You can read more in this news report.

How You Can Help

The need is urgent, but we have an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
Your donation helps with the unplanned expenses that have emerged within this crisis, including:

Emergency shelter and food for displaced families

Mental health support to address trauma and anxiety

Resources to help families rebuild and recover

Why Your Support Makes a Difference
  • Immediate Relief: Your donations provide emergency housing, counseling, and essential resources to wildfire survivors
  • Proven Expertise: With over a century of experience, Sycamores is uniquely equipped to meet the needs of vulnerable communities and guide them through recovery.
  • Comprehensive Care: Beyond addressing immediate physical needs, we focus on emotional and mental well-being, supporting long-term healing and resilience.

Stories of Strength and Renewal

“When the wildfires took everything from us, Sycamores not only gave us a place to stay but also the hope and tools to start again.” – Alize, Community Member

Your generosity helps create more stories like Alize’s. Together, we can offer comfort, care, and a path forward for thousands of Californians facing overwhelming loss.

"When the wildfires took everything from us, Sycamores not only gave us a place to stay but also the hope and tools to start again."

– Alize, Community Member
Your generosity helps create more stories like Alize’s. Together, we can offer comfort, care, and a path forward for thousands of Californians facing overwhelming loss.

Community Resources & Support for LA Wildfire Victims

Disaster Assistance

FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers

  • Pasadena Community College - Community Education Center
    3035 E. Foothill Blvd. Pasadena 91106, Lot C
    Daily, 9 AM - 8 PM
  • UCLA Research Park West
    10850 West Pico Blvd.
    Los Angeles, CA 90064
    Hours of operation – Daily: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Disaster Loans and Financial Assistance

Wildfire Information and Evacuation Guidelines

Utilities

Shelter and Housing Resources

Public Emergency Shelters

  • Ritchie Valens Recreation Center
    (LA City)

    10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd.
    Pacoima, CA 91331


    (818) 834-5172

  • Stoner Recreation Center
    (LA City)

    1835 Stoner Ave
    Los Angeles, CA 90025


    (310) 479-7200

  • Van Nuys Sherman Oaks
    Recreation Center
    (LA City)


    14201 Huston St.
    Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

    (818) 783-5121

  • Westwood Recreation Center
    (LA City)

    1350 S Sepulveda Blvd,
    Los Angeles, CA 90025

    (310) 473-3610

  • Pomona Fairplex (Gate 3)

    1101 W McKinley Ave
    Pomona, CA 91768

    (909) 623-3111

  • Pasadena Civic Auditorium

    300 E Green Street
    Pasadena, CA 91101

    (626) 449-7360

  • Housing assistance through 211 LA: Apply here. Hilton announced it is making 20,000 hotel room nights available at no charge to impacted people across the greater Los Angeles area. To be considered for the program, residents need to first apply to 211 LA for housing assistance using this application: bit.ly/211-Emergency-Services-Request NOTE: Residents who have already applied through 211 LA do not to need to fill out another application.

  • Disaster Recovery Centers:
    • PCC Community Education Center, Pasadena: 9 AM–8 PM daily.
    • West LA Disaster Assistance Center: 10850 Pico Blvd, 9 AM–8 PM daily.

  • LA Homeless Services Authority Resources: https://www.lahsa.org/news?article=1014-resources-to-support-those-during-the-l-a-fires

  • Shelter Finder: Red Cross Shelter Finder.

  • Hotel Association of Los Angeles LA Fire Hotel Availability
    LA Fire Hotel Availability Jan. 2025 - Google Sheets

  • Airbnb Emergency Housing: Details.

  • Shelters in neighboring counties listed on https://shelterlistings.org.

  • Pop-Up Basic Needs Location: Rose Bowl, Parking Lot I: Supplies and basic needs support for fire evacuees. City of Pasadena and officials advising people to stay away from the Rosebowl and they are moving everything to 100 West Walnut. Reports are the PCC pop-up is still functioning.
Pets/Animals
  • Pet Shelter Locations:
  • Resources for Lost Pets:
    • Eaton Fire Animal Rescue Hotline at (626) 577-3735 for help with:
      • Found animals (including pets, livestock, exotics, and wildlife
      • Lost animals
      • Animals left behind in an evacuated home or property
    • Register missing pets on Petco Love Lost.
    • Use social media groups and apps like Nextdoor to report and locate pets.

  • Emergency Pet Supplies:
    • Pet food, water, and crates available at Disaster Recovery Centers.
    • Local humane societies may provide temporary care and resources for pets.

  • Animal Evacuation Resources: RedRover Shelter Support.
Food
Health and Safety

Fire Debris:

  • Fire Debris Advisory: Do not attempt to return to evacuated areas until official clearance is provided.

  • LA County Public Health Officer Advisory has been issued regarding safe removal, transport, and disposal of fire debris which may contain harmful substances. Persons allowed to enter fire damaged areas and retrieving personal items from fire damaged properties should wear respiratory, eye and skin protection. Exposure to these toxic substances can occur through the inhalation of ash and fire dust particles, contact with skin, or contamination of drinking water supplies. Improper handling or disposal of fire debris can increase these risks, spreading hazardous substances throughout the community and endangering workers, residents, and the environment. http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/phcommon/public/media/mediapubhpdetail.cfm?prid=4943

Air Quality

  • Use N95/KN95 masks during poor air quality; distribute masks as needed.
    • Mercado La Paloma, 3655 S. Grand Ave. #280 Los Angeles, CA 90007 – KN95 Masks
    • Communities for a Better Environment, 113 E. Anaheim St. Wilmington, CA 90744 – N95/KN95 Masks

  • Check Air Quality Index (AQI) by address: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/6a6a058a177440fdac6be881d41d4c2c/

  • South Coast AQMD Mobile App: https://aqmd.gov.

  • AirNow Smoke Map: https://www.airnow.gov.

  • California Air Resources Board Wildfire Safety: Details.

  • Air purification resources:
    • Build a Corsi-Rosenthal box using four 20x20x1 MERV 13 filters and a 20" box fan. Instructions: https://corsirosenthalfoundation.org/instructions//a>.
    • AirDoctor Pro is offering 80% of Air Filters for those effected by fires in the SPA 2 – Sherman Oaks area. Call 800-221-2515.
    • Replace HVAC filters with MERV 11+ filters.

  • Asthma Remediation and Home Modification Community Supports:
    • Contact: Soteria Home Health Agency for assistance with home modifications and asthma remediation. Learn more here.

Water

Transportation
Health and Emotional Wellness
Youth and Caregiver Resources
Additional Resources

Be Cautious of Fraud

Volunteer and Donation Opportunities
Community Events and Finding Joy
Wildfire Action Plan
  • Learn More:
  • Prevention:
    • Maintain defensible space around your home by clearing debris and trimming vegetation.
    • Install ember-resistant vents and use fire-resistant building materials where possible.
    • Prepare a "Go-Bag" with essentials, including water, medications, documents, and clothing.

  • Response:
    • Familiarize yourself with local evacuation routes and have multiple plans in case primary routes are inaccessible.
    • Follow local alerts and evacuation orders immediately when issued.
    • Keep a communication plan ready for family and friends.

  • Recovery:
    • Document damages with photos and videos for insurance claims.
    • Contact local recovery resources for housing and financial aid.
    • Use mental health services to cope with trauma.

Mental Health Resources

Disaster Distress Helpline
Call or text 1-800-985-5990
National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI)
Call 1-800-950-6264 or text ‘helpline’ to 62640
LA County Department of Mental Health
1-800-854-7771
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 9-8-8
Sycamores Referral Support Center
Call 1-844-222-2377 or email Referral@Sycamores.org

Stay Informed and Involved

Your support doesn’t end with a donation—it’s the beginning of a journey toward recovery. Stay connected to see how your generosity is transforming lives:

Join Us in Rebuilding Lives

Los Angeles’s recovery begins with compassionate action. You can be part of this vital effort to restore hope and strength to families in crisis.