Little Tokyo’s Response for the Fires in the Los Angeles Area

As the Los Angeles community begins to face the aftermath of the horrific Eaton and Palisades fires that have caused so much loss and devastation, people everywhere are mobilizing to help those who have lost loved ones, homes, businesses, and livelihoods, and to support the firefighters and first responders who continue their tireless efforts to contain the fires and protect lives and property as dangerous conditions persist.

Our Little Tokyo neighborhood is safe and intact, but many who work here are not. Thousands more are eager to find ways to help those affected by the fires. A coalition of Little Tokyo organizations are now working to coordinate our efforts to provide relief and community resources, including JACCC, JANM, LTCC, LTSC and Visual Communications, in cooperation with the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles. We are hearing from many charities and mutual aid organizations that they are currently overwhelmed with donations of goods and other offers of help in response to immediate needs. This group is turning our attention to identifying ways to help meet key needs for the medium and longer-term recovery. We are reaching out to our colleagues, constituents, and community organizations in the affected areas to determine how we can be of most help. We will keep you updated and in the meantime, encourage those who can to make financial contributions to organizations who are well equipped to distribute aid.

For those needing assistance, and those looking to donate to trusted relief organizations, here are some resources to consider:

• Josh Morey of ori-gen and the J. Morey Company has a two-part video of advice for those navigating the insurance claims.

• Cal Fire gives current information about the status of the fires, including evacuation shelters, orders, and warnings, road closures, and animal evacuation shelters.

• The Federal Emergency Management Administration provides resources for those affected by the fires.

• World Central Kitchen is providing meals to first responders and impacted residents.

• 211 provides a range of community services and is partnering with AirBNB to provide temporary housing for those displaced by the fires.

• Los Angeles Tourism has a list of hotels offering relief accommodations.

• Kurata Eyecare is providing free replacement contact lens or eyewear for those affected by the LA fires.
  The Mutual Aid Network of Los Angeles has an ongoing list of fire and windstorm resources.

• The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation (LAFD) Foundation provides vital equipment and funds critical programs to help the LAFD save lives and protect communities.

• The California Community Foundation, Wildfire Recovery Fund is accepting donations to help with the recovery from these fires.

• The American Red Cross is accepting online donations to help those affected by the wildfires.

• The Los Angeles Unified School District provides a Family and Community Recovery Guide, school updates, and other resources for those who have been displaced due to the fires.

• The Emergency Management Department of the City of Los Angeles provides wildfire recovery resources.