Update on L.A. Wildfires
This powerful video captures the voices of our community members and partners on the ground in Los Angeles, sharing first-hand experiences of resilience, loss, and hope amid the devastation.
Standing In Solidarity with Los Angeles
The devastating Los Angeles wildfires—Palisades, Eaton, Hurst, and Lidia—have become the most destructive in the city’s history. Over 180,000 people have been displaced, and thousands of homes have been destroyed. Our hearts are heavy as we witness the immense loss and suffering faced by families and communities.
Preliminary reports indicate that homes and structures have been damaged “in the thousands” as fires continue to ravage the region. ShelterBox USA, headquartered in Santa Barbara, CA, has been closely monitoring the situation and maintaining communication with Rotary District 5280 as they mobilize a local response.
At the Pasadena Convention Center, now serving as an Emergency Evacuation Shelter for more than 1,000 evacuees, many families face extraordinary challenges. Most have lost everything, and many come from low-income communities with nowhere else to turn. In a gesture of solidarity, ShelterBox USA has provided our high-thermal blankets, LuminAID solar lights, and personal bags to support these families in their time of need. These items have been urgently requested by the local shelter to provide comfort and safety for people needing assistance. Today’s distributions are with our partner, Rotary in District 5280, and its District Governor in the heart of Los Angeles, Albert Hernandez.
Shelterbox USA will continue to monitor the emergency and remains in close communication with Rotary leadership from Districts 5280 and 5300, and local shelters to monitor needs and understand additional ways to assist.
A Message of Resilience
Among those deeply affected by the wildfires is Rene Amy, a long-time ShelterBox USA Ambassador and devoted supporter of our mission. The Eaton fire completely destroyed his home in Altadena, leaving nothing but ash. His loss is a poignant reminder of the devastating toll these wildfires have taken. Reflecting on his experience, Rene shared:
I would never in a million years have expected to be a disaster victim, but now I am. I now know what the worst day in one’s life can actually be like. The best thing about all this is seeing people come together and help each other.”
Remarkably, despite his own loss, Rene joined ShelterBox staff and Rotary partners at the Pasadena Convention Center—now home to 1,000 evacuees—helping coordinate the distribution of essential relief items. His resilience and dedication exemplify the strength of community in the face of adversity.
support our global work
Your donation will help equip displaced people with emergency shelter and essential aid items following disaster or conflict situations. Donations to ShelterBox USA support our global work, wherever it is most needed.
More ways to donate:
DONOR-ADVISED FUND | STOCK GIFT
MAKE A DONATION BY MAIL:
ShelterBox USA Donations
PO Box 103299
Pasadena, CA 91189-3299
Please note that the address above is our Pasadena-based secure donation processing center.
where your donation goes
Your donation will change the lives of people in need by providing emergency shelter and essential equipment. Whether you choose to make a recurring monthly payment or a one-time donation, you will have a direct impact on the lives of people all around the world.
Use the donation form to select the amount you would like to give and how many families you would like to impact. You can also set up a recurring donation to partner with us monthly by checking the box below.
Learn about our current response efforts or about who we are as an organization.
Together, we will change lives.
$1,000 Gives a Custom ShelterPackageContains emergency shelter and essential household items a family needs to stay safe and healthy. |
$525 Gives an Emergency TentHelps a family move out of evacuation or collection centers and allows them to isolate. |
$50 Gives a Cooking SetReduces sharing between families and the chance of catching or transmitting COVID-19. |
$100 Gives a Shelter KitTarps and tools help a family repair and expand their home to safely social distance. |
$30 Gives Solar LightGives a family light after dark to be able to cook, work, wash, and more. |
$20 Gives Soap and a BasinImproves a family’s ability to maintain good hygiene and stay healthy. |
Response Team member Jodie Hurt and a local man lift supplies from a helicopter in a ShelterBox camp at Uniao Dos Palmares, Alegoas, Brazil, following flooding in 2010.
With support from ShelterBox, a man is able to rebuild his home on the island of Dominica in 2018.
OTHER WAYS TO GIVE:
To make a gift via wire transfer, ACH transfer, stock gift, or securities transfer, or if you have a question about your donation, please get in touch with us directly by phone at 805-608-2400 or email [email protected]
Donate with confidence: ShelterBox USA is a 4-Star rated charity by Charity Navigator and has received Platinum status via GuideStar. We will never share your data with third parties.
Donation Form: PDF
Fund Descriptions
Where ShelterBox Needs It Most – Provides support for ShelterBox’s most pressing needs, which include but are not limited to deployments, administration, and emergencies.
ShelterBox Emergency Response – Your donation will be used to support the most urgent responses worldwide.
ShelterBox USA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the United States and registered in the state of Florida. EIN 20-0471604. Donations to ShelterBox USA are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by U.S. law. After the transaction is processed, tax receipts for online donations are provided via email. Tax receipts for donations made by phone or mail are mailed within two to six weeks after the donation has been processed.
For disclaimers by state, please click HERE.
