As the deadly wildfires rage in Los Angeles [1], we call on our community to support each other and take action. From residents who have lost their homes to both frontline and essential workers providing services around the clock, and to LA neighbors and loved ones, including several of our staff, experiencing deep loss, we are with you in grief and solidarity.
What we’re seeing in LA is not natural
The fires exacerbated by the winds are only a symptom of the growing climate disaster. Capitalist greed; colonization and the planting of invasive, flammable plants; and the decades-long drought and climate whiplash leading to dry conditions; militarism; all contribute to the worsening fires burning throughout LA [2 – 5].
The fires have displaced tens of thousands of LA residents, many of whom have lost their homes [6]. As we continue to see the impact of climate change in our communities, we know that communities of color, immigrant, working class, unhoused, and disabled communities continue to be left behind [7].
Today, we see 7.7 million people displaced by the climate crisis [8]. As climate refugees around the globe immigrate, the U.S. penalizes and criminalizes refugees for fleeing the disasters which the U.S. is responsible for.
We Keep Us Safe
When our governments fail to protect us, mutual aid keeps us safe. The resources that we collect, the GoFundMe’s we share, the materials we distribute, are supposed to be the government’s responsibility. While politicians and large corporations try to take credit for the immediate community response, we know that mutual aid organizations have been leading at the forefront [9]. And despite government and corporate efforts to repress, undermine, and criminalize mutual aid [10], the people have been organizing mutual aid long before the fires.
Community care is critical at this moment. So much mis/disinformation is circulating at a time when we are most vulnerable [11]. In the weeks ahead, we will continue to follow recovery efforts and call our community to action alongside local movement partners and organizers.
Below you will find a list of additional mutual aid and rapid response efforts, among many more in our wider network, that will bring comfort and essential services.
Let’s take care of each other, show up with open hearts, and remember that our solidarity is a powerful force. In this together, we rise with love, resilience, and unwavering support.
| Community Over Catastrophe | |
| Support Immigrant & Domestic Workers: Climate accelerated disasters, such as the L.A. wildfires, expose the grave health inequities of our State, with women, immigrant, and low wage workers disproportionately bearing the health and economic impacts [12]. In the wake of these fires, the absence of OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) protections means leaving women and immigrant workers vulnerable to life-threatening workplace conditions [13]. Unseen and underprotected, domestic workers often bear the brunt of the crises caused by climate accelerated disasters alongside other essential workers. The CA Relief Fund for Domestic Workers seeks to provide immediate and sustained support to domestic workers who are disproportionately affected by wildfires and the aftermath. *18MR’s community partner California Domestic Workers Coalition is leading this fund. Questions? Reach out here. | Donate to the ‘CA Relief Fund for Domestic Workers’ Today |
| Support Incarcerated Firefighters: Designate donation to “Firefighter Fund” Over 1,000 incarcerated youth and adult firefighters are at the frontlines, risking their lives to contain the spreading fire, and earning as little as $5.80 to $10.24 per day [14]. California’s continued slavery puts the lives of mostly Black, brown, Latino, and Southeast Asian men at risk – and discards them after their heroic efforts [15]. | Donate to Anti-Recidivism Coalition |
| Support Individuals & Families Displaced: Please note: if you’ve been affected by the fires and started a GFM campaign, be aware it could impact your eligibility for federal aid. Read more here. | Displaced Black Families GoFund Me Directory Displaced Filipino Families GoFundMe Links 2025 Latino LA Wildfire Survivors GFM via Latinx Therapy Displaced Disabled Folks- LA Fires Mutual Aid Directory |
| Support the People of LA: Donate to LA Mutual Aid Organizations to Sustain Long Term Mutual Aid in LA | Jtown Action & Solidarity PasadenaForAll Mask Bloc LA |
Sources:
[1] Yes, wildfires are getting worse. The history that got us to this moment
[2] One Developer’s Case for Building in a High-Risk Fire Zone
[3] More Americans Than Ever Are Living in Wildfire Areas. L.A. Is No Exception.
[4] Climate ‘whiplash’ events increasing exponentially around world
[5] ‘Literally off the charts’: LA’s critically dry conditions stun scientists as fires rage
[6] LA fire victims are suddenly thrust into an unforgiving rental housing market
[7] Fleeing the LA fires alone on a wheelchair: ‘I had to take my chances’ and What Did You Love & Lose?
[8] Displacement, disasters and climate change
[9] Mutual Aid Los Angeles Network & People’s City Council IG Post
[10] Mutual Aid and the movement to Stop Cop City & https://www.dissentmagazine.org/article/the-criminalization-of-solidarity-the-stop-cop-city-prosecutions/
[11] LAist fact checks and Debunking Six Videos and Images Spreading Gross Disinformation During L.A.’s Fires
[12] Why a just transition can’t leave women workers behind
[13] Labor Laws Have Largely Excluded Domestic Workers. A Movement Is Changing That.
[14] Incarcerated Firefighters Do Risky, Low-Pay Work. Many Say It’s The Best Job Behind Bars.
[15] In Prison, We Helped Fight Wildfires. Upon Release, We Were Handed Over to ICE.
