How Can I Help?
If you or anyone you know in our community has been impacted by the wildfires and are looking for assistance with basic needs, or would like to talk with our Pastor please email us at info@fpcsantamonica.org, or leave a message at 310.451.1303.
Give
First Pres. Santa Monica Deacon’s Fund
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- Provides direct support to individuals and families affected by the wildfires and indirect support through our mission partners like the Westside Food Bank, The People Concern, and others.
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PCUSA) Wildfire Fund
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- PDA deploys disaster spiritual care providers to support the operations of the American Red Cross.
- PDA awards emergency initial assistance grants to assist Presbyteries as they support the impacted communities. These grants are typically used in partnership with congregations serving the impacted communities.
- PDA is in touch with the Emergency Network of Los Angeles (ENLA), working to create a sense of community and focus and providing needed resources to those in need.
Donate Items
First Presbyterian Church of Santa Monica
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- Gift cards
- Non-perishable food and bottled water
- New blankets, towels, and packaged socks and underwear
- Toiletries, feminine hygiene products, and diapers
- PPP (N-95 masks and gloves)
- Pet food, crates, and supplies
Please drop off items at the front desk during the following hours:
Tuesday–Friday: 9am–3pm
(Please call to make donations outside of these hours)
PATH (People Assisting The Homeless)
PATH is working to collect donations of the following essential health and safety items:
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- N-95 masks
- Blankets
- Bottled water
- Pet food for dogs and cats
- Non-perishable food items (granola bars, travel snacks, etc.)
Drop Off Location (Monday 1/13 – Friday 1/17):
340 N Madison Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90004
Volunteer
Volunteer L.A. Works
Volunteer L.A. Works is the official agency in LA County linking people to volunteer opportunities and non-profit agencies to volunteers. To become a volunteer, sign up here.
PATH (People Assisting The Homeless)
They are in need of volunteer support at their PATH Metro Villas location (340 N Madison Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90004) next week (Monday 1/13-Friday 1/17). If you are interested and/or able to help, please reach out to PATHVolunteers@epath.org to learn more.
Additional Relief Resources / Links
Hotlines
- 911 – Life threatening emergencies
- 211 – Connects people to shelter, food, medical aid, and crisis support
- 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) – FEMA disaster helpline for federal assistance inquiries
- 1-800-985-5990 – Disaster Distress Helpline (or text TalkWithUs to 66746)
City of Santa Monica
- Latest Updates & Information
- Sign up for SMAlerts
- Our primary evacuation shelter is the Westwood Recreation Center at 1350 S Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025.
- Animal shelters are available for small animals at Agoura Animal Care Center, 29525 Agoura Rd, Agoura Hills, CA 91301 and large animals at Los Angeles Equestrian Center, 480 Riverside Drive, Burbank, CA 91506.
- Incident Information/Website
- Cal Fire evacuation maps can be viewed here
- The Emergency Response Program provides low-barrier, safe and supportive 24-hour emergency shelter services as a result of severe weather or circumstances that pose an immediate danger to unsheltered individuals.
School Closures
Latest updates on LAUSD school closures and relocations
Power Outages & Water Advisories
Insurance Claims & Recovery Tips
- Document damage with photos or videos
- Keep all receipts for expenses related to evacuation or temporary housing
- Consult the Top 10 Tips for Wildfire Claimants
- For personalized assistance, contact the California Department of Insurance Hotline at 800-927-4357
Road Closures & Transportation
- View current road closures: LA County Road Closures
- View live CalTrans traffic alert/map
- Lyft and Uber are providing free rides to individuals impacted by the California wildfires.
- Lyft Code: CARELIEF2025, for rides to and from designated relief sites.
- Uber Code: WILDFIRE25, for $40 of free rides.
Additional Resources
- Air Quality Monitoring: Stay updated with South Coast AQMD
- California Disaster Assistance: Financial aid and housing resources at Cal OES
- Mental Health Support: L.A. County Department of Mental Health
- Habitat for Humanity Resource Sign Up Sheet
- Food Resources: Los Angeles Restaurants Offering Free Meals and Relief During the 2025 Fires
Safety Tips
- Have an emergency kit ready.
- Check on loved ones who may need assistance.
- Keep roads clear to allow emergency crews to work effectively.