The Indo Project has watched and lived with trepidation as a large number of members of our community suffer and continue to suffer under the onslaught of incredible firestorm conditions in Southern California. Many in our community originally immigrated to the suburbs surrounding Los Angeles including the Altadena area, once a hub for Dutch dairy farmers. Our TIP hearts are heavy for all those living in the path of this disaster and we know that we need community unity now. Our combined efforts and strength are what we will carry us through this situation.
As a first step we are seeking to create a place for our community members to reach out to each other and to us, to gather together in strength. While there are many resources on the ground now providing shelter, temporary cash aid, food and services, there is nothing as comforting as a helping hand from our own people. To that end we offer two resources:
- Leave a comment on this article on the website or on our social media channels if you need help reaching out, need to connect with someone in our community, have a specific need that someone in our community can fulfill, or perhaps have a special skill set (you work or have experience in insurance and claims, you work or have experience in disaster relief, therapy or social work, you work or have experience in temporary shelter, etc.).
- Send us an email at info@theindoproject.org if you have a more private need or question.
The Indo Project also commends all those in our community out on the ground helping – the firefighters, law enforcement, first responders, national guardsmen, volunteers, and emergency and disaster relief workers (including our own Eric Morgan, former TIP board member). We are grateful to those like Michael Passage of SoCal Indos who have jumped in to help individuals like our TIP monthly donor Rudy Goutier who lost his longtime family home in Altadena. Others will need our help. Let us be strong together.
HOW TO FIND RESOURCES
Below are links to helpful resources, and we will keep sharing updates to support the community in every way possible.
Southern California offers many resources if you need help. We recommend visiting your local public library, where FEMA personnel will be stationed, and librarians can assist you in filling out forms to access immediate cash aid, obtain a FEMA number (for additional resources), and receive support on various levels. State officials have created a resource page for Californians affected by the fires, featuring guides on how to register for FEMA assistance, insurance information, and other helpful links.
The constantly evolving situation has left thousands of people with nowhere to turn. LAist (public radio station) has compiled a lengthy list of resources available to those in need, which includes information on evacuation centers for people and pets, mental health services, food access and more
WATCH DUTY – app real-time updates with map
WILDFIRE AID FUNDS
The California Fire Foundation, started by professional firefighters, provides critical support to firefighters, surviving families of fallen firefighters, and the communities they serve.
GoFundMe: Hundreds, if not thousands, of fundraisers have been started by individuals. Find all of the verified fundraisers using GoFundMe that support people impacted by the California wildfires.
Community-based grassroots organizations have launched their disaster relief efforts, from evacuation services to delivering essential supplies to victims AND frontline workers.
California Wildfire Victims without getting scammed
United Way of Greater Los Angeles Wildlife Response Fund assists with long-term recovery efforts, such as providing shelter, assistance, paying bills, and health services by donating.
The Los Angeles-based nonprofit California Community Foundation provides financial support and funds long-term recovery and assistance efforts. Their Wildfire Recovery Fund provides aid to the most marginalized and vulnerable members of the affected communities.
Our hearts are with everyone affected by the wildfires. We stand in solidarity with our friends, families, and all those in Los Angeles who have lost homes, businesses, or loved ones. To the firefighters, first responders, and compassionate Angelenos providing aid—your bravery and kindness are truly inspiring. Stay strong and stay safe!
One more resource tip from TIP’s own Eric Morgan:
https://www.cityofpasadena.net/city-manager/news/kaiser-permanente-wildfire-resource-hub-in-pasadena/
Patricia
TIP Board Secretary
More resources are being consolidated by the Los Angeles County Bar Association. See this link: https://lacba.org/?pg=emergency-resources-library. Some of you will need legal help in the recovery and the Bar Association is a good place to start.
Patricia
TIP Board Secretary
The music liturgy director, Trevor Thomson, of my church, formerly of Assumption of the Blessed Mary Virgin Church on Orange Grove in Pasadena will be giving a free concert on Sunday, January 19, 2025 at and after the 5:00 pm mass. The concert will be given with Bob Hurd in solidarity with the greater Pasadena, Alta Dena and Sierra Madre areas which were greatly affected by the Altadena fire. Here is a link to the church website for more information (scroll to the bottom of the homepage): https://www.abvmpasadena.org/.
In solidarity.
Patricia
TIP Board Secretary
Hello Southern California residents. I know many people want to help. I was linked to this google document – https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1eaSXTYlLY_spJ-_w43ac55qu6X4YtgApgRGfads3cM4/htmlview – today that contains information for volunteer opportunities in the LA area as of 1/14/2025. So if you want to help, copy and paste this link into your browser. Let us know how it goes if you are volunteering.
Patricia
TIP Board Secretary