We will add to this list as more resources become available. This post was last updated on January 27, 2025.

Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the devastating California wildfires, especially those feeling the emotional toll of this unprecedented crisis. We want you to know that you are not alone. 

In reply to the wildfires, ASL Now has launched a Disaster Relief Helpline specifically for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Los Angeles members seeking information in American Sign Language (ASL). This helpline connects you with the most up-to-date resources and organizations that are offering relief and support to those impacted by the wildfires. 

Along with our helpline, we’re listing essential resources to guide you during this time and to access the support you need:

ASL-Centric Resources

1. Greater Los Angeles Agency on Deafness, Inc. (GLAD) - 2222 Laverna Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90041
   • Visit their website for more information on available resources 
     • GLAD’s Instagram
     • GLAD – Emergency Disaster Preparedness
     • Tri-County GLAD – Ventura County
     • B-GLAD – Bakersfield
     • Orange County Deaf Equal Access Foundation (OC Deaf)
2. ASL Now Disaster Relief Helpline 
   • Call our helpline via VP (833) 682-7630 for information about what government assistance is available, how to obtain financial aid, and how to apply for FEMA assistance. You may use this helpline to have general resources explained in ASL. 
3. Tive Technology
   • Free Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) services for LA County residents. To access these services, email them at support@tivetechnology.com.
4. Off-The-Grid Missions 
   • Emergency hub with free, real-time, resources for those impacted by the wildfires. 
5. California Connect  
   • For communication equipment replacement due to displacement, call via phone or VP 800-806-1191 and select Option 8. 
6. CODIE’s Resource
   • CODIE
   • Shelter and resources
   • CODIE – Riverside
7. Disability and Disaster Hotline
8. Sign Language Center – Safety Signs for LA Wildfire

Evacuation and Shelter Information

Evacuation Shelters

If you are in need of a safe place, here are some key evacuation shelters available to the community: 

• Arcadia Community Center – 375 Campus Drive, Arcadia, CA 91007 
• Ritchie Valens Recreation Center – 10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Pacoima, CA 91331 
• Pan Pacific Recreation Center – 7600 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036 
• Westwood Recreation Center – 1350 Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025 
• El Camino Real Charter High School – 5440 Valley Circle Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91367 
• Pasadena Civic Center – 300 East Green Street, Pasadena, CA 91101 
• Pomona Fairplex – 1101 W McKinley Ave, Pomona, CA 91768 

Source: https://lacounty.gov/emergency/ 

Stayed Prepared

If you're staying in an evacuation zone or preparing to evacuate, here are some tips to help you stay safe: 

• Test your smoke detectors: Make sure the strobe or vibrating alert system works. 
• Check your hearing aid(s)/cochlear implant(s): Ensure they're easily accessible. 
• Carry a pre-printed card: Helpful phrases like: 
  • “I am Deaf and I use ASL to communicate. I will need an ASL interpreter.” 
  • “I need announcements written or signed.” 
  • “I cannot hear sirens or alarms.” 
• Keep your vital documents (ID, passport, birth certificates) in one easy-to-access place. 
• Keep your medications in an easily accessible place. 

Source: https://elderaffairs.org/wp-content/uploads/disaster-preparedness-and-the-deaf-community-guide.pdf 

What to Pack for Evacuations

If you’re preparing to evacuate, make sure to pack: 

• Water & non-perishable food (with utensils and a can opener) 
• Flashlight & extra batteries 
• First aid kit 
• Fire extinguisher (smaller ones designed for homes and cars are available) 
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags, toilet paper, and plastic ties for sanitation 
• Whistle (to signal for help) 
• Battery-operated or hand-crank radio 
• Printed map of your area (in case GPS isn't working) 
• Face masks (N95 or KN95 masks work best for smoke and air pollution) 
• Batteries & chargers for your devices 
• Several days' worth of clothing (including sturdy shoes, coats, pajamas, underwear, and socks) 
• Blanket or sleeping bag 
• Vital documents (ID, passport, birth certificates) 

Childcare

All YMCA locations are providing free childcare for children of first responders, essential workers, and those affected by the recent crisis, including displaced families or children unable to attend school due to closures. 

Visit YMCA Childcare  for information.

Source: https://211la.org/LA-Wildfires 

Animal Shelters 

If you need shelter for your pets, here are some animal care centers offering help for both small and large animals: 

Small Animals: 

• Agoura Animal Care Center – 29525 Agoura Rd, Agoura Hills, CA 91301 
• Baldwin Park Animal Care Center – 4275 Elton St, Baldwin Park, CA 91706 
• Carson Animal Care Center – 216 W Victoria St, Gardena, CA 90248 
• Downey Animal Care Center – 11258 Garfield Ave, Downey, CA 90242 
• Lancaster Animal Care Center – 5210 W Ave I, Lancaster, CA 93536 
• Palmdale Animal Care Center – 38550 Sierra Hwy, Palmdale, CA 93550 

Large Animals: 

• Pomona Fairplex – 1101 W McKinley Ave, Pomona, CA 91768 
• Industry Hills Expo – 16200 Temple Ave, City of Industry, CA 91744 
• Antelope Valley Fair – 2551 W Avenue H, Lancaster, CA 93536 

Source: https://lacounty.gov/emergency/ 

Government and Company Resources

Government Resource and Aid

• FEMA Resources

Companies Providing Aid

• Airbnb.org – Follow this link to register for temporary housing. 
• 211LA Wildfire Resources - Ongoing updates on the fire and organizations providing support.
• Planet Fitness - Wifi, showers, locker rooms, outlets, etc until January 15.

Restaurants Providing Free Meals

• The Infatuation
• Time Out

Transportation 

• Uber and Lyft are offering free rides to shelters and evacuation sites: 
  • Lyft: Two free rides up to $25 each. Use code: CAFIRERELIEF25. 
  • Uber: Two free rides up to $40 each. Use code: WILDFIRE25. 
• Metro: Metro fares are free until further notice
  • Service Impacts

Additional Resources

What to Donate 

If you're looking to help others, here’s a list of items in high demand: 

• Blankets 
• Sleeping bags 
• Warm clothes (hoodies, sweaters, sweatpants, socks, underwear)
• Protein bars & sustainable food  
• Bottled water (Please note, most water supplies are contaminated) 
• Diapers & baby food/formula 
• Toiletries and hygiene products 
• Monetary donations

Where to donate

• LA Food Bank 
• The LA Mission accepts new and gently used clothing: 
  • 351 S. Anderson St.(Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.) 
  • 316 Winston St. (Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) 
• YMCA at: 
  • 433 S. Vermont Ave, LA 
  • 8015 S. Sepulveda Blvd, LA 
• Bike Oven – 3706 N. Figueroa St. 
• World Central Kitchen - https://wck.org/ 

Emotional Support Resources 

Please see below for resources for emotional support and mental health help: 

• National Deaf Therapy 
• 988 (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) 
• Crisis Text Line by texting LA to 741741 
• Deaf Counseling Center 
• To join their free Support Group for Survivors of California Wildfires, see here 

Stay Informed 

For the latest updates on the wildfire situation, visit this link. 

Please feel free to share this list with anyone you know who might need it. We hope this resource list helps you and others recover from the fires. Stay safe, and don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance, including friends, family, neighbors, local organizations, support groups, and helplines. 

Together, we can make sure that everyone in our community is safe and protected.