Los Angeles Wildfires: A Call for Compassion and Support

As the Los Angeles fires continue to rage, we’re receiving devastating reports from our partners, ambassadors, board members, and loved ones; stories of unimaginable loss and trauma in desperate need of human kindness. 

As the Los Angeles fires continue to rage, we’re receiving devastating reports from our partners, ambassadors, board members, and loved ones; stories of unimaginable loss and trauma in desperate need of human kindness. 

The most important immediate focus is to care for the people and communities impacted. Lives and livelihoods are being lost. Whole communities are being wiped out. Animals are desperately trying to flee. The spirit and shape of Los Angeles is forever changed. 

While the LA fires and smoke persist, one thing is clear — we can all help. In the midst of a crisis like this, the immediate needs fall under Maslow’s most basic of the hierarchy — breathing, food, water, shelter, clothing, sleep, health, safety, and security. Some will claim they don’t need help, some will not know where to turn to get the help they need. Most will feel overwhelmed by the enormity of it all. But your help can be transformative. 

So, please pause on political discourse, unplug from disinformation debates, and hold your tongues about climate policy, science, predictions, and stats, even if it is just for a few days. There are ample opportunities to move climate action forward. But first, focus on helping. Time is of the essence.

HERE’S HOW TO HELP

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT (from ecoAmerica’s research with APA from 2021 and on youth)

  1. First, understand. Know that Angelenos and those close to them will be experiencing some level of shock. Feelings will be more intense and unpredictable. The ability to concentrate and make decisions will be more difficult. News, sounds, and shifting situations may trigger anxiety and trauma responses. Relationships will be strained. People may develop physical manifestations of the stress, which can worsen pre-existing conditions like heart conditions. These symptoms may linger for months or even a year or more, particularly if they have lost their home.  Many have everything.
  2. Second, be a source of emotional support.
    • Create a safe space to mourn losses. People need time to adjust. Listen to concerns without judgment or immediate advice. Refrain from offering new information that might trigger a trauma response. 
    • Find out and share local support groups, particularly those that are led by experienced professionals. Look out for signs of PTSD, depression, or excessive alcohol or drug use, which require higher levels of care. 
    • Support people’s ability to cope with excessive stress. Offer well-balanced meals, space to try to rest, the ability to establish new routines, and if you are able, basic clothing and supplies and/or financial assistance (see below). 
    • Help parents to care for themselves so that they can in turn care for their children. Children’s mental health is closely tied to the stability of their caregivers, with lifelong implications. It is also helpful for older children to become involved in recovery efforts, to build their confidence and resilience. Support efforts to reestablish schooling for school-aged children.
    • Pay attention to marginalization. People are being displaced, potentially for the longer term, and this can come with feelings of alienation that arise naturally and from unwelcome reactions from new neighbors. Check in regularly. 
    • Offer to do something that will lift spirits. It is important to take some breaks. 
    • Encourage the delay of major life decisions related to jobs, large purchases, or relationships until the intensity of the crisis has passed.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Giving any amount helps, especially when it goes directly to those affected. The following are fundraising efforts from ecoAmerica’s health, faith, and community partners. 

Community

Faith 

Note: The AME church alone has suffered the loss of over 55 members’ homes and at least one life and nearly all denominations have lost at least one house of worship and several members’ homes. 

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