To our South Pasadena community,
As we face the profound upheaval our community is experiencing, we realize how necessary it is to come together, check in with one another, and offer assistance in any way we can. We also recognize that we can, and should, try to take a breath ourselves. The PTA Leadership at all five school sites and the Council PTA are planning events to provide opportunities to connect as neighbors and support one another during this difficult time and beyond. Below is a list of resources that we hope you will find helpful in the days ahead. Please know that we stand alongside you and we are here to help all of us heal together.
City of South Pasadena
Regularly check the City of South Pasadena Website and subscribe to the City’s social media accounts for updates. The links below will take you directly to the relevant City website pages.
The latest City press release also provides updates about the current situation, evacuation orders, water safety, power, donations, etc.
- News and Updates
Watch Duty – This app alerts you of nearby wildfires and firefighting efforts in real time.
Los Angeles County Emergency Alerts
LA County Social Services – Website for community members and community organizations looking for all types of health, human, and social services in Los Angeles County
CA Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire)
LAist Updates on LA Air Quality and Tips for Management – LAist Climate and Environment
- Community Assistance
Disaster Assistance FEMA – Federal Emergency Management Agency
Los Angeles County Department of Child Support Services – Can assist participants with child support obligations for those who lost their source of income because of the fire.
Inclusive Action – Cash assistance for “open air workers” (street vendors, landscapers, recyclers)
California Community Foundation’s Wildlife Relief Fund – Supporting longer-term recovery efforts. Its focus includes providing food and emergency medical supplies to impacted residents and their animals, as well as other aid to front-line workers.
Red Cross of Los Angeles – Shelters, feeds, and provides comfort to victims of disasters.
Americares – Health-focused relief with more than 70 partner health facilities.
The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies – Only US disability-led organization with a focused mission of equity for people with disabilities and people with access and functional needs throughout all planning, programs, services, and procedures before, during, and after disasters and emergencies
CORE – (Community Organized Relief Effort), is deploying a team to LA evacuation shelters to distribute masks, go-kits, hygiene kits, and other resources.
Pasadena Ash Out – Assistance with cleaning ash from property and home
Property Relief for Properties Impacted by A Disaster – From the LA County Assessor’s Office
Wildfire and Windstorm Resources – From the Los Angeles Aging and Disabilities Department
U-Haul – Is opening its facilities across Southern California for 30 days of free self-storage to victims. The U-Box container disaster relief program is also available to assist evacuees and affected families.
AT&T – Is offering wildfire areas unlimited data, talk, and text through Feb. 6.
T-Mobile – is offering free Wi-Fi connectivity and device charging 24/7 at the following location: T-Mobile Freemont & Huntington retail store: 1318 Huntington Dr., South Pasadena, CA 91030
- Volunteer Opportunities
In-Person Volunteer Opportunity Database – Large database. Continually updated.
YMCA South Pasadena/San Marino – Sort and distribute donated items.
No Res Gourmet – Prep, prepare, and distribute food.
Project Angel Food – Prep and deliver food.
- Donation Sites
MALAN Donation Database – Large database. Continually updated.
YMCA South Pasadena/San Marino – Check back often to see what’s currently needed.
Habitat for Humanity – Donate home goods to a ReStore location.
- Housing
AirBnB – In collaboration with 211 LA, is offering free temporary housing for residents displaced or forced to evacuate due to the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles County.
Furnished Finder – Furnished rentals 30 days or longer
Available Leases Database – Spreadsheet – check for updates
Visit Big Bear – Working with local lodging facilities and homeowners to offer discounted stays to LA County fire evacuees.
Visit Anaheim – Has a list of special hotel offers and assistance on its official website.
- Support for First Responders
California Fire Foundation – Provides emotional and financial assistance to families of fallen firefighters, firefighters, and the communities they protect.
LA Fire Department Foundation – issued a funding alert calling for donations to help cover the costs of tools and safety equipment for LAFD firefighters.
International Medical Corps – A humanitarian organization headquartered in L.A. that provides emergency medical services, is delivering relief supplies—including hygiene kits and first-aid kits—to communities affected by the fires.
- Food
World Central Kitchen – Spearheaded by chef José Andrés, has a relief team in Southern California to assist first responders and families.
LA Regional Food Bank – With the help of volunteers and a network of more than 600 partner agencies La Regional Foodbank distributes food to people experiencing nutrition insecurity across LA.
- Longterm Recovery
Team Rubicon – Disaster relief and assistance program.
California Wildfire Relief Fund – Providing food and emergency medical supplies to impacted residents and their animals, as well as other aid to front-line workers.
Beverly Hills Bar Association – Legal resources to recover, rebuild, and move forward.
- Pets and Animals
Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control – Animal rescue for animals plus food, shelter, and boarding
Pasadena Humane Society – Offering lifesaving programs and services for animals and the people who love them in the Greater Los Angeles Area
SpcaLA – Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles
Best Friends Los Angeles – The nation’s largest sanctuary for homeless animals and provides adoption, spay/neuter, and educational programs.
- Mental Health
Coping with a disaster can be difficult. You are not alone. Stress, anxiety, and depression-like symptoms are common reactions after a disaster for both children and adults. Getting help as soon as possible is the best way to protect your long-term mental health. Services are available to help you and others cope with reactions or feelings during or after a disaster. If you or someone you know is in emotional distress, please reach out now for help, do not hesitate to ask for help. 24/7support and resources are available through the Help Line at (800) 854-7771 or text “LA” to 741741 and through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Database of Pro-Bono Therapy for Los Angeles Wildfires – Large database
California Association of School Psychologists – Resources for teachers and families to support children and youth following a wildfire.
National Child Traumatic Stress Network Wildfire Resources – Provides guidance on supporting children affected by wildfire-related trauma.
BrightLife Kids – A CalHope app by Brightline providing mental health and caregiving support tailored to children aged 0-12 years old and their families. BrightLife Kids is available free of charge and can be shared as a resource to caregivers and families experiencing stress.
Soluna App – California’s mental health app designed for ages 13-25, offering emotional health resources. Completely free and confidential for California teens and young adults.
Never a Bother – Launched in 2024 by the California Department of Public Health’s Office of Suicide Prevention, this campaign aims to prevent suicide among teens and young adults in California.
Headington Institute – After a critical incident many people encounter a wide range of symptoms and feelings. This PDF addresses these symptoms and coping strategies.