How You can help during the California Wildfires

Right now, there are two major wildfires burning across California.

While the current sitting president and his administration of deplorables seek to shift blame about the cause or management of these fires, the people of these neighborhoods are actively experiencing loss. As of today, 31 people have lost their lives and many more have lost homes and properties in 3 separate blazes.

• The Woolsey fire as of Sunday night, has spread to 85,500 acres and was 15% contained.
• Together with the smaller Hill fire, which spans 4,531 acres, the Woolsey fire has so far destroyed 179 structures, but fire officials say another 57,000 are threatened. The Hill fire was 75% contained as of Sunday night.
• The third fire, Northern California's Camp fire, is being hailed as the most destructive fire in California's history as well as one of the deadliest, virtually ravaged the town of Paradise, destroying thousands of homes and structures. Over 200 people are still unaccounted for.

With the massive fires occuring and the government still stalling to assist, so many of us are wondering how we can help. Well, here are a few of the most simple yet effective ways to help out:

The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation
The LAFD Foundation tweeted on Saturday requesting donations. Check out their site at supportlafd.org to help provide access to hydration backpacks for firefighters working to combat the wildfires. "Any amount of money you can spare makes a difference...".

Airbnb Open Homes Program
If your home is available to take in those fleeing from the fires, Airbnb can connect you with those in need.

Salvation Army
The Salvation Army's Del Oro Division has been working to help evacuees through the devastation by providing meals, essentials and emotional care. In addition, Southern California division of the Salvation Army is directly supporting victims of the Woolsey Fire.

Google
Google is currently collecting financial donations to help Southern California. They will be sending those donations to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, an organization that determines which organizations need it. 

Meanwhile, Facebook has teamed up with Global Giving to assist fire victims in Northern California.

American Red Cross
Visit redcross.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS to make an open ended donation or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. You can also use their website or free phone app to find an evacuation center for those in harms way.

California Volunteers
You can make a financial donation to the state of California's volunteer program. You can even specify to which fire your relief goes and you can also find out how to volunteer housing for evacuees and as well as first responders. 

NOTE:  Before you make any donations, do your research on where you're sending your money. Charity Navigator is a really helpful site during tines of crisis.