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Resources in Response to the Recent Fires

Tina Payne Bryson, PhD

Tina Payne Bryson, PhD

· 4 min read

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To our community, our hearts and thoughts are with you during this time. Many of us have been impacted by the recent fires and we hope that you and your loved ones are staying safe. Below is a list of resources our team has pulled together, and we’ll work on adding additional links and supports as soon as we can.

In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer.

— Albert Camus


List of Resources for So. Cal. Fire Survivors

Evacuation Support

Stay informed about evacuations here and dial 211 or visit www.211LA.org – Airbnb and the city are offering free Airbnb stays to those evacuated. There’s an evacuation center at the Pasadena Convention Center, 300 E. Green St., Pasadena, CA 91101.

For those affected by the Eaton Fire, click here to watch the virtual community meeting hosted by the LA Fire Dept. on 1/12/2025.

And if you’ve been displaced, we love this post from Arielle Estoria. 


Emergency Mental Health Support: If you are experiencing a life threatening emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. Below are some further resources for your use in an emergency:

– National Suicide Line – 800-273-8255
– National Youth Crisis Hotline – 800-442-4673
– Crisis Text Line – text HOME to 741741, or dial 988 for 24/7 crisis support (English and Spanish available)
– Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline – 800-422-4453

You may find additional resources here:
https://www.thecenterforconnection.org/referrals-for-emergency-services


Online/In-Person Community Support


Messaging for Kids

For scripts and support in connecting with your child during this difficult time, click here. Individuals impacted by the fires can also receive a free sprite toy from Slumberkins to help children with grief processing. Email [email protected] to learn more. We even include a communication board to be used with any communication partners and may be especially beneficial for non-speaking or minimally speaking individuals when sharing about the recent wildfires. 


Temporary Childcare Support

  • LA Family Support is offering up to 3 days of child care, camps, or nannies to those affected by the fires. If you’re a parent or guardian in need of child care or camps during this difficult time, please fill out the form on this website: https://lafamilysupport.com

  • YMCA Community Response – Free childcare for first responders, essential workers, and displaced families: https://ymcala.org/community-response


FEMA Disaster Assistance

Residents and businesses in wildfire evacuation zones can apply for immediate and long-term Federal relief: https://www.disasterassistance.gov. You may also call (800) 621-3362 (FEMA). Releif can include temporary displacement assistance (hotel costsfor up to two weeks) and $770 for essential personal items; larger grants to help cover essential needs, such as medical bills, car repairs, and more.

Loyola Law School Temporary Support Clinic

From January 15 to January 17, from 12:30 – 6 pm, the Loyola Law School is putting together. commuity event to help victims complete FEMA, insurance, and loan forms at Revelation Mission Baptist Church, 855 N. Orange Grove Blvd., in Pasadena, California.


Insurance Support

Click here to download an eight-page guide from CaliClaims Law, LLP. It’s a homeowners guide to insurance and resources available to you.


National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – Greater Los Angeles County (GLAC)

Please know that NAMI GLAC’s Connect with Hope Warmline is available to you if you need someone to talk to during this difficult time for our County. Their Certified Peer Support Specialists are available Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 8 PM by phone at 818-208-1801 or via email at [email protected].

You can also consider attending one of their no-cost support groups for individuals living with mental health conditions (Connections Recovery Support Group) and for those loving someone with a mental health condition (Family Support Group). Find the dates, times, and meeting information for all of their support groups on their Calendar.


LA Times article: “How to care for your eyes, sinuses, and skin”:

https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2025-01-10/care-for-eyes-skin-sinuses-during-wildfires-los-angeles


Donation & Distribution Center

Pasadena Unified, Pasadena City College (PCC), YMCA, and Young 9 Foundation have organized a donation and distribution center to help support families affected by the fires. This Friday, January 10, and Saturday, January 11, 2025, donations will be accepted and distributed from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Pasadena City College (1570 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91106). Donation drop-off is at PCC Parking Lot 4 off of Del Mar Boulevard.Distribution pickup is at PCC Parking Lot 3 off of Hill Street.The following donated items will be accepted and distributed:

  • Clothing

  • Shoes

  • Warm outerwear

  • Blankets

  • Diapers

  • New undergarments, including underwear and socks

  • Bottled water

  • Reusable and disposable bags

All open centers are serving as evacuation sites with shelter, showers, and basic amenities. Mental health support through licensed social workers available. Emergency supply distribution. Free access to all unaffected Y facilities for displaced residents for community workspace, access to power, wifi and community support”


Tina Payne Bryson, PhD

Written by

Tina Payne Bryson, PhD

Tina Payne Bryson, PhD is the founder of The Center for Connection, a New York Times bestselling author, and a leading expert in child development and parenting.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Fire Recovery Resources

Where can I find emergency mental health support?

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911. For crisis support, you can dial 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (available in English and Spanish), text HOME to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line, or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.

Does the Center for Connection offer support for fire-affected families?

Yes. Many of our team members were personally affected by the fires, and we understand what families in our community are going through. Please reach out to us directly if you need support navigating this time.

How do I apply for FEMA disaster assistance?

You can apply online at disasterassistance.gov, call 1-800-621-FEMA, or visit a local Disaster Recovery Center. FEMA can provide assistance with temporary housing, home repairs, and other disaster-related expenses.

Are there free resources for children affected by the fires?

Yes. Several organizations are offering free community support, including virtual gatherings, grief support sessions, and in-person events. Check the resource links in this post for current offerings, and feel free to contact us for guidance on what might be the best fit for your child.

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