Agency founder and CEO Mauricio Umansky criticizes state leadership and high costs for homeowners, but shows some ‘optimism’ about California rebuilding from wildfires devastating forests.
Thousands of Angelenos were forced to flee their homes as forest fires rage across the area. While some will be able to return home when everything is safe, others have lost everything. Several large companies, including FOX Corporation, are joining the relief efforts by donating cash and services.
Here are the businesses helping out in Los Angeles and how you can join the relief efforts:
Credit Union of SoCal
The Credit Union of Southern California is offering $1.25 million in interest-free loans to help those affected by the fires. The company is also donating $10,000 to CU Aid, which aims to support credit unions, their employees and their communities during critical times.
“We are deeply committed to supporting our neighbors during this difficult time,” company President and CEO Dave Gunderson said in a statement. “Through our financial assistance programs and our donation to CU Aid, we aim to provide immediate and meaningful assistance to those affected by the wildfires.”
Credit Union of Southern California’s charitable foundation, Helping Hands, will match all employee donations made through Jan. 17, up to $5,000.
Click here for more information on loans offered by CU of SoCal.
EspaceX
On Friday, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk announced that the company would provide free Starlink terminals to areas of Los Angeles affected by the wildfires.
In his announcement on X, his social media platform, Musk shared a clip of a Fox 11 reporter praising Starlink and saying it’s “the only reason” viewers were able to see it, as the area has “absolutely no cell service.” “.
A firefighter battles the Palisades Fire as it burns homes on Pacific Coast Highway amid a powerful windstorm, January 8, 2025, in Los Angeles, California. (Apu Gomes/Getty Images/Getty Images)
Airbnb
Airbnb is offering free temporary housing to Los Angeles area residents affected by wildfires. The property rental platform announced Wednesday its partnership with 211 LA, a long-standing Los Angeles area nonprofit.
“Stays are completely free for guests and are funded by Airbnb.org and the generosity of Airbnb hosts, many of whom offer their accommodation for free or at a discount through Airbnb.org,” Airbnb explained.
The company also helps hosts who list their accommodation by waiving service fees and offering damage protection and liability insurance with every booking, Airbnb said in a statement.
CA PROHIBITS CANCELLATION OF INSURANCE AND NON-RENEWAL IN AREAS AFFECTED BY FOREST FIRES
The NFL
The NFL Family is pledging $5 million to help communities affected by the wildfires. The league, which has two Los Angeles-based teams, announced the donation, which is “led by individual contributions from the clubs and ownership groups of the Los Angeles Chargers, Los Angeles Rams, Minnesota Vikings, Houston Texans and the NFL Foundation.
“We are heartbroken by the devastating losses suffered by so many in the Los Angeles area and are inspired by the heroism of the first responders and residents who supported their neighbors,” the NFL commissioner said. Roger Goodell, in a press release. “The NFL Family is committed to working with the Los Angeles Chargers and Los Angeles Rams to support their local communities in times of need.”
Elderly patients are quickly evacuated to emergency vehicles as embers and flames approach during the Eaton Fire in Pasadena, California, January 7, 2025. (JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)
The Walt Disney Company
Disney is committing $15 million to wildfire fighting and rebuilding efforts in Los Angeles. The company said it will support organizations including the American Red Cross, the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. Disney is also committed to helping its Los Angeles-area employees through its Employee Relief Fund.
“Walt Disney arrived in Los Angeles with little more than his boundless imagination, and it was here that he chose to settle down, pursue his dreams, and create extraordinary storytelling that means so much to so many people around the world. We are proud to provide assistance to this resilient and vibrant community in this time of need,” Disney CEO Bob Iger said in a statement.
Fanatics
Popular sportswear brand Fanatics has launched its line of “LA Strong” shirts featuring the logos of various Los Angeles area teams, including the Lakers, Dodgers, Rams, Chargers, and more. On its website, Fanatics encourages sports fans to show their “love and support for the City of Angels.” Proceeds from sales will be donated to the American Red Cross and the LA Fire Department Foundation, Fanatics announced.
SHARK TANK STAR CREATES GOFUNDME FOR PACIFIC PALISADES MOBILE HOME PARK
Verizon
Verizon is waiving domestic call, text and data usage for prepaid customers. Additionally, the telecommunications giant is making its stores available to those who need free Wi-Fi and charging.
“Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the devastating wildfires in Pacific Palisades, Pasadena and surrounding areas,” said Steven Keller, Verizon Pacific market president. “We understand how critical it is to stay connected during emergencies like these, and we are fully committed to supporting these communities, first responders and our customers in any way we can.”
In the statement, Keller expressed Verizon’s commitment to “continue to work tirelessly to ensure that reliable communications remain a lifeline to those who need them.”
Verizon said it has also rolled out free Wi-Fi and charging stations to the public at several locations, saying more are on the way.
Homes burn as powerful winds fan the Eaton Fire January 7, 2025 in Pasadena, California. (David McNew/Getty Images/Getty Images)
Kroger
Grocery giant Kroger announced that its group of companies has pledged $1 million to help wildfire victims.
“We strive to achieve our purpose, nourishing the human spirit, every day, and especially during times of disaster,” said Rodney McMullen, Kroger chairman and CEO. “Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this tragedy – especially our team of associates and their extended families – and we are grateful to the first responders who are working so hard to protect our communities.
CVS
CVS is redirecting calls to pharmacies closed due to fires to those that are in safe areas and are open. The company also offers to help arrange other delivery options for CVS specialty patients. Additionally, CVS Health works with local organizations to provide on-the-ground support.
FOX Company
FOX Corporation is donating $1 million to help the American Red Cross with its wildfire relief efforts. Additionally, FOX Corporation, which continues to be a partner in the annual Disaster Donation Program, encourages viewers to contribute alongside them to help families affected by the devastating wildfires and still in dire need of support . Each donation allows the Red Cross to better respond and help residents recover from this disaster.
To donate, visit GO.FOX/CROSS-RED or scan the QR Code below.
HELP PEOPLE AFFECTED BY CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES HERE
On Saturday, fires killed at least 11 people, destroyed more than 12,300 homes and businesses and left thousands under evacuation orders.
Yael Halon, Alex Nitzberg and Aislinn Murphy contributed to this report.
