Agency founder and CEO Mauricio Umansky criticizes state leadership and high homeowner costs, but offers some ‘optimism’ about California’s rebuilding in the wake of devastating wildfires.
Thousands of Angelenos have been forced to flee their homes. like a wildfire raging through the area. While some will be able to go home if it is safe, others have lost everything. Many major companies, including Fox Corporation, are joining the relief efforts with cash and service donations.
Here are the businesses that are helping 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 challenging time,” company President and CEO Dave Gunderson said in a statement. “Through our financial relief programs and our donations to CU Aid, our goal is 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 up to $5,000 made through January 17.
Click here For more information about loans offered by CU of SoCal.
spacex
On Friday, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk announced that the company will provide free starlink terminal Areas affected by wildfires in Los Angeles.
In his announcement on his social media platform “There is no cell service.”
A firefighter fights the Palisades Fire as homes burn on Pacific Coast Highway amid a powerful storm on January 8, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Apu Gomes/Getty Images/Getty Images)
airbnb
Airbnb is offering free temporary accommodation For those affected by wildfires in the LA area. The property rental platform on Wednesday announced its partnership with longtime Los Angeles area nonprofit 211 LA.
“Stays are completely free for guests and are funded by Airbnb.org and the generosity of Airbnb hosts – many of whom offer their homes for free or at a discount through Airbnb.org,” Airbnb explained.
Airbnb said in a statement that the company is also helping hosts offering their homes by waiving service fees and offering damage protection and liability insurance with each booking.
CA bans insurance cancellations, non-renewals in wildfire-hit areas
nfl
The NFL family is pledging $5 million to help communities affected by the wildfires. The league, which has two L.A.-based teams, announced the donation, which is being 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 saddened by the devastating loss of so many people in the Los Angeles area and inspired by the heroism of first responders and residents who supported their neighbors,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. “The NFL family is committed to working with the Los Angeles Chargers and Los Angeles Rams to support their local communities in this time of need.”
Elderly patients are quickly transported to emergency vehicles as embers and flames emerge during the Eaton fire in Pasadena, California, on January 7, 2025. (Josh Adelson/AFP via Getty Images/Getty Images)
walt disney company
Disney is contributing $15 million to wildfire relief and reconstruction efforts in Los Angeles. The company said it will support organizations such as the American Red Cross, Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. Disney is also promising to help its employees in the Los Angeles area through its Employee Relief Fund.
“Walt Disney came to Los Angeles with little more than his limitless imagination, and it was here that he decided to make his home, pursue his dreams, and create the extraordinary story that has meant so much to so many people around the world .We are proud to provide support to this resilient and vibrant community in this moment of need,” Disney CEO Bob Iger said in a statement.
fanatics
Popular sportswear brand Fanatics has released its “LA Strong” series of shirts, which feature the logos of various teams from the Los Angeles area, including the Lakers, Dodgers, Rams, Chargers and more. On its website, Fanatics encourages sports fans to show “love and support for the City of Angels.” Fanatics announced that proceeds from sales would go to the American Red Cross and the LA Fire Department Foundation.
Shark Tank star creates GoFundMe for Pacific Palisades mobile home park
Verizon
Verizon is offering discounted domestic calls, texts and data usage for prepaid customers. Additionally, the telecom giant is making its stores available for 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, president of Verizon’s Pacific Market. “We understand how important it is to stay connected during emergencies like this, and we are fully committed to supporting these communities, first responders and our customers in every way we can.”
In the statement, Keller expressed Verizon’s commitment to “continue to work tirelessly to ensure that reliable communications remains a lifeline for those in need.”
Verizon announced that it has also deployed free Wi-Fi and charging stations to the public in several locations, and said more are to come.
On January 7, 2025, high winds caused the Eaton fire in Pasadena, California, destroying homes. (David McNew/Getty Images/Getty Images)
kroger
Grocery giant Kroger announced that its family of companies has pledged $1 million to help victims of the wildfires.
“We strive to live out our purpose of feeding the human spirit every day, and especially when disaster strikes,” said Rodney McMullen, president and CEO of Kroger. “Our hearts go out to all who are affected by this tragedy – especially our team of associates and their extended families – and we are grateful to the first responders who worked so hard to protect our communities.”
cvs
CVS is redirecting calls from pharmacies that are closed due to the fire to pharmacies that are in safe areas and are open. The company is also offering to help arrange alternative delivery options for CVS specialty patients. Additionally, CVS Health is working with local organizations to provide support on the ground.
Fox Corporation
FOX Corporation is donating $1 million to aid the American Red Cross’ wildfire relief efforts. Additionally, Fox Corporation, which remains a partner of the annual disaster giving program, is encouraging viewers to contribute with them to help families affected by the devastating wildfires and those in immediate need of assistance. Every donation enables the Red Cross to better respond and help residents recover from this disaster.
To donate visit go.fox/redcross Or scan the QR code given below.
Help those affected by the California wildfires here
By Saturday, the fires had killed at least 11 people, destroyed more than 12,300 homes and businesses and left thousands under evacuation orders.
Yael Hallon, Alex Nitzberg and Aislinn Murphy contributed to this report.
