United Nations Association of Southern California
Presents an UPDATE Regarding Southern California Wildfires
From the Members of the United Nations Association of Southern California,
Our hearts are heavy as we witness the devastation caused by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles. The toll of this disaster is profound, and we stand in solidarity with everyone who has been affected. In times like these, the strength and compassion of our community are more vital than ever. We are heartened to see many of our members already stepping up—volunteering their time, sponsoring collections, helping at donation centers, and supporting GoFundMe pages for family, friends, and neighbors. Your actions embody the spirit of resilience and unity, and they remind us of the incredible good we can do when we come together.
For those looking to contribute further, here are meaningful ways to help:
- Donate: Extend your support to colleagues and community members by contributing to relief funds. The ReBUILD LA® Wildfire Relief Fund by Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles is helping displaced families rebuild their lives. Contributions to the California Community Foundation Wildfire Recovery Fund will go towards the most impacted and most vulnerable Angelenos who can be overlooked in traditional relief efforts. Additional organizations to donate to include the California Fire Foundation, World Central Kitchen, SoCal Fire Fund, and Pasadena Humane Society.
- Volunteer: Join disaster recovery efforts such as cleaning up homes, streets, or clearing brush to prevent future fires. Your time and dedication can be transformative for those in need. L.A. Works has compiled an ongoing list of volunteer opportunities throughout Los Angeles, learn more here. Volunteers are also needed at the LA Regional Food Bank, the Dream Center, YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles, and the American Red Cross.
- Support Sustainable Rebuilding: Get involved with initiatives like ReBUILD LA®, which focuses on creating resilient and sustainable homes. Additionally, we encourage you to attend the Green Economy Conference in Pasadena on June 25-26 to learn about innovative ways to rebuild and protect our future. Read this article to learn more about what the future of rebuilding will look like for Los Angeles.
- Educate and Prepare: Equip yourself and others with knowledge about disaster preparedness. Sharing information on how to stay safe and resilient during emergencies strengthens our community.
We’ve compiled a live Google document with additional resources and ways to help. You can access it here. Please see below for Member Highlights for other ways to support.
To everyone impacted by this disaster, we see you, we grieve with you, and we are here to support you. Together, we can rise from these ashes, united by hope and compassion, to rebuild a stronger, greener, and more resilient Los Angeles.
With deepest empathy and solidarity,
All of the UNA-USA Southern California Local Chapters:
Coachella
Inland Empire
Long Beach/South Bay
Los Angeles
Orange County
Pasadena
Pomona Valley
San Diego
San Fernando Valley
Santa Barbara
Whittier
Coachella
Inland Empire
Long Beach/South Bay
Los Angeles
Orange County
Pasadena
Pomona Valley
San Diego
San Fernando Valley
Santa Barbara
Whittier
Member Highlights
UNA Member Payal Lohia
- Lohia is organizing an animal rescue donation drive on Saturday, January 18th
- From 12-4 pm, this community event will be collecting new items to support animals
- If you are able, please bring dog food, leashes, collars, or treats
- Collections will be donated to Animal Wellness Center in Marina Del Rey, an organization that has been creating a “Free Pet Store” while taking in dogs from the fires
- More information about the event can be found here
UNA Member Cindy Chen
- Chen has organized a youth fire relief coalition, Youth for the LAnd
- She has mobilized over 30 schools and 170+ youth with the mission to rebuild Los Angeles
- There are ongoing relief efforts including links to donation centers, specific donation items needed, and an evolving community space to engage with
- More information about the coalition can be found here
UNA Member Kathy Eldon
- Eldon has been leading relief efforts with her Malibu-based advocacy organization
- Creative Visions is a proud local partner of UNA Los Angeles
- Eldon’s interview with CNN can be found here
- More information about Creative Visions can be found here
The United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA) is a movement of Americans dedicated to supporting the United Nations. With over 20,000 members (60% under the age of 26) and more than 200 chapters across the country, UNA-USA members are united in their commitment to global engagement and their belief that each of us can play a part in advancing the UN’s mission and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
