Black Families Displaced By California Wildfires Launch Fundraisers To Rebuild Lives

As the wildfires in Los Angeles and its surrounding areas continue to devastate residents, the Black community is rallying together to recover their losses during this difficult time. For many of these families, social media has been a lifeline, allowing these individuals to share their stories with the world and seek immediate assistance.

Since Tuesday, the Palisades and Eaton fires have left thousands of home and buildings destroyed, even claiming a few lives. The Eaton fire alone, which was intensified by Santa Ana winds, left severe damage to areas including Pasadena, Altadena, and the Los Angeles National Forest.

Altadena, more specifically, was heavily impacted by the wildfires and sticks out as a major location in need of assistance due to its rich history in Black culture. To give you a brief lesson, Altadena was known as safe haven for African-Americans during the Great Migration. At the time, Black families had limited access to housing but the community still thrived despite the challenges. Moving forward to present day, 70% of Altadena’s residents are homeowners, many of which have been passed down through generations. With that being said, these homes aren’t just a place to live but family heirlooms that are now at potentially lost forever.

As a result, many individuals have launched relief efforts via various outlets including GoFundMe. In fact, the fundraising platform has created a hub dedicated for Los Angeles wildfire relief. But, in addition to the effort, organizers have also teamed up to put together a verified list of GoFundMe accounts that belong to Black families in need of assistance.

While the road to recovery will be long and challenging for most, the constant outpour of support is not only helping families rebuild their lives, but also aiding in preserving the rich heritage of these Black communities and the legacy that was cemented years ago. If you are looking to donate to one of the families in need, check out the spreadsheet here