United Way of Greater Los Angeles Establishes Fund for Victims of Southern California Wildfires

News provided by

United Way of Greater Los Angeles

Dec 08, 2017, 19:50 ET

LOS ANGELES (PRWEB) December 08, 2017 -- Wildfires are currently devastating regions of Southern California – with hundreds of thousands of acres destroyed and people displaced – from Ventura County to San Diego.

United Way of Greater Los Angeles has set up the Southern California Wildfire Fund to help victims of these fires rebuild their lives. 100% of the donations collected through this designated fund will support long-term recovery and re-building efforts for low-income families affected by the fires. Donations can be made online at http://www.unitedwayla.org. Checks may be sent to the United Way office at 1150 S. Olive Street, Suite T500, Los Angeles, CA 90015. Please write “SoCal Wildfire Fund” in the memo line.

Funds will be allocated based on need to vetted organizations throughout Southern California that will focus on rebuilding and recovery efforts for victims affected by the fires, including United Way of Ventura County and United Way of San Diego.

“We’re devastated for the communities who have lost their homes and possessions to these wildfires and want to ensure that they get the support needed to rebuild their lives in the aftermath,” said Elise Buik, President and CEO of United Way of Greater Los Angeles. “We’re proud to see so many business, community, and civic leaders voice their support and so many individuals provide necessary items for those in need.”

If you or someone you know has been effected by the fires, individuals may connect with 2-1-1, a free 24-hour emergency hotline that links you to thousands of local health and human services resources. 2-1-1 connects you with services including, but not limited to, emergency housing, food distribution, elder services, other youth and child care issues, and other physical and mental health services.

Contact 2-1-1 by:

United Way of Ventura County has set up an exclusive Thomas Fire fund to support those in the Ventura County community affected by the wildfire. Donations can be made to the Thomas Fire Fund by texting UWVC to 41444, online at http://www.vcunitedway.org or calling 805-485-6288. Checks may be sent to the United Way office at 702 County Square Drive, Suite 100, Ventura, CA 93003. Please write “Thomas Fire Fund” in the memo.

“During this overwhelming time, we want our friends and neighbors to know that we stand united with them now more than ever before in our 72-year history serving the people of Ventura County,” said Eric Harrison, President and CEO of United Way of Ventura County. “In the days and weeks ahead, we will deploy more than $1 million that has been donated already to the United Way Thomas Fire Fund to those who have experienced devastation and heartache beyond measure.”

About United Way Greater Los Angeles:
United Way of Greater Los Angeles is a nonprofit organization fighting to end homelessness and poverty by providing students with support needed to graduate high school prepared for college and the workforce, providing housing for our homeless neighbors, and helping hard-working families become financially stable. United Way identifies the root causes of poverty and works strategically to solve them by building alliances across all sectors, funding targeted programs and advocating for change. For more information, visit http://www.unitedwayla.org.

About United Way of Ventura County:
In the aftermath of a disaster, United Way's Ventura County Volunteer Center will serve as an online, call, and walk-in center for spontaneous volunteers. The Volunteer Center will register volunteers and coordinate with the Sheriff's Office of Emergency Services to place them where they can do the most good for the community. 2-1-1 Ventura County will also be available 24/7 to register volunteers, answer questions, and connect those in need with the resources to help them. http://www.vcunitedway.org

Contact:
Devin Desjarlais
Director, Communications & Content
213-808-6479
ddesjarlais(at)unitedwayla(dot)org

Devin Desjarlais, United Way of Greater Los Angeles, http://www.unitedwayla.org, +1 (213) 808-6479, [email protected]