Resources and Support Available for Members Affected by Wildfires

16 Jan 2025
southern california

As wildfires continue to affect Southern California, many members in the Los Angeles area continue to face significant challenges. During this difficult time, your union is here to offer support, resources, and guidance to help you navigate recovery efforts. 

This page provides a comprehensive list of services, including shelter locations, essential supplies, financial assistance, and safety information. Additionally, you’ll find details on volunteering, making donations, and staying updated on road closures, fire alerts, and air quality concerns.

Together, we can support one another and work toward recovery. Please explore the resources below and reach out if you or someone you know needs assistance. Your Local is here to help. For questions about available resources, contact the Western Region Office at (323) 876-0160.

If you’re looking for ways to help those affected, visit our Volunteer and Donation Opportunities section below.

Financial Assistance and Recovery Services

Additional Support & Contacts

  • Los Angeles Fires Relief and Response The IATSE has compiled a comprehensive list of available fire resources and information   
  • Zello is donating temporary housing, secure storage spaces and resources free of charge to families who have lost their homes. The partnerships with the Studios, Motion Picture and Television Fund and the broader entertainment community of Hollywood crew members, local businesses and more, highlights how Hollywood is well equipped to step up to support the community in times of great need. More info
  • We appreciate your interest, however, ENLA is not accepting food or non-food items (clothes, blankets, furniture, etc.) until needs have been assessed and we are clear about what is needed and how to provide help. For volunteer opportunities, please visit LA Works at https://www.laworks.com/2025fires
  • Emergency Network LA: Donate
  • LA Regional Food Bank: Fires Update from the LA Regional Food Bank
  • Women in Media Support Group: In this time of need, Women In Media has created a special group on the WiMLounge - their online member social connector. LOG IN, join the group, and post in the January 2025 Fires Community Support Group. 
  • Entertainment Community Fund's "Recovering Together: A Community Gathering"
    On Tuesdays from Noon - 1 pm (PST), join this online community gathering led by Entertainment Community Fund social workers for California-based entertainment professionals impacted by the ongoing California wildfires. No RSVP required. Register through the Entertainment Community Fund's client portal to access the Zoom link. Questions? Contact Chris Smith, LCSW at (323) 933-9244 ext. 422 or email western@entertainmentcommunity.org.
  • MPTF Resources: The MPTF has emergency plan in place, including emergency housing for their most frail residents if we are directed to evacuate by the Fire Department. They have been proactively reaching out to the retirees we follow regularly who are in impacted areas. The easiest and most direct way for members to get help is to call the MPTF intake line at (323) 634-3888. They are prioritizing fire-related intake calls and will be providing individualized resources

Preparedness and Emergency Resources

Essential Supplies Available at Local 80

As of January 13, Local 80 has high inventory of these supplies and anyone is welcome to come get them: Non-parishable  food, Snacks, Water, Kids toys, Dog food, Feminine products, Toiletries, Baby supplies, Baby food, Pillows, Blankets, Batteries, Reusable bottles, Towels, Bags, Luggage, Child carriers, Medicine, Stroller, First aid supplies, and Cleaning products. Pick up location: Local 80, 2520 W Olive Ave Suite 200, Burbank, CA 91505.

Evacuation & Safety Tips

What to pack in a go bag:

The “6 P’s” to Grab

  1. People and Pets
  2. Papers, phone numbers, & important documents
  3. Prescriptions, vitamins, & eyeglasses
  4. Pictures & irreplaceable memorabilia
  5. Personal computer hard drive
  6. “Plastic” (credit cards & cash)
  7. Fire Updates & Road Closures

Fire Updates/Alerts

Road Closures

Volunteer & Donation Opportunities

As members progress through the stages of recovery and rebuilding, things are moving quickly, and the list of most urgently needed items will continue to evolve. We will keep this page updated with the latest information to ensure you have the most accurate details.

Furniture/Homegoods Donations

Assist families in settling into temporary housing by partnering with the community to gather donations of home furnishings, to create a comfortable and welcoming environment as they rebuild their lives. More info

Monetary Donations

Funds to be used to purchase gift cards for IATSE members in need may be donated at the following link: Entertainment Union Emergency Relief and Assistance Fund

A list of active fundraisers for Hollywood Crew Members Affected by the SoCal fires can be found here. To avoid scams, no one should donate to a GoFundMe unless it has been verified as legitimate: Fundraisers for Hollywood Crew Members Affected by LA Fires 

Labor Community Services LA has also launched relief efforts for union members and their families. Contribute to the relief fund: Labor Community Services Donations Page

Watch Out for Scams

In times of crisis like these, some may seek to take advantage of those most vulnerable. Be careful of unlicensed contractors and public adjusters and others who may seek to defraud you. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.  Don't Get Scammed After a Disaster