Moms Helping Moms ♥

We've compiled a list of resources for those who wish to help out people affected by recent natural disasters.

Whether you're looking to donate, volunteer, or connect someone in need with vital assistance, these organizations are making a real difference. Together, we can help ease the burden for those impacted and bring hope to our fellow moms, families, and communities.

california-map-heart-logo-design-600nw-1920281813

California Wildfire Relief

  • Shelters are overwhelmed and understaffed, so financial donations are the preferred way to help from a distance.
  • If you do donate goods, organize and clearly label what's inside.
  • Give things you'd want to receive, and make sure your donations are clean, have all the parts, and fresh batteries if applicable.
  • Finding a family who is in need through GoFundMe and helping them directly is a great way to know what donations are needed and where they will go.

Places to Donate Goods

  • Westside Food Bank, 1710 22nd Street, Santa Monica, CA 90404
    • Granola bars, cereal, soups and stews with pop top cans, ready to eat meals, hygiene items, diapers and baby wipes
  • Salvation Army, 16941 Keegan Avenue, Carson, CA 90746
    • First aid kits, personal protective equipment like dust masks, work gloves, boots or helmets, bottled water or other packaged drinks, boxes, barrels, garbage bags, mops, brooms, rakes, rags and scrub brushes, batteries, flashlights or device chargers, work or rain boots, Hygiene products from soap, disinfectants, hand sanitizer or laundry detergents, infant care items such as formula, diapers, and rash cream, blankets or pillows, underwear or socks, packaged or nonperishable food items and snacks, hand tools, nails, plywood and hand tools, children entertainment from toys to books, N95 Masks
  • Koreatown Center for Community Well-Being, 433 S. Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90020
    • Basic essentials and toiletries
  • Westchester YMCA, 8015 S. Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045
    • Basic essentials and toiletries
  • Council District 11 Office, 7166 W. Manchester Avenue, Westchester, CA 90045
    • Individually wrapped items, non-perishable goods, personal hygiene products, canned goods, baby food, dog food, water and Gatorade
  • North Valley Caring Services Food Pantry, 15453 Rayen Street, North Hills, CA 91343
    • Non perishable foods, blankets, bottled water, diapers and wipes, microwaves, fresh produce – Please only drop off on Thursdays
  • It’s Bigger Than Us, 4308 Crenshaw Blvd, Los Angeles 90008
    • Men, women and children's clothing, air mattresses, bedding, toiletries, non-perishable foods
  • LA Regional Food Bank, 1734 East 41st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90058
    • Food donations

Places to Make Financial Donations*

*All of the places accepting financial donations on this list were verified by NBC and CBS news outlets.

Hurricane Helene Relief

Hurricane Helene devastated much of western NC, other parts of NC and neighboring states of Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia. South Carolina and Florida. The mountains were hit hardest, with severe flooding and landslides, leaving many communities in ruin. Even though the floodwaters have receded, western NC has a long recovery ahead. The following info comes from ncdoi.gov

Financial Donations

The North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund (NCDRF) supports people affected by Hurricane Helene. Thanks to the generosity of people near and far, the Fund was able to raise more than $16.8 million for Hurricane Helene relief efforts. Grants have gone out to more than 100 nonprofits working on the ground in western North Carolina to help people recover from the storm, thanks to NCDRF partner, the United Way of North Carolina.

The Fund has now merged its donations with the NC Community Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund and will be used to support long-term recovery and unmet needs through grants to nonprofits serving western North Carolina. To learn more or to make a monetary contribution, please visit: nccommunityfoundation.org/helene

Apply for Disaster Assistance

The fastest way to apply is through DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply through the FEMA mobile app or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a video relay service, captioned telephone service, or other communication services, please provide FEMA the specific number assigned for that service.

Shelters

Red Cross Open Shelters List

The Red Cross responds to emergencies in order to meet the urgent needs of those affected by disaster. Our focus is to ensure those impacted are provided safe shelter, food, emotional support, health services, and critical relief items. Once emergent needs are met the Red Cross works one-on-one with clients to help them plan their recovery.

SBA Disaster Loan

If your business or home suffered damage and is in a presidentially declared disaster area, you may qualify for financial help. Find out how to apply for a small business disaster loan.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers low-interest loans after a disaster. The loans can help businesses of all sizes, nonprofit organizations, and individual households. The loans can pay for: Repair or replacement of physical damages; Expenses that your business’ or homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover; Personal expenses- SBA contact center at 1-800-659-2955

Unemployment Benefits After a Disaster

Disaster unemployment assistance provides short-term income to people who are out of work due to a disaster. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply. You may qualify for disaster unemployment assistance if you:

  • Lost your job as a direct result of a presidentially declared disaster
  • Do not already receive unemployment benefits
  • Cannot reach your job because of the disaster
  • Cannot work because of a disaster-related injury

1-888-737-0259 -NC Department of Commerce, Employment Security

Road Closures

DriveNC: Check for road closures due to the storm. drivenc.gov