Agency founder and CEO Mauricio Umansky criticizes the country’s leadership and high costs for homeowners, but offers some ‘hope’ about rebuilding California after the devastating wildfires.
Thousands of Angelenos have been forced to flee their homes as wildfires rage through the area. While some will be able to go home safely, others have lost everything. Many major corporations, including the FOX Corporation, participate in relief efforts with financial and service donations.
Here are businesses that are giving a hand in Los Angeles and how you can join the relief efforts:
Credit Union of SoCal
Credit Union of Southern California is offering a $1.25 million interest-free loan to help people affected by the wildfires. The company also made a $10,000 donation to CU Aid, which aims to support credit unions, their employees and their communities in times of crisis.
“We are deeply committed to supporting our neighbors during this difficult time,” company president and CEO Dave Gunderson said in a statement. “Through our financial assistance programs and our contribution to CU Aid, we aim to provide immediate and meaningful assistance to those affected by the wildfires.”
Credit Union of Southern California’s charitable foundation, Helping Hands, will match all employee donations made through January 17, up to $5,000.
Click here for more information about loans offered by CU of SoCal.
SpaceX
On Friday, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk announced that the company would provide free Starlink terminals to areas of Los Angeles affected by the wildfires.
In his announcement on X, his social media platform, Musk shared a clip of a Fox 11 reporter praising Starlink, and saying it was “the only reason” viewers were able to see him, as the area had “absolutely no cell service. .”
A firefighter battles the Palisades Fire while burning homes on Pacific Coast Highway amid a powerful storm on Jan. 8, 2025, Los Angeles, California. (Photos by Apu Gomes / Getty Images)
Airbnb
Airbnb is providing free temporary housing to those in LA affected by the wildfires. The real estate rental platform announced its partnership with 211 LA, a longtime Los Angeles nonprofit, on Wednesday.
“Stays are completely free for guests and are supported by Airbnb.org and the generosity of Airbnb hosts – many of whom offer their homes for free or at a discount through Airbnb.org,” explains Airbnb.
The company also helps hosts offering their homes by waiving service fees and offering damage protection and liability insurance for each booking, Airbnb said in a statement.
CA VALIDATES INSURANCE CANCELLATION, NOT VALID IN WILDFIRE-STRICKEN AREAS
The NFL
The NFL family is pledging $5 million to help communities affected by the wildfires. The league, which has two LA-based teams, announced the donation, “led by individual donations from clubs and ownership groups from the Los Angeles Chargers, Los Angeles Rams, Minnesota Vikings, Houston Texans and the NFL Foundation.”
“We are saddened by the great loss suffered by so many in the Los Angeles area and are moved by the bravery of first responders and residents who supported their neighbors,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. “The NFL family is committed to working with the Los Angeles Chargers and Los Angeles Rams to support their communities in their time of need.”
Elderly patients are rushed to emergency vehicles as embers and flames approach during the Eaton fire in Pasadena, Calif., on Jan. 7, 2025. (JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images/Getty Images)
The Walt Disney Company
Disney committed $15 million to wildfire relief and rebuilding efforts in Los Angeles. The company said it will be supporting organizations such as the American Red Cross, the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. Disney is also committed to helping its employees in the Los Angeles area through the Employee Assistance Fund.
“Walt Disney came to Los Angeles with little more than his limitless imagination, and it is here that he chose to make his home, pursue his dreams, and create extraordinary storytelling that means so much to so many people around the world. We are proud to provide support to this strong and healthy community in this time of need,” said Disney CEO Bob Iger said in a statement.
The zealots
Popular sports brands Fanatics has released its “LA Strong” shirt line featuring the logos of various Los Angeles area teams, including the Lakers, Dodgers, Rams, Chargers, and more. On its website, Fanatics encourages sports fans to show their “love and support for the City of Angels.” Proceeds from the sale will go to the American Red Cross and the LA Fire Department Foundation, the Fanatics announced.
SHARK TANK STAR CREATE GOFUNDME FOR PACIFIC PALISADES MOBILE HOME PARK
Verizon
Verizon waives domestic call, text, and data usage for prepaid customers. Additionally, the telecommunications giant is making its stores available for those who need free Wi-Fi and charging.
“Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the devastating wildfires in Pacific Palisades, Pasadena and surrounding areas,” said Steven Keller, Verizon’s Pacific Market President. “We understand how important it is to stay connected during emergencies like this, and we are fully committed to supporting these communities, first responders, and our customers in every way we can.”
In a statement, Keller expressed Verizon’s commitment to “continue to work tirelessly to ensure that reliable communications remain a lifeline for those in need.”
Verizon announced that it has also installed free Wi-Fi and public charging stations in many locations, and said more are on the way.
Homes burn as strong winds drive the Eaton Fire on Jan. 7, 2025, Pasadena, California. (David McNew/Getty Images/Getty Images)
Kroger
Grocery giant Kroger has announced that its family of companies has pledged $1 million to help victims of the wildfires.
“We strive to fulfill our mission, To Feed the Human Spirit, every day, and especially when disaster strikes,” said Rodney McMullen, Chairman and CEO of Kroger. “Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this tragedy – especially our team of partners and their extended families – and we thank the first responders who are working so hard to protect our communities.”
CVS
CVS is redirecting calls from pharmacies that are closed due to the fire to those that are safe and open. The company also offers to help arrange alternative delivery methods for CVS Specialty patients. Additionally, CVS Health works with local organizations to provide local support.
Company FOX CORP
FOX Corporation is donating $1 million to aid the American Red Cross’ wildfire relief efforts. Additionally, FOX Corporation, which continues to be a partner of the Disaster Giving Program of the Year, encourages viewers to donate as well to help families affected by the devastating wildfires and in urgent need of support. All donations better enable the Red Cross to respond and help residents recover from this disaster.
To donate, visit GO.FOX/REDCROSS or scan the QR Code below.
HELP THE PEOPLE AFFECTED BY THE CALIFORNIA FIRES HERE
As of Saturday, the fires have killed at least 11 people, destroyed more than 12,300 homes and businesses and left thousands under evacuation orders.
Yael Halon, Alex Nitzberg and Aislinn Murphy contributed to this report.