Holding Our Breath: How To Help in the Wake of the LA Wildfires

Turning Helplessness Into Action

I'm writing to you today with a heavy heart in the midst of this devastating wildfire tragedy in Los Angeles. So many people are holding their breath, hoping the winds don't pick up or change direction. It's an agonizing waiting game—staring at fire maps, checking wind speeds, wondering if today is the day their home, their school, their neighborhood is in danger.

The scenes unfolding before us are heartbreaking—families losing their homes, businesses losing their livelihoods, children left without schools, and through it all, brave firefighters battling relentlessly against the flames. As I sit here in relative safety, I can't help but feel the weight of helplessness, watching others suffer and wanting desperately to help.

The impact on our community has been devastating. Entire neighborhoods have been affected—local businesses, community spaces, and the daily routines of so many, disrupted indefinitely. The path to rebuilding will be long, but our community's strength lies in how we show up for each other, now and in the months ahead.

Flashback to a more peaceful time in LA.

The other day, a trauma counselor shared something that stopped me in my tracks: "Never start a sentence with 'At least' when someone is suffering." Those two simple words, though well-intentioned, can invalidate someone's pain and shut down their ability to process grief.

"At least you got your photos out."
"At least you have insurance."
"At least you're safe."

While these statements aim to find silver linings, they can actually deepen the wound. They suggest that someone's pain isn’t justified because others might have it worse or that they should feel grateful instead of grieving. The truth is, both can exist simultaneously—gratitude for what remains and devastation for what’s lost.

In times like these, it's easy to feel powerless—but we're not. While we can't erase the devastation, we can show up in ways that make a real difference. One of the most immediate and effective ways to help is by donating to organizations that provide critical support on the ground.

How We Can Help

Here are several trusted organizations making an impact right now:

• The American Red Cross Los Angeles Region is providing emergency shelter and supplies to evacuees

• The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation is equipping our firefighters with essential resources

• The Dream Center is offering emergency housing, meals, and essential supplies to those displaced

• World Central Kitchen is serving fresh meals to evacuees and first responders

• Pasadena Humane Society is rescuing and caring for injured and displaced animals, with urgent needs for support

Another way to help is by donating directly to those in need—families who have lost their homes and small businesses fighting to recover. GoFundMe pages have been set up for many affected individuals, families and small businesses, including The Little Red Hen Coffee Shop and The Rancho Bar in Altadena and The Reel Inn, and Cholada Thai in Malibu. These aren’t just businesses -they are sources of employment and community. Now, they need our help to rebuild.

For those who want to contribute time and resources, there are many grassroots efforts making an impact. Mutual Aid LA Network has created a frequently updated resource list of ways to help, from volunteer opportunities to in-kind donations. Whether it’s dropping off supplies, offering housing, or providing meals, there are so many ways to show up.

How Small Businesses Are Giving Back

As always, small businesses are stepping up for their communities in extraordinary ways. At Pizzana, we're making dinner drops to first responders and donating all profits from this past weekend to the California Fire Foundation, along with profits from our upcoming pasta dinner with Francesco Allegro and our upcoming 90s trivia night in Silver Lake. (Click the event name to reserve)

Feeding our first responders.

A short scroll through Instagram reveals the variety of incredible ways small businesses are stepping up to help. Here’s a sampling: Flour Shop is offering free birthday cakes, La Ligne is donating cozy sweaters and pajamas to provide comfort and Anine Bing is distributing 1,000 care packages from her line.

Beyond individual efforts, local and national brands are joining forces to maximize impact. My friend Cynthia Sakai, founder of Evolve Together, has brought together a network of female founders to create a comprehensive (and ever expanding) list of small businesses offering donations, care packages, and discounts to those affected. Their efforts include everything from clothing and skincare to baby essentials and bedding.

The outpouring of support has been incredible, but we need your help getting these resources to those who need them most. If you know anyone who has lost their home or is currently evacuated, please share these resources with them. Every connection made, every resource shared, helps our community get through this crisis.

No "At Leasts" Needed

Beyond these tangible efforts, we can also show up by simply being present. No one should have to process their pain alone.

To those in our community directly affected by the fires—we see you. Your pain is valid. Your fear is valid. Your grief is valid. No "at leasts" needed.

To those watching and wondering how to help—sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is bear witness and say, "I'm here. I see you. This is hard."

XO,

candace

P.S. If you're a small business owner offering services to those affected, or if you know of additional resources, please share in the comments below. The more we spread the word, the more people we can support during this difficult time.