Resources for Parents and Kids
Talking points for parents and kids.
Talking points to help parents guide conversations with their children about the emotional impact of the fire. These discussions focus on validating feelings, rebuilding a sense of safety, and fostering resilience during uncertain times.
Resources for Families
Download entire resource list here.
Project Camp: Pop-up camps for children impacted by the Southern California wildfires
Red Cross:
Baby2Baby - Distributing emergency supplies to families in need
Santa Anita Park
Evacuees can visit the parking lot next to the race track at Santa Anita Park to find clothes, pillows, pallets of bottled water and other necessities.
The ad-hoc donation center, which was originally assembled in the Rose Bowl parking lot, also has a food station, where evacuees can get a free meal.
The center is open for pickups 7 a.m. - 11 a.m. P.T. Sunday and will be accepting donations until Sunday evening.
Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank has over 600 partner locations offering food and non-food items to evacuees, including some in areas under evacuation orders.
Evacuees can use the agency's Pantry Locator to find the bank closest to them.
World Central Kitchen
World Central Kitchen, founded by chef Jose Andres, has set up several mobile locations across Southern California, offering free hot meals to those impacted by the fires.
Santa Anita Park parking lot
5:30pm - 9pm
Jack In The Box
2125 North Windsor Ave.
Altadena
5:30pm - 10pm
St Francis School
200 Foothill Blvd.
La Cañada Flintridge
12pm - 5pm
Pasadena City College
1570 E Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena
5pm - 9pm
Arco
Fair Oaks Avenue &, E Woodbury Rd
Altadena
1pm - 5pm
Shelter and recovery
YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles
The YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles is offering emergency supplies and shelter, as well as free childcare for children of first responders, essential workers and families who have been displaced or evacuated, though there are limited spaces available. Children must be at least 4 years and 9 months old to attend the program.
The agency is also offering help replacing government documents like driver's licenses, Medi-Cal cards and CalFresh cards.
Find the closest YMCA location here.
Pet-friendly recreation centers
The Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation has turned seven recreation centers across Southern California into pet-friendly emergency shelters.
Find the closest shelter here.
FEMA Disaster Relief
Evacuees are encouraged to apply for financial disaster assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov.
Representatives from the agency will also be available at the following seven Los Angeles libraries to assist in person between 9 a.m.-5 p.m. PST Sunday and Monday:
La Cañada Flintridge Library
4545 N. Oakwood Ave.
818-790-3330
San Gabriel Library
500 S. Del Mar Ave.
626-287-0761
La Crescenta Library
2809 Foothill Blvd.
818-248-5313
Temple City Library
5939 Golden West Ave.
626-285-2136
Live Oak Library
22 W. Live Oak Ave., Arcadia
626-446-8803
West Hollywood Library
625 N. San Vicente Blvd.
310-652-5340
San Fernando Library
217 N. Maclay Ave.
818-365-6928
A full list of FEMA resources is available at FEMA.gov/disaster/4856.
Pet care
LA Animal Services
Los Angeles Animal Services has several locations providing shelter, food, crates, bowls and blankets for pets, both big and small.
Small Animals
Large Animals
Westwood Recreation Center
1350 S. Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA, 90025
Los Angeles Equestrian Center
480 Riverside Dr.
Burbank, CA, 91506
Ritchie Valens Rec Center
10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd.
Pacoima, CA, 91331
Hansen Dam Rec Centers
11770 Foothill Blvd.
Lake View Terrace, CA, 91342
Department of Animal Care and Control
LA's Department of Animal Care and Control is offering shelter to small and large animals at nine locations across Southern California. Find the full list here.
More resources - mental health, food distribution, rideshares, supplies
https://earlyedgecalifornia.org/resources-for-socal-based-families-affected-by-the-wildfires/
Books for parents and kids
These books are designed to help children process the emotional impact of losing their belongings and home to a fire. Through stories of resilience, hope, and healing, they provide a gentle way to start conversations about grief, fear, and rebuilding after loss.
“The Invisible String” by Patrice Karst
A comforting story that teaches children they are always connected to loved ones, even when separated by difficult events or loss.
“Where Can I Build My Volcano?” by Pat Zietlow Miller
A heartfelt story about a young boy whose family loses their home. It explores themes of loss, resilience, and rebuilding, emphasizing how love and family remain constant even when everything else changes.
"The Rabbit Listened" by Cori Doerrfeld
A gentle story about loss and processing big emotions, encouraging children to feel heard and supported in difficult times.
"Wherever You Are: My Love Will Find You" by Nancy Tillman
A comforting book that reassures children that love and connection remain constant, even in the face of loss and change.
"After the Fall: How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again" by Dan Santat
This story is about overcoming fear and rebuilding after a difficult experience, offering a hopeful message for children navigating loss and uncertainty.
"Once I Was Very Very Scared" by Chandra Ghosh Ippen
A trauma-informed book that helps children understand fear and resilience after scary experiences, with relatable characters who learn to feel safe again.
Where’s My House?
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wheres-my-house-lily-liu/1139110494
A list of books that can explain wildfires to children
https://www.uwlax.edu/murphylibrary/news/children-and-teen-books-on-wildfires/