Agency founder and CEO Mauricio Umansky criticizes state leadership and high costs for homeowners, but offers some ‘optimism’ about California’s rebuilding after devastating wildfires.
Thousands of Angelenos were forced from their homes while forest fires rage through the area. While some will be able to go home when it is safe, others have lost everything. Several major companies, including FOX Corporation, are joining the relief effort with donations of money and services.
Here are the businesses lending a hand to Los Angeles and how you can join the relief effort:
SoCal Credit Union
Southern California Credit Union is offering $1.25 million in interest-free loans to help people affected by the wildfires. The company is also making a $10,000 donation to CU Aid, which aims to support credit unions, their employees and their communities during critical times.
“We are deeply committed to supporting our neighbors during this challenging time,” company president and CEO Dave Gunderson said in a statement. “Through our financial assistance programs and our donation to CU Aid, we aim to provide immediate and meaningful assistance to those affected by the wildfires.”
Credit Union of Southern California’s Helping Hands charitable foundation will match all employee donations through Jan. 17, up to $5,000.
Click here for more information on loans offered by CU SoCal.
SpaceX
On Friday, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk announced that the company would provide free Starlink terminals to areas of Los Angeles affected by wildfires.
In a post on X, his social media platform, Musk shared a video of a Fox 11 reporter praising Starlink, saying it was “the only reason” viewers were able to see it, since the area has “absolutely no cell service.”
A firefighter battles the Palisades Fire as homes burn on the Pacific Coast Highway amid a powerful storm on January 8, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Apu Gomes/Getty Images/Getty Images)
Airbnb
Airbnb offers free temporary accommodation to those in the LA area affected by the wildfires. The real estate rental platform announced Wednesday its partnership with 211 LA, a longtime Los Angeles-area nonprofit.
“Stays are completely free for guests and are funded by Airbnb.org and the generosity of Airbnb hosts – many of whom offer their home for free or at a discount through Airbnb.org,” explained Airbnb.
The company also helps hosts who offer their homes by waiving service fees and offering damage protection and liability insurance with every booking, Airbnb said in a statement.
CA PROHIBITS CANCELLATION AND NON-RENEWAL OF INSURANCE IN AREAS AFFECTED BY FIRE
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, which was “driven by individual club and ownership contributions from the Los Angeles Chargers, Los Angeles Rams, Minnesota Vikings, Houston Texans and the NFL Foundation.”
“We are heartbroken by the devastating losses experienced by so many people in the Los Angeles area and are inspired by the heroism 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 local communities in their time of need.”
Elderly patients are quickly evacuated to emergency vehicles as embers and flames approach during the Eaton’s fire in Pasadena, Calif., on January 7, 2025. (JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images/Getty Images)
The Walt Disney Company
Disney is allocating $15 million to aid in the fires and rebuilding of Los Angeles. The company said it will support 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 its Employee Relief Fund.
“Walt Disney came to Los Angeles with little more than his limitless imagination, and it was here that he decided to make his home, follow his dreams and create incredible storytelling that means so much to people around the world. We are proud to help this resilient and vibrant community in this time of need,” Disney CEO Bob Iger said in a statement.
Fanatics
Popular sportswear brand Fanatics has released its line of “LA Strong” t-shirts featuring the logos of various Los Angeles 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 sales will go to the American Red Cross and the LA Fire Department Foundation, Fanatics announced.
SHARK TANK STAR CREATES GOFUNDMA FOR PACIFIC PALISADES MOBILE HOME PARK
Verizon
Verizon waives domestic calling, texting and data usage for prepaid customers. In addition, the telecom giant is making its stores available to those who need free Wi-Fi and charging.
“Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the devastating wildfires in the Pacific Palisades, Pasadena and surrounding areas,” said Steven Keller, Verizon’s Pacific Market President. “We understand how critical it is to stay connected during emergencies like these and are fully committed to supporting these communities, first responders and our customers in any way we can.”
In a statement, Keller expressed Verizon’s commitment to “continuing to work tirelessly to ensure that reliable communications remain a lifeline for those who need them.”
Verizon said it has also set up free Wi-Fi and charging stations for the public at several locations, saying more are on the way.
Houses burn as strong winds fuel the Eaton Fire on January 7, 2025 in Pasadena, California. (David McNew/Getty Images/Getty Images)
Kroger
Retail giant Kroger has announced that its family of companies has pledged $1 million to help victims of the fire.
“We strive to fulfill our purpose, to feed the human spirit, every day and especially when disaster strikes,” said Rodney McMullen, president and CEO of Kroger. “Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this tragedy – especially our team of co-workers and their extended families – and we are grateful to the first responders working so hard to protect our communities.”
CVS
CVS is rerouting calls to pharmacies closed due to the fire to those that are in safe zones and are open. The company also offers assistance in arranging alternative delivery options for patients specializing in CVS. In addition, CVS Health works with local organizations to provide support on the ground.
FOX Corporation
FOX Corporation donates $1 million to help the American Red Cross fight fires. In addition, FOX Corporation, which continues to be a partner of the Annual Disaster Donation Program, encourages viewers to join them in helping families affected by the devastating wildfires who are in urgent need of assistance. Every donation better enables the Red Cross to respond and help residents recover from this disaster.
To donate, visit GO.FOX/RED CROSS or scan the QR code below.
HELP 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 put thousands under evacuation orders.
Yael Halon, Alex Nitzberg and Aislinn Murphy contributed to this report.
