Agency founder and CEO Mauricio Umansky criticized state leadership and the high costs to homeowners, but offered some 'optimism' about California rebuilding in the wake of the devastating wildfires.
Thousands of Angelenos were forced to flee their homes Like a wildfire through the area. While some will be able to get home safely, others have lost everything. Several major companies, including Fox Corp., are joining the relief effort with donations of cash and services.
Here are businesses in Los Angeles that are lending a hand and how you can join the relief effort:
Credit Union of SoCal
Credit Union of Southern California is offering $1.25 million in interest-free loans to help those affected by the wildfires. The company is also donating $10,000 to CU Aid, which aims to support credit unions, their employees and their communities during times of crisis.
“We are deeply committed to supporting our neighbors during these challenging times,” the company's president and CEO, Dave Gunderson, said in a statement. “Through our financial relief program 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 charitable foundation, Helping Hands, will match all employee donations up to $5,000 through Jan. 17.
Click here For more information on loans CU of SoCal offers.
SpaceX
On Friday, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk announced that the company will deliver Free Starlink Terminal Areas affected by the Los Angeles fires.
In his announcement on his social media platform X, 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 there was “no cell service” in the area.
A firefighter battles the Palisades fire as homes burned along Pacific Coast Highway during a powerful storm on January 8, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Apu Gomes/Getty Images/Getty Images)
Airbnb
Airbnb is offering Free temporary accommodation Those in the LA area have been affected by the wildfires. The property rental platform announced Wednesday its partnership with 211 LA, a longtime Los Angeles area nonprofit.
“Stays are completely free for guests and funded by the generosity of Airbnb.org and Airbnb hosts — many of whom offer their homes for free or at a discount through Airbnb.org,” Airbnb explained.
Airbnb said in a statement that the company is also helping hosts who offer their homes by waiving service fees and providing damage protection and liability insurance with each booking.
CA prohibits cancellation, non-renewal of insurance in wildfire-affected areas
The NFL
The NFL family is pledging $5 million to help communities affected by the wildfires. The league, which has two L.A.-based teams, announced the grant, which is being “supported by individual contributions from the clubs and ownership groups of the Los Angeles Chargers, Los Angeles Rams, Minnesota Vikings, Houston Texans and the NFL Foundation.”
“We are heartbroken by the devastating loss experienced by so many in the Los Angeles area and inspired by the heroism of first responders and residents supporting 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 by emergency vehicles as embers and flames approach during the Eaton fire in Pasadena, California, on January 7, 2025. (Josh Edelson/AFP via Getty Images/Getty Images)
The Walt Disney Company
Disney has committed $15 million to wildfire relief and rebuilding efforts in Los Angeles. The organization 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 pledging to help its workers in the Los Angeles area through its Employee Relief Fund.
“Walt Disney came to Los Angeles with more than his boundless imagination, and here he chose to make his home, follow his dreams and create extraordinary stories that mean so much to so many people around the world. We are proud. In this moment of need to provide support to this resilient and vibrant community,” Disney CEO Bob Iger said in a statement.
bigoted
Popular sportswear brand Fanatics has released its “LA Strong” line of shirts featuring the logos of various teams from the Los Angeles area, including the Lakers, the Dodgers, the Rams, the 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, the Fanatics announced.
Shark Tank Star created a fundraiser for the Pacific Palisades Mobile Home Park
Verizon
Verizon is waiving domestic calls, texts and data usage for prepaid customers. Additionally, the telecommunications giant is making its stores available for free Wi-Fi and charging needs.
“Our hearts go out to all those 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 possible.”
In the statement, Keller expressed Verizon's commitment to “continue to work tirelessly to ensure reliable communications remain a lifeline for those who need them.”
Verizon announced that it has set up free Wi-Fi and charging stations for the public at various locations, saying more are on the way.
Homes burn as strong winds drive the Eaton Fire on January 7, 2025 in Pasadena, California. (David McNew/Getty Images/Getty Images)
Hooks
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 purpose, every day, and especially when disaster strikes, by feeding the human spirit,” said Kroger Chairman and CEO Rodney McMullen. “Our hearts go out to all those affected by this tragedy – especially our team of associates and their extended families – and we are grateful to the first responders working so hard to protect our community.”
CVS
CVS is redirecting calls to pharmacies closed due to the fire that are in safe areas and open The company is also helping to provide alternative delivery options for CVS specialty patients. Additionally, CVS Health is working with local organizations to provide on-the-ground support.
Fox Corporation
FOX Corporation is donating $1 million to support the American Red Cross' wildfire relief efforts. Additionally, FOX Corporation, which continues to be a partner in an annual disaster giving program, is encouraging viewers to do their part to help families affected by the devastating wildfires and in urgent need of assistance. Every donation helps the Red Cross better respond and help residents recover from this disaster.
To donate, visit GO.FOX/REDCROSS Or scan the QR code below.
Help those affected by the California wildfires 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 Aislin Murphy contributed to this report.