Resources for Native peoples in the Los Angeles wildfires

Many Native people on social media are sharing resources for those in the Los Angeles area regarding shelters, transportation, food, water, and more.

Below is a collection of resources for Native, Alaska Natives, or Indigenous peoples in southern California.

Email additional resources for Native peoples to any of the ICT editors below:

— Deputy Managing Editor Kevin Abourezk, kevin@ictnews.org — Northwest Bureau Chief Luna Reyna, luna@ictnews.org — Mountain Bureau Chief Kolby KickingWoman, kolby@ictnews.org

ALERTS

The Los Angeles Fire Department encourages locals to sign up for alerts on their website.

SHELTER

United American Indian Involvement, Inc. The United American Indian Involvement, Inc. posted on Instagram that employees and community members affected or evacuated by the fires can use their Temple location.

“We are providing food, water, and shelter for those in need over the next few days, as long as we have power. The shelter will remain open during the day,” the organization wrote. “If you or someone you know needs to utilize this shelter, or if you need transportation to/from the Temple shelter during the day, please reach out to (213) 804-1879.

“We will be a daytime shelter where our community can use our facilities, internet, workspace etc. We will also be providing breakfast, coffee, snacks, television, and lunch.”

List of shelters The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services has an updated list of active shelters that they are coordinating with the California Department of Social Services and local governments. Here is the list of active shelters.

AirBnB.org AirBnB.org is “providing free, temporary housing for people who have been displaced by the Los Angeles wildfires” in partnership with 211 LA, according to a news release.

FOOD

Spoon Fed Company Spoon Fed Company, owned by Jacob Spoonhunter, is “making small food care packages (on Friday, Jan. 10) to those who were effected [sic] by the fires as well as the first responders,” according to the company’s Instagram. Spoonhunter is Northern Arapaho, Navajo, and Seminole. Go to the Instagram page for any donations or email: spoonfedco@gmail.com.

Chef Stephanie Pyet DeSpain On Jan. 8, Stephanie Pyet, Prairie Band Potawatomi and winner of “Next Level Chef,” told her Instagram followers that she and other chefs will be doing a pop-up to feed community members. A plan will come out in the next few days, she said.

If anyone wants to donate, volunteer, or needs some food to eat, direct message her on Instagram or email: info@pyetsplate.com.

TRANSPORTATION

Lyft “Riders in need can use the code CAFIRERELIEF25, valid for 2 rides up to $25 each ($50 total) for 2,000 riders from now until 1/15 at 11:59 p.m.” Lyft wrote in a news release.

Uber “Uber is partnering with local authorities and first responders to help residents safely evacuate if they need to. As part of our commitment to supporting those in need, we are providing rides to designated shelters, up to $40 per trip*, for anyone who needs assistance getting to a safe place,” read Uber’s press release.

The company said they will not have service available in areas under mandatory evacuation orders.

“To redeem this offer, evacuees must apply the promo code “WILDFIRE25” in the Wallet section of the Uber app before requesting a ride to one of the designated shelters.

“For step-by-step instructions on how to apply the promo code, click here.”

TRIBE-SPECIFIC RESOURCES

Chickasaw Foundation The Chickasaw Foundation in Oklahoma said they will help Chickasaw citizens affected by the wildfires in Los Angeles.

“If you are a Chickasaw citizen affected by the wildfires, you may be eligible to receive financial assistance through the Chickasaw Nation Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund,” their Facebook post stated. “Once normal office hours resume, please call the Chickasaw Nation Oklahoma City Area Office at (405) 767-8972 for assistance.”