Video: LA Wildfires - 1 Month Recap
One month ago, wildfires tore through Los Angeles, burning 30,000 acres and destroying 16,000+ homes and buildings. Thousands of families were forced to evacuate—many returning to nothing but ash.
In the face of devastation, GEM Bstrong sprang into action, providing critical aid to over 11,000 families and 25,000 individuals. In just one month, we’ve:
✅ Deployed 10 semi-trucks carrying 238 pallets of essential supplies
✅ Provided $435,000+ in direct cash assistance & $540,000+ in in-kind aid
✅ Delivered Family Necessity Kits, Starlinks, Solar Panels, Hygiene Kits, Air Purifiers, Pet Supplies, and more
But recovery is far from over. As emergency funding decreases, families still need stability. That’s why GEM is launching a rental assistance program to help the displaced find secure housing as they rebuild.
We remember the losses, honor the heroes, and stand with those as they rebuild their lives. Your support makes all the difference. Donate, volunteer, or spread awareness today.
🔗 To learn more, please visit the link in our bio section above. @bethennyfrankel #Bstrong #GEMMissions #LAWildfires #DisasterRelief #StrongerTogether @stableroadfoundation @jefferies #davidandnicoletepperfoundation @mindfulskatergirl
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Hurricane Helene-Milton update on our Florida efforts in partnership with @rivertampabay. As we approach the 6 month mark, here’s what we’ve done together for West Coast Floridians. -41 full size semi trucks carrying over 6 M in supplies were sent here. The River at Tampa Bay was also able to support over 18 partner churches with these supplies. They covered over 300 sq miles of Florida towns and cities. In addition, they also supported Ridge Manor in Kentucky. Through their immense networks, over 50,000 people in Florida received our aid. Special thanks to @rodneyhowardbrowne @ericgonyon @blckbwyn. #bstrong #David&NicoleTepperFoundation #smartpartnerships #hurricanehelene #hurricanemilton #florida #tampa ...
Thank you, #FleetAdvantage, for supporting our disaster preparedness efforts! Last month, the team joined us to pack five pallets of Family Necessities Kits. Disasters can strike without warning, but GEM is always ready to respond within 24 to 72 hours—thanks to the dedication of our volunteers who pack these essentials kits, ensuring they’re ready to deploy. We appreciate your support in making this possible!
To learn more about our corporate volunteering opportunities, please visit https://www.globalempowermentmission.org/volunteer/.
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A huge thank you to @iambeckyg for her unwavering support in our GEM Bstrong relief efforts for those impacted by these devastating wildfires. Your generosity and compassion make a real difference! #Gratitude #ReliefEfforts #lafires #GEM #Bstrong #community #lastrong @iamhumanityofficial @bethennyfrankel ...
Today marks one month since the devastating LA County wildfires began, causing unprecedented destruction. But from the ashes, hope rises.
Our GEM advance teams arrived immediately to assess the needs of affected communities, and we remain committed to providing long-term solutions that empower survivors as they rebuild their lives.
To date, GEM Bstrong has delivered critical aid to impacted communities, including Altadena, Pasadena, and Eaton:
11,000+ families supported
25,000+ individuals impacted
$435,000 in direct cash assistance
$540,000+ in in-kind aid distributed
In total, five semi-trucks filled with essential supplies have been distributed, including:
• Family Necessity Kits
• Clean Water
• Jackery Power Stations
• Solar Panels
• Diapers
• Starlink Internet Kits
• Pet Supplies
• Air Purifiers
• Blankets
• Hygiene Kits
Together, we continue to bring relief and hope to those in need. Learn more and find out how you can help by visiting the link in our bio.
#GEM #Bstrong #DisasterRelief #WildfireRecovery #lafires @bethennyfrankel @stableroadfoundation @edfreedman
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We met Ayca at the onset of the Türkiye 🇹🇷 earthquake in 2023. She worked hard for @globalempowermentmissionmena Türkiye and then as a fearless woman expanded our missions into countries where women are suppressed. She empowered other women by showing leadership and freedom.
She’s done this in Afghanistan, Libya, Gaza and more.
This video shows our latest mission into Syria 🇸🇾. We sent three semi trucks of aid into the newly liberated areas that are now forgotten from the news cycles. Congrats Ayça on your new expanded role as Executive Director of our GEM Türkiye chapter. #syria #türkiye @andadernegi
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Another devastating missile attack on Ukraine has resulted in at least 15 lives lost and significant damage to residential buildings and energy infrastructure across the country. In the central city of Poltava, a Russian missile struck a residential building, killing 11 people and injuring 16 others, including four children.
Our @globalempowermentmissionua team is on the ground in Poltava, assessing the damage and preparing to support affected families through our emergency window repair program.
To date, GEM HGBF replaced over 219,000 windows across Ukraine.
#ukraine #poltava #missilestrike #hgbf #gemmissions #standwithukraine
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Yesterday, our #GEM #BStrong LA branch team had the honor of supporting the incredible volunteer firefighters of Fillmore Fire Station 91—true heroes who selflessly put their lives on the line to protect their communities. These brave men and women were among the first responders to the #PalisadesFires, rushing in when others were rushing out.
Thanks to the power of Smart Partnerships, we were able to show them the gratitude they deserve. @royalcaribbean helped us purchase brand-new fire gear for 60 firefighters, ensuring they have the protection they need when facing the flames. Through @bethennyfrankel #Bstrong initiative, we provided $1,000 Bstrong Visa cards to these courageous first responders, offering direct financial relief. @stableroadfoundation stepped in to deliver additional critical supplies, and @jackeryusa provided solar generators—because even heroes need power when the lights go out.
At GEM Bstrong, we believe in doing more with less, making every dollar stretch further to create real impact. This is the power of Smart Partnerships—by uniting forces, we bring help faster, farther, and more efficiently than ever before.
To the firefighters of Fillmore Fire Station 91—we see you, we honor you, and we stand with you. Thank you for your courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to protecting others.
#GEMmissions #Bstrong #DisasterRelief #FirstResponders #Firefighters #SmartPartnerships
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Thank you to our incredible partners @avoninsider who donated 10 M in product to GEM last year and continues to support important causes in the US. @bethennyfrankel #bstrong ...
LA County Wildfires 2-Week Recap: In the wake of devastating wildfires, our GEM BStrong teams were on the ground within 48 hours, delivering immediate relief. Families have lost homes, their personal belongings, and most of all security, and stability.
We continue to distribute Family Necessity Kits, food, water, hygiene products, cleaning supplies, PPE, and more. Partnering with Chef Cat Cora, we’ve served thousands of Chef-driven prepared meals to evacuees and survivors. Through our BStrong cash card program, we’re providing financial aid for immediate essentials like gas, groceries, and clothing.
We’re still actively supporting shelters, evacuation centers, and first responders with critical supplies. To assist displaced families, we’ve launched a short-term rental assistance program, helping them in securing temporary housing. Additionally, our Tool Replacement Initiative is helping skilled workers replace lost equipment and rebuild their small businesses and livelihoods.
Recovery will take time, but we are committed to uplift and empower these communities as they rebuild their lives. To learn more and how you can help, please visit the link in our bio section above. @bethennyfrankel #BStrong @stableroadfoundation @edfreedman @jefferies @handlerich @royalcaribbean #davidnicoletepperbergfoundation
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North Carolina Update: When Hurricane Helene swept through Western North Carolina 4 months ago, it left behind widespread devastation, impacting both the lives of residents and the region’s cultural legacy. #GEM #BStrong immediately mobilized.
Since then, we’ve remained committed to supporting recovery efforts in the region. To date, 23 trucks filled with vital resources have been delivered, and over 150 Starlink kits have been distributed to rural areas and first responders to restore connectivity. Through our partnership with Airbnb.org, we provided temporary housing for displaced families. Additionally, we have completed more than 30 helicopter missions to deliver supplies and assist with evacuations. In addition, we’ve supplied 28 skilled tradespeople with new tools to rebuild their livelihoods.
One of our most meaningful initiatives has been the Small Business & Artisan Relief Fund, which helps local entrepreneurs and artists recover from the storm’s destruction. So far, we’ve awarded grants to 79 businesses, funding essential needs such as relocating, rebuilding, and replacing equipment. These grants are making a lasting difference in the WNC community.
GEM and BStrong continue to stand with the people of Western North Carolina, working tirelessly to aid in recovery and rebuilding efforts. #DavidNicoleTepperFoundation @bethennyfrankel #BStrong
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Our friend @iamginatorres stopped by the #GEM #BStrong LA Branch warehouse to highlight how Angelenos are coming together to support one another in the aftermath of the devastating LA wildfires. This is the true power of community in action.
To learn more and find out how you can help, visit the link in our bio.
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LA County Wildfires - Volunteer shifts available from 10am - 12pm and 2pm - 4pm. They can register here: https://pointapp.org/orgs/1372 @thisisabouthumanity @elsamariecollins @thisisabouthumanity @rembrandt @angeliquecabral @yaassnibbe @kaylaewell @chloebridges @iamginatorres @mindfulskatergirl @mcgilbertalistair #lacounty #wildfires #volunteer #opportunity ...
Thank you @JackeryUsa and Chelsea Freeborn for providing 50 multiple series of solar-powered generators to support crisis power deployment for first responders and fire departments on both the west and east sides. We extend our gratitude to Lane Carlson (@carlsonlane) for hands-on support in the west, facilitating solar power deployment efforts in collaboration with Topanga Fire Station 69 and surrounding areas, including Malibu, Palisades, and Topanga. #bstrong @bethennyfrankel @stableroadfoundation @jefferies #david&nicoletepper ...
Sneak peek into our GEM Bstrong operations in LA (4 days from lease) @bethennyfrankel #bstrong @stableroadfoundation @jefferies @handlerrich #lafires #lastrong #socalstrong ...
We are deeply grateful to @evalongoria for your incredible support of the fire survivors across LA County. Your presence this week brought warmth and positivity to those facing such a difficult time of loss. On behalf of GEM, @bethennyfrankel’s BStrong, and all the survivors you touched, we send you our deepest love and respect for showing up and making a difference. Thank you, Eva! #evalongoria #lawildfires @stableroadfoundation @edfreedman #davidnicoletepperfoundation @jefferies ...
Chef @catcora joined forces with #GEM #BStrong to deliver fresh, chef-driven, nutritious meals for individuals and families who lost their homes in the LA County Wildfires. Through her partnership with @cookunity she is ensuring that those affected by the wildfires have access to fresh, prepared meals.
In 2004, Cat founded @chefsforhumanity one of the first chef-driven organizations focused on disaster response, hunger relief, and nutrition education. She received the Lifetime Achievement Award and Volunteer Service Award from President Obama.
Cat’s dedication to disaster response through food underscores the power of culinary talent in times of crisis. Cat Cora is a trailblazer in the culinary world, breaking barriers as the first female Iron Chef and the first woman inducted into the Culinary Hall of Fame. #gem #bstrong #catcora #cookunity #chefsforhumanity
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Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) Founder & President, @michaelcapponi appeared on @goodmorningamerica this morning to announce a grant for these 9 families that lost everything in #Altadena, California during the LA County Wildfires last week.
GEM granted each household $15,000 ($135,000) in direct cash assistance. These funds are provided by our partners, #BStrong @bethennyfrankel & @edfreedman from @stableroadfoundation. This is just the beginning, if you would like to adopt a family and support other families please email us through our bio-link. #GEM #bstrong #socalstrong #stableroadfoundation #GMA
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In September 2024, Hurricane Helene caused extreme devastation across Western North Carolina, deeply impacting the region’s communities and its rich cultural heritage. GEM & BStrong responded immediately, and was the first organization to deliver semi-trucks full of essential supplies into Asheville.
To date, #GEM & #BStrong have sent 23 semi-trucks of aid to the area, equipped 28 tradespeople with brand-new tools, distributed over 150 Starlinks to rural communities and first responders, provided short-term housing through Airbnb.org, and conducted over 30 helicopter missions for distributions and evacuations. One of our most impactful initiatives, though, has been the Small Business & Artisan Relief Fund, which has awarded grants to dozens of local business owners and artists to help them rebuild and recover. These grants have supported needs such as relocation assistance, rebuilding and construction, purchasing new equipment, and more. So far, we’ve issued grants to 71 businesses, with additional support being awarded weekly.
GEM & BStrong remain on the ground in Western North Carolina, working diligently to empower and support all those affected by Hurricane Helene. We ❤️ these North Carolina Communities and will continue to stand with them while they recover. #DavidNicoleTepperFoundation @bethennyfrankel #BStrong
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Please take a moment and watch this video from yesterday’s distributions to support individuals and families who have lost their homes in the LA County wildfires. #GEM #BStrong successfully carried out multiple donation drives across
Los Angeles. These efforts included distributions at Pasadena Church and First Congregational Church of LA. At these locations, GEM BStrong provided Family Necessity Kits and Cash Cards to assist wildfire victims with short-term rental support. @bethennyfrankel @michaelcapponi @stableroadfoundation @edfreedman #lafires #lawildfires #losangeles A very special thanks and gratitude to @musicchanginglives for hosting this distribution. 🙏🙏
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