Summary Stats
Phase 1: Immediate Response
Early January 7th, the Santa Ana winds sparked wildfires throughout many areas of LA County. Most devastating, the Palisades and the Eaton Fires, destroying tens of thousands of acres of land in the Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Altadena, and Pasadena. Hundreds of thousands had to evacuate, with a state of emergency being declared almost immediately. Thousands of homes and structures were destroyed, devastating entire neighbourhoods, as well as taking the lives of 31 people. Our GEM USA West team was on the ground right away, and has been supported by our GEM HQ in order to provide the most robust effort. This disaster has completely destroyed communities, and our teams are working diligently to deliver hope and support indefinitely.
BStrong Cash Card Assistance
In collaboration with BStrong, the cash card program was immediately implemented to provide evacuees with financial support. Cash cards are distributed to assist with urgent needs, such as gas, food, children’s supplies, clothing, and/or whatever else is needed most at that moment. The GEM BStrong team visited various locations throughout the area including shelters, evacuation points, and distribution sites to deliver cards. To date, over $500,000 in direct financial assistance has been provided.
Aid Distributions across LA County
GEM & BStrong have been providing Family Necessity Kits and other immediate needs for families who have been impacted by the fires. These supplies are being distributed throughout LA County in order to reach as many people as possible. We have constantly been distributing supplies such as food, water, hygiene supplies, cleaning supplies, and all other goods requested by affected families. Furthermore, larger scale distributions of phase 2 items are taking place, such as home supplies, mattresses, and other longer-term goods. GEM also has been hosting and participating in distribution events throughout the county, providing aid, resources, cash assistance, and other support to affected residents.
Short-term Housing Support
We empathize greatly with those who have lost their homes and have been displaced due to this disaster. GEM & BStrong are working closely with displaced individuals and families to provide rental assistance funding for housing support during this time. Through this initiative, hundreds of people have been provided safe and reliable long term housing.
Tool Program
Many of those who have lost everything are now being further affected by being unable to work their trades jobs due to loss of their tools. GEM supports tradespeople through this initiative by providing those who have lost their tools with all new equipment in order for them to resume their work and receive income.
SMALL BUSINESS & ARTISAN GRANT PROGRAM
In response to the many business owners, artists, and entrepreneurs in Los Angeles County that had this livelihoods destroyed, GEM has implemented it’s Small Business grant program. This program assists those who lost their businesses with financial support to be able to restart their work, regain income, and return to their craft.
Phase 2: Long Term Assistance
Long term infrastructure is in place to support the Los Angeles community indefinitely. We have established warehouse space in LA County to properly respond to the aftermath of these fires. Our smart partnership model allows us to quickly deploy large scale aid support into the region, and will support GEM’s commitment to uplifting these communities well into the future. GEM works with partners nationwide to fill our warehouses with necessary supplies, in order to deliver the most amount of aid to the greatest number of affected residents.
Partners
