Fire Resources

We’ve been deeply saddened to hear that some of our Head Start programs have been forced to temporarily close, and that families and staff have had to evacuate their homes. During this incredibly difficult and uncertain time, we are holding onto hope and placing our trust in the hands of our brave first responders. Our greatest concern is for the safety of all, and we are praying that both homes and buildings can be protected.

We also recognize that, for some families, the impact of these closures extends beyond displacement—many are also facing the heartbreaking reality of losing their jobs or experiencing financial instability as a result of the crisis.

If there is anything we can do to support you, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

We’ve compiled some resources, with the help of the Region 9 Head Start Association (R9HSA), Thriving Families California, and CCALA to offer as much assistance as we can during this crisis.

Our hearts are with everyone affected, and we stand ready to offer support in any way we can.

-Melanee Cottrill, Executive Director, Head Start California

Disaster Relief

• Residents & businesses in evacuation zones can apply NOW for relief at http://disasterassistance.gov! This includes hotel costs for 2 weeks; $770 for essential personal items; and larger grants for needs like medical bills & car repairs.

• The Governor also announced California has launched CA.gov/LAfires to support wildfire survivors with resources and information detailing how to apply for federal assistance.

• Red Cross Shelters

• CalOES list of Shelters available in LA area

• Baby 2 Baby – Accepting Donations for Children impacted by the fires

• LAFD – Los Angeles Fire Dept Foundation – Brush clearing tools, hydropacks, and emergency shelter for crew

• LA Food Bank – The Los Angeles food bank service offers food to people in need

• SPCALA – Disaster Animal Response Team

• American Express Foundation Grant for disaster relief and resilience building 

• CA Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP) Grants

• Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP)

• CARESTAR Foundation Transformations & Innovations Grants

• Assistance for Home Based Providers

Get Updates

• LA Fire Updates from CA.gov

• Get CalAlerts for Your County

• Track Air Quality in Your Area

• Finding and contacting your loved ones

• Xfinity WiFi Hotspots

• Wildfires and Asbestos Exposure

State Resources

• CDSS – Child Care Bulletin 25-02 (Emergency Disaster Relief Guidance)

• Executive Order N-3-25

• Executive Order N-4-25

• State of CA Disaster Help Center

• CDE Disaster Resources web page

• 2025 LA Fires – register for federal assistance

• CDE – 2025 California Wildfire Resources

• CDE Guidance for Southern CA Wildfires

• CDE – Early Education Division Management Bulletins

• Flexibilities for California State Preschool Programs

• CalHHS Emergency Resource Guide

• CalOES Shelter Locations and Updates

• Listos California

• California Office of Emergency Services (OES)

• California Department of Social Services (CDSS)

• Community Care Licensing Regional Offices

• List of California Resource and Referral (R&R) programs

• What to do before, during and after a wildfire

Coping and Emotional Support

• Helping Children Cope with Natural Disasters

• Helping Children Cope After a Disaster (Office of Head Start)

• National Child Trauma Stress Network website

Provide Donations and Support

• R9HSA is currently accepting donations, which will be distributed directly to programs in need.

  • American Red Cross

  • Baby2Baby

  • California Community Foundation

  • California Fire Foundation

  • Center for Disaster Philanthropy

  • Convoy of Hope

  • Core (Community Organized Relief Effort)

  • Direct Relief

  • Entertainment Industry Foundation

  • Global Empowerment Mission Inc.

  • GlobalGiving

  • Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation

  • Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation

  • Los Angeles Regional Food Bank

  • Pasadena Humane

  • Save the Children

  • United Way of Ventura County

  • Ventura County Community Foundation

Friends of Head Start California affected by the LA wildfires:

• Nina Paddock (Pacific Clinics Head Start) Go Fund Me Page