Wildfires have swept across Sonoma, Napa, and Solano counties this week devastating entire communities and displacing thousands of people. I received a call from my dad on late Monday morning and learned that my grandmother’s house in Santa Rosa had burned to the ground the night before. Luckily, everyone got out safely — my grandma is currently in a care facility and family friends who were staying at her house evacuated and found safe haven.

My heart goes out to everyone affected by these devastating fires and I have so much gratitude for those helping with the relief efforts. If you’ve been looking for ways to help those in need, there are lots of opportunities from hosting evacuees to providing direct relief to families to donations. If there are other opportunities you’d like to share, please leave a comment below.
 

Volunteer

This comprehensive Google Doc details active volunteer needs in the area, specific evacuation site needs, donation drop-offs, and needs for transportation and housing. Or you can respond to needs for help or offer ways to volunteer on the Facebook Crisis Pages for the Tubbs Fire and Atlas Fire.

 

Provide Direct Relief

Provide relief directly to a family in need. This spreadsheet is a collection of fundraising efforts to support victims directly. Or donate directly at Go Fund Me here.

 

Donate Money

Redwood Credit Union (RCU), in partnership with RCU Community Fund, The Press Democrat, and Senator Mike McGuire, is accepting financial donations here to aid relief efforts and assist victims of the 2017 North Bay fires. 100% of your tax-deductible donations will go directly to support those affected by the fires.

 

Donate Blood

Officials at the Blood Centers of the Pacific report the Santa Rosa and Napa centers were temporarily closed due to fires, road closures, and poor air quality. All mobile blood drives in the area were also cancelled. Because of this, they say it’s extremely important for donors elsewhere to continue making and keeping their appointments. For immediate updates, follow the Blood Centers of the Pacific on social media.

 

Provide Housing

Host extra space in your home on Airbnb for evacuees and relief workers. Find out more about how to help here.

 

Relief for Displaced Animals

Donate to local animal shelters to help provide care for animals displaced by the fires.

Humane Society of Sonoma County,
Humane Society of Napa County
Yuba-Sutter SPCA

 

Local Donation Drop-Offs

There are lots of local donation drop-off points. Keep in mind that many charities prefer monetary donations. If you’re available to transport needed supplies, here is a list of specific active needs.

Nesbit Elementary is accepting donations until 2pm Friday.
Location: 500 Biddulph Way, Belmont. Drop off items at the Multi-Use Room, which is just a few steps from the parking lot when you enter off Hiller St.

Tutto Capelli is accepting donations and looking for volunteers to help sort and manage items. See their FB post for items they are looking for and to coordinate a time to volunteer.
Location: 1220 Arroyo Ave San Carlos, 94070

PJCC in Foster City is collecting items until 8am Friday morning to be delivered.
Location: 800 Foster City Blvd. Foster City, CA 94404