Less than a month ago, wildfires tore through multiple counties in southern California. In the wake of these disasters, many people have started to rebuild their lives. But not everyone is able to do that right now. Some are still recovering from the trauma of losing their homes, or loved ones, or pets. Others are struggling with the financial burden of having been affected by the fires at all.

It feels good to be able to help others who have suffered loss during these wildfires in any way possible; whether it’s donating money or time (or even just kind thoughts). There’s plenty we can do as individuals—and as a community—to support those struggling after these disasters unfolded. Here are some ways you can lend a helping hand:

Less than a month ago, wildfires tore through multiple counties in southern California.

The fires were caused by the weather and windy conditions that spread them quickly across the region. The fire started in Ventura County and then spread to Los Angeles County before jumping over three counties to Orange County. These areas are now working together to recover from their losses and rebuild what they can with help from the federal government and other organizations like Habitat for Humanity International (or HFHI).

In the wake of these disasters, many people have started to rebuild their lives.

In the wake of these disasters, many people have started to rebuild their lives. For some, this process is still ongoing and they are still in danger. For others who have lost everything, rebuilding is a long process that requires time, patience and support from family members or friends who have been affected by similar tragedies.

If you want to help out with relief efforts for those affected by recent disasters such as Hurricanes Harvey and Irma–or any other natural disaster–there are many ways that you can get involved:

• Donate money or goods (such as food) through nonprofit organizations like The American Red Cross or Save the Children USA
• Volunteer at a local shelter where displaced families are staying until they find permanent housing again

But not everyone is able to do that right now.

There are still many people who are living in shelters, hotels and temporary housing. Many others have had to move in with family or friends because they can’t find another place on their own. And some people have been forced out of their homes entirely–they’ve lost everything they own and don’t know where else to go.

Some are still recovering from the trauma of losing their homes, or loved ones, or pets.

Losing your home is a traumatic experience. If it’s happened to you, then you know what I’m talking about. Losing loved ones can be just as hard on the heart and soul as well. And when it comes to pets… well, let’s just say that we’ve all heard the saying “man’s best friend.”

There are plenty of ways that losing these things can affect someone physically: losing a house means having nowhere safe to live; losing loved ones means being alone in this world; and losing pets means having no companion left at all (or worse).

Others are struggling with the financial burden of having been affected by the fires at all.

If you’re looking to help victims, there are several organizations that accept donations.

• American Red Cross: Donate here (the organization will also provide financial assistance and other aid)
• United Way of Northern California: Donate here (the organization will use your money to help people who lost their homes rebuild)
• Yuba-Sutter Salvation Army: Donate here or call 1-800-HELPING (1-800-435-7243) if you would like your donation directed toward specific programs such as food, clothing and shelter services. You can also text “GIVE” to 41444 and follow the prompts for more information on how you can give directly through text messaging services.

It feels good to be able to help others who have suffered loss during these wildfires in any way possible.

• Donating to relief funds. If you’re not able to volunteer or donate blood, consider making a monetary donation. There are several organizations working tirelessly to help those affected by the fires, including the American Red Cross and United Way of Santa Barbara County.
• Volunteering with local agencies that assist with disaster relief efforts. If you’ve got time on your hands and want to do something other than give money or blood, this could be an option for you! There are many different ways that people can get involved in helping out–from distributing food at shelters and shelters themselves (or serving as part-time employees for them) all the way up through assisting firefighters in their efforts against wildfires themselves!

We hope that these tips have been helpful for you as you think about ways to help those affected by the southern California wildfires. There are many ways to get involved, from donating money or supplies directly to organizations like LA Animal Services or the American Red Cross (or even just sharing this article!). Whatever path you choose, know that there is always something we can do — whether it’s small or large–to help others through their hard times.