IN SUPPORT OF THOSE WHO HAVE LOST THEIR HOMES IN 2018

Whether or not you are a strong believer in climate change, the reality is that the temperature of our planet has risen and that our planet is shifting, all of which is leading to consequences felt around the world.

Along with the earthquakes, hurricanes, typhoons, floods and storms that have kept countless disaster response teams overwhelmed globally, droughts have also led to severe fires that raged over many regions of California this year while corruption and violence leave quite a few others with few options but to vacate their home for a safer way of life. Many have lost or left their homes, pets, loved ones and this is just the beginning of their journey back to feeling that sense of belonging and home again.

And this is why in 2019, we will be continuing to share, encourage and support the work of thousands of volunteers who will be helping communities affected by any disaster, because the simple act of dedication and kindness to others is what Strong Humans is all about. We cannot thank everyone who has donated, supported, built efforts around, prayed and driven awareness to helping those in need around the world when disaster strikes to date, all we can do as one humanity is take better care of each other, constantly. Often as with many of these situations, people are often left in the aftermath of the initial shock and media frenzy of a disaster with the daunting task and long roads of rebuilding and recovery. This is when we need to continue to support those who face the stark realities ahead of them in any way we can and this holiday and winter season we are asking for you to consider these wonderful organizations and people to lend a hand to.

In support of the survivors of the fires in California, the refugees, the hurricanes and earthquakes, those living in poverty, in crime ridden corrupt states all over the world and communities in need everywhere, Strong Humans as a collective is here supporting an entertainment group called Rhythm Motion and their fundraising event tonight, Friday, December 14th, 2018 in Oakland's Jack London Square at 9PM. If you are in the area we hope you might stop by Brix581 and enjoy an evening with food, drinks and good music and take the time to look at this list we have gathered of solid organizations, efforts and individuals that are doing that hard work of resilient rebuilding and consider getting involved in as a volunteer and/or making a contribution whether that be $25 or $5000. Every bit of support goes a long way to helping communities and lives rebuild. 

This is a post to share some vetted and great ways to directly or indirectly support those who are in need this season without a home in California in 2018 in the wake of the recent fires during this holiday season.  

It is as we end 2018 that we invite everyone to consider the change we wish to see in the world in 2019 and lead the way in your communities as you gather with loved ones to celebrate the holidays and ring in the New Year.

This is a short list of some ongoing ways you can help those who have lost their homes over the year in this holiday season should you have the means to do so. There are plenty ore in the world, we will be sure to keep sharing! We hope you will keep caring. Thank you for being a believer of Strong Humans.

CAMP FIRE RELIEF OPTIONS

Some of the best and most expedient ways to support communities is to go direct. There are a few GoFundMe pages that have been set up on behalf of families who lost their homes in the Camp Fire and are a good way to give money directly to those who need it and allow you to choose specific ways to make a difference. Do be wary of any fraudulent campaigns as there have unfortunately been a few.

- A dear friend of ours' family has lost their home and business in the fire, this is their story: Tiffney Helgerson's Family Camp Fire GoFundMe

- Frank and Elizabeth Solors 

- Leann Ballentine

- "Paradise Fire Adopt a Family also connects survivors of the Camp Fire to people who are willing and able to offer support." - https://hellogiggles.com/news/california-wildfire-victims-camp-woolsey-fires-how-to-help/

- Idea Fab Labs Chico is an organization open to volunteers and donations that will be dedicated to building resilient infrastructure and systems in Chico.

The Idea Fabrication Laboratory is a Digital Fabrication Facility located in Chico, CA. The Idea Fab Labs facility is a 6,900 sq. ft. building, four blocks from CSU, Chico with a loading dock, multiple workspace, access to standard and high-tech tools, a large gallery, indoor and outdoor areas for group activities, and an active community of makers, designers, artists, programmers and more.

They hold an open house each Monday evening from 6:00pm-8:00pm. Stop by and check out the facilities and their art gallery which benefits the community and families in need affecting by Camp Fire.

- United Way of Northern California, is offering emergency cash grants to survivors and assisting other nonprofits in their programs to applicants that apply for aid. 

- The California Community Foundation also has a wildfire relief fund set up, and 100% of donations to the fund will be used to benefit victims of the fire.

- Direct Relief is currently providing survivors and first responders with masks, medicine, and other aid.
- To donate directly to firefighters and other first responders, you can give money to the California Fire Foundation.

WOOLSEYFIRE RELIEF OPTIONS

A dear friend and very talented rising artist, Suzy Somersall had just moved to Malibu when the fire struck and has caused her to loose everything she has ever owned except for the suitcase with art supplies she was traveling with when she was out of town. She is currently traveling the world and continuing to paint. She has more works of art and is able to create custom commissions. 

A couple ways you can help Suzy Somersall directly is to make a donation to PayPal to suz@kirakira.com and/or consider acquiring this beautiful painting or any of the works of art she creates. This beautiful 4x4 foot oil on canvas painting is titled "The Space Between" and valued at $5,000. It is the first thing she painted since the fire.

JAN. 12-13

REO Speedwagon concerts: Proceeds from two concerts will go to Ventura County Community Foundation for victims of Borderline shooting and Woolsey fire, 8 p.m. Jan. 12; 7 p.m. Jan. 13. Tickets $61 and up. Kavli Theatre at Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd. 805-449-2787. www.civicartsplaza.com

OTHER WAYS TO SUPPORT:

Airbnb: The company has expanded its Open Houses program to help displaced residents and relief workers of the Woolsey and Hill fires to Dec. 14. Program is recruiting hosts who are able to offer temporary free housing. Hosts do not have to be an existing Airbnb host to help. www.airbnb.com/woolseyfire 

Chabad Center: Accepting donations of new/great condition clothing for adults and children, children’s play items, phone chargers, gift cards, hotel/motel vouchers and toiletries. Also, a distribution center for those in need. Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. 30345 Canwood St., Agoura Hills. 818-991-0991. Email: rabbi@chabadconejo.com. www.chabadconejo.com; bit.ly/2PuMyXt

Disaster Distress Helpline: The 24-hour, seven-days a week line, sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, offers confidential, multilingual counseling for those who are experiencing psychological distress as a result of natural or man-made disasters and incidents of mass violence. 800-985-5990. Also, by Text: TalkWithUs to 66746. disasterdistress.samhsa.gov

Fire Family Foundation: Financial aid to firefighters and their families due to disasters, illness and death. Donations: www.firefamilyfoundation.org

Goldrich Kest: Fire victims may call regarding expedited access to apartments in the greater Los Angeles area. Application fees will be waived plus assistance with furniture rental companies. Call for details, 310-280-3079. View properties, goldrichkest.com/properties

Humane Society of Ventura County: Donations needed to help the society’s efforts providing shelter for displaced cats, dogs, horses and other animals. The shelter is located at 402 Bryant St., Ojai. 805-646-6505. hsvc.org

Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation: Accepting donations through the Noah’s Legacy Fund. 562-728-4610. lacountyanimals.org/way-to-give/disaster-relief
Los Angeles County Fire Department Foundation: Accepting donations. www.lacfdf.org
Los Angeles County’s information on the Woolsey Fire: Information on service centers, preparing for rain after the fire and other concerns. www.lacounty.gov/woolseyfire
SelectaBed and the Tempflow Mattress Co.: For victims who have lost their home, the business is offering up to $1000-worth of bedding to each family. Also, a free pillow to first responders. 28505 Canwood St., Suite C, Agoura Hills. Call for details, 805-379-4300. www.selectabed.com

While you are here, we wanted to share a couple other great ways to lend a hand to those in need around the world:

José Andrés founded World Central Kitchen ​https://www.worldcentralkitchen.org/ after the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti with the belief that food can be an agent of change. Since it's founding they have expanded globally and have developed into a group of chefs creating smart solutions to hunger and poverty.

Today, World Central Kitchen uses the expertise of its Chef Network to empower people to be part of the solution, with a focus on health, education, jobs, and social enterprise, to communities in need.
Some of the ways they help:

• Health: Cleaner cooking with clean cook stoves and food safety/sanitation training.
• Education: School kitchens to support feeding programs that encourage school attendance and provide a source of sustainable revenue for the school.
• Jobs: Culinary training to elevate the hospitality workforce, increase earnings, enhance quality of life, and strengthen Haiti’s economy.
• Social Enterprise: Food ventures that increase income, create jobs, and provide transferable vocational skills to low-income communities.
  
  

Since their inception, their work has affected communities in Indonesia, Tijuana, Mexico, Cambodia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Nicaragua, Zambia, and the United States.
Join them as they use the power of food to empower communities and strengthen economies.

Salvation Army: The organization works with government agencies to provide food, personal necessities and shelter to victims and first responders in the United States. Donations: bit.ly/2ROyyEy

This is just a short but vetted list from our community that we hope has been helpful as you consider ways to be there for those in need.

Hope everyone has a good night tonight and a wonderful holiday season!