CALIFORNIA — It’s an unsettling time for Californians, especially after Governor Gavin Newsom’s statewide "Stay at Home" order.
As the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Los Angeles County increases daily, organizations across the state are struggling to keep and bring in volunteers, as well as maintain food supplies and housing for underserved communities.
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Technically, nonprofits are not considered essential businesses, so many organizations could be in danger. Here is a list of local nonprofits seeking donations, big or small.
This nationally-recognized foster care, adoption, and youth services agency needs the community’s support more than ever right now as they continue to care for more than 265 children and youth -- many who have physical or developmental disabilities. You can donate to Walden Family Services to help provide safety equipment for social workers, emergency supplies for foster youth and families. You can also donate laptops for foster youth in Walden’s transitional housing program, who must study remotely due to college campus closures.
The foster youth, severely disabled and medically fragile residents in Wayfinder Family Services' care have nowhere else to turn. Wayfinder is their home and their safe haven. From providing temporary shelter to kids removed from their homes, to group homes for disabled or medically fragile youth and adults–Wayfinder is working hard to maintain its services and protect some of the most vulnerable in the midst of COVID-19. You can donate to Wayfinder's Heroes Among Us fund to support those in need.
This 501(c)3 non-profit organization provides safe and supportive emergency housing for women and children. In the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak, the shelter is seeking additional volunteers and donations.
Los Angeles County Fire Department
On March 20, Fire Chief Ralph M. Terrazas informed the public firefighters are having trouble finding enough food to make at firehouses. The department has received generous offers by chain food companies, but is still seeking donations.
The National Domestic Workers Alliance
This organization strives to advance labor protections and working conditions for all domestic workers. According to the nonprofit's website, in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak, many in-home care workers, nannies, and house cleaners face the threat of contracting the virus. “Without access to health care, paid sick leave, or job security, they are being forced to navigate this crisis alone — without a safety net.” You can donate to the alliance to help provide immediate financial support for domestic workers.
Two urgent requests: Due to an influx of blood drive cancellations during the COVID-19 outbreak, the Red Cross has a severe blood shortage. The organization is asking all healthy individuals to donate. Second, the organization is urgently seeking volunteers to help the Red Cross, L.A. County Office of Emergency Management, and the Los Angeles Unified School District serve meals to families and students affected by school closures.
This nonprofit organization prepares and delivers healthy meals to individuals impacted by serious illness. In the midst of the national crisis, project Angel Food is asking the mayor's office for a waiver to continue making meals for its recipients.