How you can help

Already the fire in Santa Barbara is a tragedy. People have been injured and homes have been lost. We know that already this is a disastrous event for our community, but what remains to be seen is how our community will respond. You can help your neighbors!

Volunteer

We need volunteers on the ground. Volunteer training sessions are scheduled May 8th & May 9th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Goleta Presbyterian Church, 6067 Shirrell Way, Goleta. Registration begins at 9:15 a.m. at the church. You may also stop by the Goleta Community Center to register. This training is free. For more information about this training session call 729-6885.

The Red Cross is also holding a training session for Disaster Mental Health May 8th from 8:30 a.m. to Noon at Goleta Presbyterian Church, 6067 Shirrell Way, Goleta. Those interested must be licensed Psychiatrists, Psychologists or MFTs. Bring your credentials.

All spontaneous volunteers must take a Red Cross orientation and classes in Emergency Shelter Operations and Mass Care, which will be held several times over the next few days.Call 729-6885 for details or visit sbredcross.org.

Alternatively, you can volunteer with the Foodbank or volunteer with the United Way.

Donate

Note: Beware of telemarketing scams regarding the fire. Do not give away credit card numbers without verifying the call is legitimate.

Emergency Relief

Besides donating to the Red Cross, there are other groups you may be interested in supporting with a monetary investment in our community and our neighbors.

• Direct Relief USA - Already DRI is distributing masks and will likely assist in other manners as well. 100% of your contribution goes to services they provide.
• IAFF525 Charity Fund - The city firefighters have a fund set up and 100% of donations go to either victims of the fire or to local organizations.
• SB Firefighters Alliance - While this fund is not for victims, 100% of donations go to the procurement of new firefighting equipment. Donate online here.
• United Way Jesusita Fund - The United Way has set up a long-term recovery fund. 100% of the funds raised will be used to help those affected by the fire. Donate online here.
• Unity Shoppe Disaster Relief - The Unity Shoppe needs monetary donations to purchase needed items. In kind donations also being accepted. For a list of items needed please visit their website. Fire victims can receive assistance with their immediate needs (clothing, personal care items, etc.) and also receive long term recovery assistance (such as food, household items, furniture, etc.) Donations can be made at 1236 Chapala Street, 805-965-4122 disaster@unityshoppe.org

Animal Services

A number of great organizations are assisting in the rescuing and sheltering of animals. You can send checks to the following addresses.

• Equine Evac - provides help to stranded horses. PO Box 50305, Santa Barbara, CA 93150 - (805) 892-4484
• Animal Shelter Assistance Program - just as they did in the Tea fire, ASAP is rescuing pets. P.O. Box 357, Goleta, CA 93116
• Santa Barbara Humane Society - working with others to rescue and shelter animals. 5399 Overpass Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93111
• DAWG Dog Adoption & Welfare Group - needs supplies and donations. 5480 Overpass Rd, Santa Barbara 805-681-0561

Donate services

Already a number of local businesses are offering services. Hotels are offering discounted rates, kennels are offering to provide free kenneling of dogs, and more. TechEase, a computer repair company is offering free hard drive recovery work of damaged computers. Additionally, they have opened up their offices for temporary coworking and are providing free wifi. If you have a business, consider making donations of services or space and let us know so we can add you to the site.

There are likely other ways people can help. If you are aware of additional outlets, feel free to leave them in the comments section or contact us.