Support for LAist comes from
Local and national news, NPR, things to do, food recommendations and guides to Los Angeles, Orange County and the Inland Empire
Stay Connected
Listen

Share This

Explore LA

Spa treatments, therapy, art: Free services for LA fire victims and first responders

A brown skinned woman in a purple tulle dress next to a chair that says "Zuly's face painting" in a gym. Her art supplies are in the background.
Zuly Alanis stopped by the L.A. County Arboretum to offer free face painting for youth and teens who were impacted by the Eaton Fire.
(
Courtesy of Leo Barajas
)

Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.

People from L.A. and beyond have stepped up with donations and answered calls to volunteer for fire relief causes. To check out volunteer opportunities throughout the region, go here. And here are events you can visit to support the cause.

We know the fires have been tough for the entire Los Angeles region. The following is a list of services to offer some reprieve.

Self care

Dena Strong 2 Day Hair Event
Jan. 19 and 20; 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
3035 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena

Support for LAist comes from

Hairstylists and barbers will provide braids, retwist, wash and blow dry and haircuts to those impacted by the fires. It’s free for victims, and they are accepting donations from the public to help offset the cost.

Therapy for L.A. fire victims and families
Online

More than 650 therapists are offering free sessions to victims.To start the process text (858) 722-1920 or DM @callyourfam.

Recovery session for first responders
Through Jan. 31
Pause Studios at Venice, West Hollywood, South Bay, Brentwood and Studio City

The spa chain Pause Studio is offering services like cryotherapy, sauna and compression at their locations listed above. Folks must book online and present a valid ID or badge at the studio. LADWP/PWP workers are also eligible.

Support for LAist comes from

Free eye prescription
Contact for appointment
LA Sight 11600 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles

LA Sight, a vision correction center, is providing free eye glasses or contact lens prescriptions to those who lost their homes. Email inquiry@la-sight.com to schedule an appointment.

Art and entertainment

Care Camp
Through Jan. 31
Descanso Gardens, Crescenta Valley Park, L.A. County Arboretum, Arcadia Park, Pamela Park

The L.A. County Department of Parks and Recreation is providing children and teens impacted by the fires a space for art, music and other recreational activities, including trips to local museums. Meals will be provided. Sign up here.

A brown skinned woman in a purple tulle dress next to a chair that says "Zuly's face painting" in a gym. Her art supplies are in the background.
Zuly Alanis stopped by the L.A. County Arboretum to offer free face painting for youth and teens who were impacted by the Eaton Fire. The L.A. Department of Parks and Recreation is putting a Care Camp for victims of the L.A. fires.
(
Courtesy of Leo Barajas
)
Support for LAist comes from

Free movies at Vidiots
Starting Jan. 15; during the daytime
4884 Eagle Rock Blvd., Los Angeles

Vidiots and NEON are showing up for L.A. by offering free movie screenings at Vidiots Eagle Theatre. They will also provide space with outlets, wifi and free coffee for those who need a quiet place to work. Call ahead for hours/availability (323) 474-6249

Free pottery classes at POT Gardens
Ongoing
3220 W. Jefferson Blvd., Los Angeles

POT Gardens in Mid-City is offering free pottery classes for those who lost a home or business, including domestic workers. Classes are available for those ages 5 and up, with separate classes available for youths. Fill out this form to get in contact.

Drawing of homes that were lost
Online

Artist Asher Bingham is offering free drawings for those who have lost their homes. She asks that you email a picture of the house and its address to drawinglosangeles@gmail.com. You can also submit a favorite room that’s filled with blankets, dog beds, pictures and anything else.

Support for LAist comes from

Family Portraits with TONL
Through March 2025

The photography business is offering free family portraits to those who lost photos in the fires. They ask that you fill out this form to get started.

Treats and other goodies

Free cupcakes for first responders
SusieCakes locations in L.A. region

First responders can get a free cupcake to at one of their Susie Cakes' L.A. locations.

As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.

Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.

We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.

No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.

Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.

Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.

Chip in now to fund your local journalism
A row of graphics payment types: Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay and PayPal, and  below a lock with Secure Payment text to the right
(
LAist
)

Trending on LAist