by Torrence BRANNON Reese, MSW / Founder & CEO of FA-MLI, Inc.
In the wake of the devastating Los Angeles fires, we are faced with an unprecedented crisis. Thousands of families, already suffering from the harsh realities of homelessness, have now lost their homes, their belongings, and their sense of security.
As a community, we must go beyond the words of condolence, and fleeting gestures of prayer. We must act now, and we must act together.
This is a call to action for every one of us. From our elected officials to our faith-based communities, from business leaders to ordinary citizens, we each have a role to play in helping the victims of this disaster. We cannot wait for the government to solve this on its own—it is time for us to rise to the occasion and offer immediate support to those who are most in need.
What Can We Do?
1. For Churches and Places of Worship:
Open your doors: Faith-based organizations have historically been places of refuge during times of crisis. Churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples can transform their spaces to offer shelter and comfort to families who have nowhere to go. It’s time to become more than just a place of worship; it’s time to become a sanctuary in every sense of the word.
Organize food and clothing drives: Churches can lead efforts to gather and distribute food, clothing, and blankets to those who have been displaced. Whether it’s a warm meal or a dry pair of shoes, every contribution counts.
2. For People with Space to Share:
Open your homes: If you have the space, consider offering temporary shelter to a family or individual in need. Those with extra rooms, guesthouses, or even vacant apartments can make a real difference. It only takes a small act of kindness to turn someone’s world around.
Provide essential services: Even if you can’t offer housing, consider offering food, toiletries, or transportation. Sometimes, a small gesture can help someone regain a sense of dignity and comfort.
3. For the City of Los Angeles and Local Government:
Activate vacant spaces: There are countless abandoned buildings throughout our city. Now is the time for our local government to collaborate with private property owners and repurpose these spaces into temporary housing for those affected by the fires. Let’s make every available space count—our people need a place to stay, and we have the infrastructure to provide it.
Deploy resources to shelter and support: The city must streamline resources for immediate housing, food, and emotional support for victims. This includes ensuring emergency shelters are well-stocked, clean and well-staffed, so people have access to the resources they need right now.
4. For Businesses, Wealthy Individuals, Celebrities and Corporations:
Donate funds and resources: Wealthy individuals can make a significant impact by donating large sums to support those affected by the fire. But it doesn’t stop at the ultra-wealthy—companies of all sizes can contribute by donating products, services, and financial support to relief efforts.
Match employee donations: Businesses can help by matching donations made by employees, providing additional incentives for people to get involved. Corporate social responsibility is not just about paying lip service—it’s about real, tangible support for the community during times of need.
5. For Schools and Universities:
House displaced students and faculty: Schools and universities can offer dormitories or unused spaces to house displaced students, faculty, and their families. Many universities across the nation have opened their doors to people in times of crisis—Los Angeles schools can do the same.
Host donation drives and volunteer efforts: Schools should organize local food, water, and supplies drives. Students can volunteer their time to help distribute donations, support shelter operations, and raise awareness about the disaster.
6. For the General Public:
Donate to organizations on the ground doing the work, helping to support individuals and families who need food, shelter, and basic necessities. Your tax-deductible donations can help provide the vital services needed to restore some normalcy in the lives of these victims.
Spread the word: Share this call to action with your networks. Social media is a powerful tool—help us spread the message that we are in this together, and we can make a real difference.
7. For the Homeless:
Support those who were already homeless: Many of the people impacted by this disaster were already living on the streets, struggling in the harshest of conditions. These individuals need our collective help now more than ever. Whether it’s providing shelter, food, medical care, or job placement support, we must not forget the people who were already in desperate need before this fire.
We Are One –
The fire has exposed the fragility of our social fabric—but it also shows the power of collective action. Together, we can help rebuild the lives of the victims and give them the hope they need to rebuild. Together, we can make sure that no one is left behind.
I call on each and every one of us to rise above apathy, fear, and division. The people of Los Angeles have always been resilient, and we can be stronger than ever if we act now—united in the face of adversity.
We don’t just need thoughts and prayers—we need action., these are the moments that define who we are. Let’s save our people and ensure that no human being in Los Angeles is left without shelter.
Your support, whether financial, physical, or spiritual, can change the course of someone’s life. Together, we can be the solution.
Thank you for your generosity, commitment, and compassion.
Sincerely,
Torrence Brannon Reese (Kofi)
Founder & CEO, FA-MLI, Inc.
323-245-2133 / famlisoul@gmail.com
To support: Zelle FA-MLI, Inc , @ *famlisoul@gmail.com or 323 864.2656 or Cashapp @ $TorreBrannon (FA-MLI, Inc)
