Numerous nonprofit organizations and mental health coalitions are offering disaster relief for members of the entertainment and music industries affected by the Los Angeles wildfires.
Officials said Thursday that they are still assessing the number of losses, but have confirmed more than 1,000 homes have burned down in the Palisades fire and roughly 1,000 more were lost to the Eaton fire. These communities are home to hundreds of musicians and independent contractors, with many of those people losing not only their lodging, but their recording studios and equipment.
To help combat the devastation, MusiCares, the nonprofit organization that is a resource to music professionals impacted by natural disasters, is providing short-term and long-term relief, including $1,500 in financial assistance and a $500 grocery card. This money can go towards evacuation and relocation costs, instrument replacement/repair, home damage, medical care, mental health services and other living needs.
Those eligible for financial aid are producers, live crew, tour bus drivers, managers, agents, A&R, makeup artists, costume designers, music video creatives and technicians, and anyone whose livelihood depends on music. Applicants must possess documentation of employment history for a minimum of five years employment in the music industry, or six commercially released recordings or videos (singles).
MusiCares also extended direct lines of communication for musicians to reach out to the MusiCares team, including phone 1-800-687-422 and email (musicaresrelief@musicares.org).
The Entertainment Community Fund has opened applications for financial relief for all performing arts and entertainment professionals. The application will ask you to upload a list of documents but the if you do not have access to these documents, you are allowed to upload a blank file.
Additionally, the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund is accepting donations and applications for musicians and music industry workers impacted in Los Angeles County and surrounding areas. Financial relief will go toward the loss of equipment, medical bills from the resulting events, and living expenses.
Grants will be issued by the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund to those who have received at least 50% of their income from the music industry for at least three years. Applicants must show proof of employment, a biography (or a resume or discography) and documentation of loss and destruction.
The Hollywood Food Coalition is hosting a community dinner on Thursday starting at 6:30 p.m. at The Salvation Army Campus on Hollywood Blvd. Food is also being provided by the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank and Food Share Ventura County (multiple locations for the latter, see here for more information).