MyAGMA

Resources for AGMA Members Affected by the Los Angeles Fires (and Ways to Help)

January 8, 2025

Page last updated 2:13 p.m. ET, February 26.

The heartbreaking fires in the Southern California Area have caused significant disruption and danger to our community. AGMA is committed to supporting members during this challenging time. Below is a list of resources, ways to help, and information on accessing assistance. This page will be continually updated. If you know of additional resources or have suggestions for updates, please email communications@musicalartists.org.

Message from AGMA’s Western Region Vice President and LA Opera Chorister Jennifer Wallace (January 19)

Dear Southern California Friends,

I’m reaching out because I know it has been an incredibly difficult, life-altering, and uncertain time for many of us. The devastation in our community has changed life and work in LA County in ways we are all still grappling to understand.

Since the fires began, I’ve heard stories from fellow members who have lost their homes and everything they own, escaping with only a few items in hand. Others have evacuated, unsure when, or if, they’ll be able to return or what awaits them when they do. Some residents are starting to return to their homes (even just to hopefully grab some belongings), but the uncertainty is heavy; they don’t know if their houses are just as they left them, what damage they’ll find, or what, if anything, can be salvaged. To those directly impacted, please know that you are not alone, and that AGMA, and countless other organizations, stand with you.

Southern California’s resilience and compassion have been remarkable to witness. From neighbors opening their homes to donation centers overflowing with essential supplies, the collective response has been a powerful reminder that resilience is not about denying hardship but finding ways to keep moving forward despite it. Resilience is the heartbeat of a community that refuses to give up. Through small acts of kindness and massive displays of generosity, Southern California is showing the world what it means to come together with determination and heart.

As I said, AGMA is here to support you. If you are facing hardship, I encourage you to scroll through this Resource Page for helpful resources (including information about California’s Disaster Unemployment Assistance program). Please please please look into applying to the AGMA Relief Fund, which provides emergency assistance to members in need. The Entertainment Community Fund encourages arts workers to apply for Disaster Emergency Financial Assistance through their website. If you know someone who may need this support, definitely share these resources with them. If you need to get in touch with your AGMA Staff Representative, visit this page to find their contact information.

In times like these, connection and solidarity matter more than ever. Please don’t hesitate to reach out whether you need assistance or simply want to “check in.” AGMA is here for you, and we will get through this together.

In Solidarity,

Jennifer Wallace

AGMA’s Western Region Vice President

Southern California Area Chair

LA Opera Chorister

Proud Angeleno 

Message from AGMA’s Western Region Vice President and LA Opera Chorister Jennifer Wallace (January 8)

Dear AGMA Members,

I leave you this message not only as AGMA’s Western Region Vice President and LA Opera Chorister, but as a longtime Southern California resident. The fires sweeping through Southern California are nothing short of devastating. My heart aches as we witness the destruction and upheaval caused by these relentless flames. According to the latest press conference, there is currently zero containment, and strong winds are expected to persist, exacerbating an already dire situation. Portions of Los Angeles and surrounding areas will need immense support in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

I am safe near Long Beach. However, I know that many of our AGMA colleagues and friends have been directly impacted. We have artists and staff living near Santa Monica and the Palisades fire zones and others in areas affected by the Eaton and Hurst fires who have had to evacuate and worry about their families and friends, too.

It’s a helpless feeling to be so close to this tragedy and unable to stop it; but we can help where we can. Even in the face of such adversity, I am reminded of the resilience and solidarity that defines our AGMA community. AGMA has created this resource page with ways to help and information on accessing assistance and other important resources.

This page will be updated as needed, and if you see that we are missing a critical resource, please let us know, and we will add it. Together, we will navigate this challenging time with compassion and strength.

With heartfelt concern and all my solidarity,

Jennifer Wallace

AGMA’s Western Region Vice President and LA Opera Chorister

Resources (some resources might have expired; please check directly):
Ways to Help
  • California Fire Foundation: The organization helps support victims of wildfires in California. It also supports firefighters battling wildfires and the families of fallen firefighters.
  • Canine Rescue Club: Currently only accepting volunteers and fosters within Los Angeles.
  • Salvation Army: Donations help The Salvation Army provide disaster food services for emergency responders and families in need and mobilize to serve those affected in the emergency shelters in Los Angeles, CA.
  • Wildfire Recovery Fund: Used to help with the intermediate and long-term impacts of wildfires, helping communities recover after attention has shifted away from the disasters.
  • Google Sheet of crowdfunding links for LA’s musical community
  • Resources to help those affected by the wildfires, compiled and updated by the LA Times.
AGMA Relief Fund & Entertainment Community Fund, Etc.

AGMA members affected by the fires can apply for emergency assistance through the AGMA Relief Fund.

AGMA members are also encouraged to contact the Entertainment Community Fund. They have a compiled a list of resources here.

The Sweet Relief Music Fund: accepting applications and donations. The fund is intended to help pay for destroyed music equipment, as well as any potential medical bills related to the fires.

MusiCares Disaster Relief Support 

Stay Informed
This Page Will Be Updated

We will continue to update this page as new information becomes available. If you have suggestions for additional resources or updates, please contact us at communications@musicalartists.org.

AGMA stands with our members during this difficult time. Please take care and stay safe.