Last week was a tough one in San Francisco. Fires around the city have left almost 100 without a home, and stupid gun violence killed a mom walking home with her kids from school. If you're looking for a way to support these families there are lots of ways to get involved, from online donation sites to drop-offs for certain needed items around the city.
22nd & Mission Fire (January 29th)
Displaced resident Mayra Alvarez, a senior at Galileo High School in SF, is accepting donations for her family via GoFundMe.
Alessandro Gonzales (featured in the video to the left) had to jump from the building to escape the flames. His sister Eyra is seeking donations via GoFundMe to help with their recovery.
Seven kids at Thomas Edison Charter Academy lost their homes in the Mission fire and the school is running a GoFundMe fundraiser for them that has raised over $8,000.
Neighbor Zack Crockett set up a GoFundMe fundraiser for the residents affected by the fire that has already raised over $100,000.
If you have physical items you want to donate Zack offered this list of places to drop things off and specific items requested:
Mission Corps Community Center (Salvation Army)
1500 Valencia Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 648-0260
Doc's Clock
2575 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 824-3627
In particular, the victims need: women's hygiene products (pads, tampons, etc), water, nonperishable food, new socks, new underwear, and clothing. There is NOT a major need for children's items at this time.
Tenderloin Fire (January 30)
There isn't a GoFundMe campaign for this (yet), but residents are getting help from the American Red Cross Bay Area chapter. You can donate to the Red Cross and request your donation stay in your local community.
Alamo Square Fire (January 31)
At least 25 people lost their homes in this fire but thankfully no one died. The Alamo Square Neighborhood Association has set up a GoFundMe campaign to raise $50,000 for their neighbors as the resettle and start to rebuild.
Lourdes Soza Fund
Lourdes was walking her three kids home from school when she was killed by a stray bullet. Her family has set up a GoFundMe account to cover her funeral expenses and provide funds for her children, ages 13, 8 and 3.