Design Collective Aids Los Angeles Fire Victims in Transforming New Dwellings into Homely Abodes
Months have passed since the inferno swarmed Los Angeles, leaving the locales of Palisades and Altadena blanketed in soot and leveled over 37,000 acres and nearly 16,000 structures, including countless homes. For Ciara Benko, who witnessed the devastating loss of her childhood residence, the gravity of the disaster is only now setting in.
"I recently joined a support group, and it was the first time I was surrounded by people of my age discussing the issues, and I wept for the first time in a long time because my mind had built a protective shell around it," she recounts. "I was like, 'Don't dwell on it too much. Just move on and make sure your parents are well taken care of.' Now, we're just left to grapple with it."
While most homeowners are now settled in temporary or new accommodations, this doesn't imply that life has returned to normal. Amidst the media's shifting focus, those affected continue to find their footing and contemplate the coming days. Benko's parents and companions are just commencing discourse about recouping the fundamentals, from furnishings to culinary essentials to clothing.
Community Solidarity
Living in LA for over three years-though they say you must be here for five before considering yourself a true Angeleno-I've witnessed an outpouring of support for this city and its people amid the destruction: friends organizing clothing drives, volunteering, donating. Though the situation is heartrending, it seems like everyone aspires to take action, and resources have accumulated rapidly and generously.
Ciara Benko
I could share countless tales of individuals who didn't wish merely to volunteer and be helpful, but genuinely sought to make a substantive impact on people's lives and bring enormous joy during such a dark time.
"After discovering my mom was particularly fond of a store, I walked in and inquired if they were offering anything to fire victims," Benko recalls. "Many businesses agreed, even offering complete replacements or generous discounts. My father, an avid cyclist, lost his beloved bicycle; during a visit to the Venice Helping Hub, a volunteer named Amanda promised she'd make it her mission to find him a new one, and achieved it within a day."
The community coming together like this inspired Benko to compile a list of resources and organizations aiding the transition of victims who have been displaced and aim to make their new homes as welcoming as possible.
Philanthropic Contributions
The initial weeks post-displacement saw Benko and her parents embarking on excursions to Goodwill and donation centers to procure items bearing the imprint of lived-in homes and creating a cozy, personal atmosphere. During their Airbnb stay, she implemented a daily "thrift shop" amidst a trash bag full of collected goods. They'd uncork some wine and sort through it all, attempting to infuse an enjoyable element during this challenging time.
Here's where to locate complimentary furniture, adornments, and even design advice-as well as how you can contribute if you're able.
Premier Secondhand Shopping Destinations Online:
LA CAN DO's Soft Landing Project
Kickstarted by design industry leaders, LA CAN DO has amassed donations, from furniture and art to basic household items, from across the country and stored them in an LA-based warehouse. Affected individuals and families can browse and gather what they need. Although they're no longer accepting requests, you can still contribute by completing this form.
Zello Support
Just days prior to the fires, Louis Dargenzio (former head of Sunset Studios) planned to unveil a new company aimed at connecting the entertainment community. However, as the impact widened, he decided to pivot and transform their showroom into a donation center. Zello Support entertains daily deliveries of new and gently-used furniture and household items from TV and film sets and offers 30-minute shopping slots for families every day. To apply for a time slot, fill out this form on their site.
Boll & Branch
In 2020, Boll & Branch launched a charitable program called Helping from Home, offering luxurious, organic cotton bedding to those in need during the pandemic. As the fires struck LA, the brand showcased this initiative, and thousands of families have continued to benefit. Join the donation list here.
The Best Sheets You Can Buy
Everhem
Haley Weidenbaum, co-founder of custom window treatment brand Everhem, flung open the doors of their showroom to those affected by the fires in January, providing free shades, drapery, hardware, cafe curtains-even for those who haven't found a home yet.
"As my mother and I perused the gorgeous displays, comparing visions for a home we hadn't yet moved into, Haley promised that the brand would be there for us when we were ready," Benko states.
For a selection of free goods, shoot an email to [email protected] or DM the brand at @everhem, and their team will guide you in finding the ideal window treatment.
dClutterfly
Specializing in "transforming your clutter crisis," led by Angeleno Tracy McCubbin, dClutterfly launched grassroots efforts to link families not only with furniture and household items but also bespoke pieces in the aftermath of the wildfires. "Just last week, they facilitated a family with a piano!" Benko reveals. If you require furniture or are willing to donate furniture, email [email protected] for the donation form.
Organizing Tips for a Clutter-Free Life
Hotel Surplus
The outlet is offering both donations and discounts on a wide range of new furniture, from sleeper sofas to rolling cots, for those in need. Contact the team via email at [email protected].
"Picture hotel lobby furniture, bedroom furniture, and it's all at a severely reduced price," Benko explains. "So it's quite an adventure strolling through the warehouse, and they also offer free donations to families displaced by the fire."
Design Tips
The Expert Rebuild Hotline
Expectedly, curating a new home is already overwhelming, but it's even more daunting under distressing circumstances. The Expert created the Rebuild Hotline, providing complimentary one-hour video consultations with professional designers to help make the process simpler. For the duration of 2025, you may schedule a session whenever you're prepared.
"You'll go through a whole exercise, conditioning you to define your design aesthetic-Is it contemporary? Is it transitional? Is it rustic, or midcentury?," Benko says. They will inquire about your preferences in interior designers and primary sources of inspiration, ensuring a compatible designer is selected to realize your vision.
Redefining Your Home's Design
Replacements and Discounts
At the time of publication, these are some organizations offering discounted items. Contact their customer care teams for additional information.
- Saatva: 30% discount on replacement mattresses.
- The Shade Store: Discounts on replacements.
- Brooklinen: Discounts on replacements.
- OurPlace: Discounts on replacements ("We received an entire goody bag overflowing with various kitchen items-including a free pan, cookware, fancy olive oils, and spices," Benko shares.)
- Thuma: Replacing entire bedroom sets.
- Additional list ** compiled by real estate firm Brock & Lori** of resources for everything from furniture leasing to moving.
Understanding it can be unpleasant to accept help: Benko reflects that her parents are always generous, letting people stay with them and bestowing their belongings. She had to persuade them to embrace these free contributions and offerings, reminding them they were in need. If this resonates, remember that people aspire to help and are able to do so.
Ciara Benko
Reach out to your friends and neighbors. Should you know someone who has been affected, don't forget about them or feel as if you're intruding.
"Check in on your friends and neighbors," Benko entreats. "If you're aware of someone who has been affected, don't forget about them or feel as if you're nagging them. I've heard from some that they're like, 'Oh, I don't want to bother them,' or 'I don't want to bring it up in case it makes them sad.' I believe that what it actually does is make them feel loved and supported and fosters a safe space. It's going to be a long time until we can all move forward... So just continue to check in on people, even if it's a simple, 'I'm here for you,' or 'Do you want to bounce ideas off of me?' or offer a listening ear. I believe that's my best advice: just be there for each other."
articles under editorial policies and standards1. ABC7 Los Angeles. "Rebuilding LA: A Look at the Progress Made 2 Months after Fires," March 7, 2025. https://abc7.com/post/la-fires-aftermath-look-recovery-process-2-months-eaton-palisades/15988311/2. Feferman, S. (March 3, 2023). "Kleinfelder Joins Forces with Habitat for Humanity to Rebuild Homes Impacted by the 2023 LA Wildfires." Los Angeles Business Journal. https://www.lbj.com/kleinfelder-joins-forces-with-habitat-for-humanity-to-rebuild-homes-impacted-by-the-2023-la-wildfires/3. Jewish Free Loan Association. "Zero-interest Disaster Loans." Accessed March 2025. https://jfla.net/zero-interest-disaster-loans/4. LA Can Do Organization. "Soft Landing Project." Accessed March 2025. https://lacando.org/the-soft-landing-project/5. Valley Economic Alliance. "CA Wildfire Resources." Accessed March 2025. https://www.valleyea.com/california-wildfire-resources/
- Ciara Benko, who lost her home to wildfires in LA, recounts joining a support group and feeling tears for the first time in a long while.
- Amidst the community's efforts in assisting victims of the wildfires, Benko found resources and organizations that helped her make her new home as welcoming as possible.
- LA CAN DO's Soft Landing Project, Zello Support, Boll & Branch, Everhem, dClutterfly, and Hotel Surplus are some organizations providing free or discounted furniture, decorations, and design advice for those affected by the wildfires.
- For Ciara Benko, receiving the support from the community and the assistance from these organizations has been a significant help during this difficult time.
