CA Wildfire Recovery: Want To Help? These Charities Are Verified.

The Los Angeles area wildfires that have been burning since Jan. 7 are mostly contained and the long, expensive and exhausting cleanup process has started.

Damage estimates from the Santa Ana wind-fueled Palisades, Eaton and Hughes fires, which together scorched about 48,000 acres, are in the $250 billion to $275 billion range. The emotional toll on families whose lives were upended is enormous. At least 29 people were killed, thousands of homes and structures were destroyed, and about 150,000 people were displaced, many of whom who left everything behind as they fled for their lives.

Homeowner insurance won’t entirely cover the losses, or any of them for the thousands of people in affected ZIP codes who have seen their homeowner insurance abruptly canceled in the past two years, including 1,600 in the Pacific Palisades area who were dropped by State Farm in July. With federal disaster aid uncertain, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a $2.5 billion legislative package aimed at assisting fire victims.

It takes time for insurance settlements and disaster aid to reach the thousands of people affected by the wildfires. Many of them desperately need help now. Philanthropy plays a critical role in both immediate and long-term disaster recovery.

Below are dozens of ways to help. They include nonprofit groups were verified and highly rated by Charity Navigator and verified GoFundMe campaigns.

The crowdfunding platform has established its own fundraiser for L.A.fire victims, which has raised than $5.8 million so far. GoFundMe said it is doling out emergency relief grants of $1,000 each to people who lost their homes, loved ones and property in the fires as quickly as beneficiries can be verified.

The organizations below have high ratings from Charity Navigator:

Los Angeles Regional Food Bank: The nonprofit is working with government agencies, other nonprofits and faith-based organizations to distribute meals, food and other essentials to those displaced by the wildfires.

California Fire Foundation Wildfire & Disaster Relief Fund: The foundation works with community-based groups and local fire agencies to offer financial support to residents affected by the fires.

Wildfire Recovery Fund: This fund created by the California Community Foundation targets people who need assistance the most, including older Californians, children, displaced workers and underserved communities. The fund provides both immediate and long-term assistance.

Baby2Baby: This nonprofit, which supports babies born into poverty with basic essentials, diapers and clothing, has already delivered 1 million emergency supplies to families affected by the fire at shelters, and plans to continue its outreach in the months ahead.

United Way of Greater L.A.: The charity is accepting donations to support low-income individuals whose livelihoods have been disrupted by the wildfires, people experiencing homelessness, and disruptions to local organizations and small businesses.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles: The charity is launching ReBUILD LA, a long-term emergency response campaign to assist those affected rebuild their homes, relocate to other housing, obtain essential supplies and restore their lives.

Direct Relief: This California-based disaster relief and medical assistance organization takes emergency medical supplies to community clinics, evacuation centers and to local residents affected by the fires. It also provides N95 masks, hygiene kits, emergency medical supplies and essential medicines to partner organizations responding to the disaster.

• Related: How To Help Animals Affected By Fires

International Medical Corps: The Los Angeles-based non-governmental organization has been coordinating with local health groups to distribute relief supplies, including hygiene and first-aid kits, to fire victims. The group has offered additional support and services to health facilities if needed.

Americares: This Stamford, Connecticut-based charity is delivering medicine, relief supplies, and health support to those affected by the wildfires.

Mercy Chefs: The faith-based nonprofit disaster and humanitarian organization provides professionally prepared, restaurant-quality meals to fire victims, volunteers and first responders.

World Central Kitchen: The nonprofit, which provides meals to local communities in times of crisis, is working with local chefs and restaurants to bring meals to first responders and others who need help.

Global Empowerment Mission: This Florida-based nonprofit provides emergency aid supplies ranging from nonperishable food items, hygiene products and water to generators, medical supplies and temporary shelters.

Project Hope: The nonprofit coordinates with government officials and local nonprofits to support health workers and marginalized communities by filling gaps in shelter and mental health needs.

GiveDirectly: This New York City-based organization allows people to make direct cash transfers to low-income L.A. fire victims to cover urgent needs such as food, shelter and medicine.

Cal Fire Benevolent Foundation: The foundation provides funding for firefighters and their families to help them recover from injuries and hardship.

Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation: This nonprofit organization provides vital equipment for firefighters, and also funds programs critical to the protecting communities and saving lives.

National Council of Jewish Women Los Angeles: The nonprofit that works for economic justice and equity for women is providing essential supplies, financial assistance and support services to those displaced by the wildfires.

The American Red Cross: The best-known of U.S. disaster relief organizations has deployed hundreds of volunteers to the Los Angeles area to provide meals, medical care, and safe places for people to shower and sleep. The Red Cross has four shelters in place and plans to add more.

The Salvation Army: The nonprofit’s emergency disaster fund provides immediate assistance for food, shelter and other needs.

Convoy of Hope: This Springfield, Missouri-based nonprofit is delivering relief supplies, including food and water, to communities affected by California wildfires.

Airbnb: The vacation rental company is offering temporary housing for those displayed by the fire and is coordinating the effort with 211 LA, which offers free housing in Los Angeles County.

Center for Disaster Philanthropy: This organization works directly with local nonprofits to identify specific needs and gaps in funding. The nonprofit works with in-state partners, including the Governor’s Office on Emergency Service, to assess the long-term needs of affected communities and develop collaborative partnerships