The fires in California have left at least five people dead and thousands of homes torched. The travel industry is stepping up to offer recovery assistance to affected communities.
Airbnb offers temporary housing
Airbnb has announced that it is offering free, temporary housing for people who have been displaced by the Los Angeles wildfires. The company has partnered with nonprofit group 211 LA to help connect impacted residents with lodging, with an intake form currently live on 211 LA's website.
Internova's Family Bonds Foundation offers grants
The Family Bonds Foundation stands at the ready to help those affected by the wildfires in Los Angeles.
The foundation is Internova Travel Group's charitable arm dedicated to assisting travel advisors, suppliers, their families and their communities experiencing hardships.
Jackie Friedman, president of the foundation and host agency Nexion Travel Group, took to Facebook to encourage those affected by the fires to apply for grants online. The deadline for the next round of grants has been extended to Jan. 17.
"Donations and nominations are welcome and can be made on the website," Friedman said.
While the Family Bonds Foundation falls under the Internova umbrella, its reach is industrywide.
Signature Travel Network offering support
Signature Travel Network CEO Alex Sharpe said Thursday that his organization is offering all support possible to members affected by the fire.
"Ultimately, we will route those in need of financial support to Family Bonds Foundation and continue to support them through our sponsorship of that wonderful organization," Sharpe said.
Several Signature members had to be evacuated, Sharpe said. Some reported lost homes.