Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are supporting the Southern California community amid the wildfires that are rapidly spreading through Los Angeles.
The Duke (40) and Duchess of Sussex (43) are offering their support and help to those affected by the wildfires in Los Angeles that broke out early Tuesday, January 7. More than 100,000 Los Angeles residents were forced to evacuate after the Palisades and Eaton Fires, with multiple smaller fires raging.
PEOPLE can confirm the couple have opened their home to friends and loved ones who were forced to evacuate.
The couple lives about 90 miles north of the Los Angeles area. Meghan, who is originally from Los Angeles, Prince Harry and their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, live in Montecito, an enclave of Santa Barbara that has not been evacuated.
In addition to helping their loved ones, they are also working with their Archewell Foundation to determine the most impactful ways to support the community during this crisis. The foundation is also looking for volunteer opportunities to help with mental health recovery for those in immediate need and will facilitate long-term recovery efforts.
In addition, all donations through the foundation are given to aid.
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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry in London, Friday, June 3, 2022.
Getty
The Sussex family is working with chef José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen (a long-standing partner of Prince Harry and Meghan’s Archewell charity) to provide further assistance. Harry and Meghan also donated essentials, as well as clothes and children’s items.
LA fires live: Death toll unknown, officials say, as new fires and high winds challenge responders
On Thursday, January 9, they issued a statement titled “Southern California Fires” on the website sussex.com, offering resources and ideas to those who want to help those affected.
The statement mentions World Central Kitchen, CAL FIRE, LA Fire Department Foundation, Animal Wellness Foundation, Compton Cowboys, Airbnb and 211LA, Baby2baby and All Power Books.
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Palisade fire on Tuesday, January 7th.
Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times via Getty
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As of Tuesday, January 7, multiple wildfires are ravaging Los Angeles County, including the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades and Malibu areas and the Eaton Fire in Pasadena and Altadena, both of which are 0% contained.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna says the death toll from the Los Angeles wildfires is currently unknown, despite previous reports. At a press briefing on Thursday, January 9, Luna said he was “not satisfied” with the preliminary information he had received, but noted that people were “doing their best” amid difficult conditions.
Click here to learn more about how to help victims of the Los Angeles wildfires.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education