Disaster Relief: Food & Essentials
We optimize our distribution model for impact during major emergencies in California.
What We Do
Our disaster relief program extends what we already do to support firefighters, first responders, and communities when a situation requires immediate relief in California. Essentially, we become part of a rapid-distribution network that steps in to quickly deploy resources and aid as needed.
California Wildfires
Teen Health has been on the ground, supporting individuals affected by the wildfires in Southern California, particularly in Los Angeles County. As the crisis continues, we’re committed to providing vulnerable communities with essential resources like food, hydration, supplements, and personal care products — and we need your help.
How You Can Help
Your products—whether food, hygiene essentials, basic provisions, or health supplements—are critical in helping us meet the urgent needs of these displaced individuals. With your donation, we can help youth and families get the resources they need to recover, rebuild, and thrive in the aftermath of this tragedy.
We are grateful for your product or financial donations. Your generosity will directly support those who need it most, and we’ll make sure your contribution reaches the people and communities that are struggling to recover from these devastating wildfires.
Temporary Outreach Partners
There is no one point-person who oversees logistics in a natural disaster or major emergency. We work alongside community-based organizations (CBOs) to provide targeted support where it’s needed most. CBOs are essential and uniquely positioned in bridging the gap between disadvantaged populations and the resources they need. They’re on the front lines, providing immediate relief and facilitating access to medical care, mental health services, and long-term recovery support. to find the most suitable locations for distribution. We step in to deliver our supplies, whether its inside a fire station, at a church, a school, or a temporary shelter.
Direct Touch
Unlike our other programs where our local agency partners deliver our resources, to be most effective during emergencies we may simply roll up our sleeves and deliver products via teams of Teen Health volunteers.
Join our mission!
Wildfires and other natural disasters leave countless residents facing evacuations, loss of homes, and devastating impacts on their physical and mental health. Vulnerable populations—including low-income families, youth (ages 13-24), and individuals already experiencing homelessness or food insecurity—are disproportionately affected. These communities are often the hardest to recover after major disasters due to limited access to resources, insurance, and savings.
Increasing Frequency & Intensity of Disasters
- In 2023, the U.S. experienced 28 separate billion-dollar weather and climate disasters.
- The cost of these disasters totaled over $92 billion in damages.
- The average wildfire season in the U.S. has grown by three months over the last few decades.
- The area burned by wildfires annually has more than doubled since the 1990s.
- The frequency of heatwaves in major U.S. cities has tripled since the 1960s.
- The hottest years on record have all occurred in the last decade.
- Sea levels have risen by 8 inches since 1880, and are expected to rise another 10-12 inches by 2050, increasing flood risks.
Sources: NOAA – National Centers for Environmental Information; NOAA, National Hurricane Center; National Interagency Fire Center; EPA – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; NOAA, Climate.gov
Help by the Truckload
We are built to pivot. We already have truckloads of nourishing food/beverages and essential provisions to move. When there is an emergency, we can get essential supplies to where they are most needed. Goods such as hydration products, healthy foods, and supplement packs are given to overwhelmed firefighters, displaced people and others in need.