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In early August 2023, Home From College, in conjunction with Brydge Club, hosted a Female Founder &amp; Investor Panel as an opportunity to network with other women in startups and venture capital around Los Angeles.Between the 5 panelists’ experiences building and investing in businesses, these women shared their knowledge in navigating venture funding as a start-up founder, and demanding respect and opportunity to thrive in male driven rooms.This room of ambitious women turning visions to reality in fields dominated by men, spoke to empower each other through sharing industry knowledge not often taught or talked about. At the end of this event, over 70 women left more motivated than ever to put each other in spaces of support and faith in their capabilities. With Home From College’s brand ethos centered around uplifting students for wild success and being their champion against the hard-to-navigate workforce, we strive to do the same for all communities surrounding us as well.&nbsp; We’d like to give a major thank you to Fenwick &amp; West for sponsoring this event, making it possible to gather dozens of leaders and innovators together! Panel speakers included:Julia Haber, Co-Founder/CEO of Home From CollegeTrica Biggio, Co-Founder/CEO of Invisible UniverseJulie Wroblewski, Co-Founder/Managing Partner of Magnify VenturesMadeline Darcy, Founder/Managing Partner of Kaya VenturesSarah Chambless, Partner at Fenwick &amp; WestModerated by @Ruffin Mitchener, Creator of Brydge Club Check out our video recap from that night!<reactembed src="https://www.instagram.com/p/CvuuVAiuztF/" alt="" title="Event Recap" type="instagram"></reactembed>

Special thanks to our event sponsor Fenwick & West!

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Female Founder & Investor Panel Recap

Studying abroad is becoming increasingly popular for college students looking to experience new cultures, make new friends, and grow. The benefits of studying abroad are endless, from seeing new places and trying new foods to learning new languages and gaining a new perspective on life from people from other countries. At the same time, it can be a stressful experience for many students, whether it be finding housing, picking classes, figuring out your cell phone plan, or just immersing yourself in a foreign culture where you might not speak the language. In partnership with Visible by Verizon, who is making it easier than ever to stay connected while studying abroad, we spoke with two college students to get their tips on having the best study abroad experience possible.&nbsp; <figure><img src="https://d3lrqzm3fer3ds.cloudfront.net/blog-media/83/1730843775029.jpg" alt="Danielle Gootman" title="Danielle Gootman"></figure><h3>Danielle Gootman, Marketing and Public Relations Manager at the University of Tampa&nbsp;</h3>Study Abroad Location: Florence University of The Arts, Florence, Italy&nbsp;What were the three highlights of your time studying abroad?&nbsp;<ol><li>One of the highlights of my journey abroad was definitely the food and culture in Florence. I loved dining at Trattoria Za Za, Shake Cafe, and Osteria Pastella. The coffee scene in Florence is incredible, too—my favorites are Ditta Artigianale, La Menagerie, and Rivarno Cafe. The Gucci Garden Museum, Uffizi Galleries, and Pitti Palace/Boboli Gardens are beautiful.</li><li>Florence, during the holiday season, is something special! The lights and festive markets filled with souvenirs and delicious food make it a memorable experience.</li><li>Exploring a new city every weekend was one of the highlights of my time abroad. I particularly enjoyed visiting London, Paris, and the Amalfi Coast, as each destination offered its own unique charm and culture, making my experience truly unforgettable. Florence is ideally located, with a train system that makes it easy to travel throughout Europe, and the airport is just about 15 minutes outside the city. </li></ol>What are three things you wish you knew prior to studying abroad?&nbsp;<ol><li>Embrace Spontaneity: One of the best parts of studying abroad is being open to new opportunities and destinations, so stay flexible and consider visiting countries you might not have originally planned for. Don't forget to explore the charming small towns surrounding your main city; some of my favorite day trips from Florence include Venice, Cinque Terre, and Pisa.</li><li>Pack Light: When packing, only bring the essentials. The shopping in Europe is incredible, and you'll want space to bring back gifts for family and friends. Focus on versatile basics that can be mixed and matched for different outfits.</li><li>Bring Universal Adapters: A universal adapter is a must-have for charging your devices while traveling, so do your research ahead of time to ensure you're prepared to keep your gadgets powered up. Additionally, don't forget to check the adapters for your hair tools and other plug-in devices. </li></ol>What advice would you have to someone nervous about studying abroad&nbsp;My biggest piece of advice when going abroad is to embrace an open mind. Being receptive to new experiences allowed me to try delicious foods, explore unfamiliar places, and connect with amazing people. This mindset truly enriched my time abroad in ways I never expected! <figure><img src="https://d3lrqzm3fer3ds.cloudfront.net/blog-media/83/1730843798224.jpg" alt="Isabelle Roberts" title="Isabelle Roberts"></figure><h3>Isabelle Roberts, Writing and Performance Across Media Major at Northeastern University</h3>Study Abroad Location: DIS Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark What were the three highlights of your time studying abroad?&nbsp;&nbsp;<ol><li>Visiting 18 countries for the first time! (It was also my first time in Europe!)</li><li>Getting cinnamon rolls on Wednesdays at the oldest bakery in Copenhagen.</li><li>Living out of a backpack and a suitcase and solo traveling for a month after the semester.</li></ol>What are two things you wish you knew prior to studying abroad?&nbsp;<ol><li>Not everyone studies abroad with their entire friend group.</li><li>You really don’t need to pack that much stuff.</li></ol>What advice would you give to someone nervous about studying abroad?&nbsp;I think if you’re nervous to go abroad, that’s even more the reason to do it. It’s a cliché that studying abroad “changes your life,” but in a lot of ways, it really can. Navigating moments of losing luggage, getting lost, and feeling alone has made me 10x more self-assured. Try to accept that a few speed bumps are inevitable and may be a lot less scary than you initially thought.

What you need to know before you embark on your study abroad adventure 


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Study Abroad Tips with Visible by Verizon


Earlier this summer, Urban Decay launched their Nano-Creator, Beauty Making and Impact GIG with Home From College to bring their Changemaker Program to social media. In collaboration with Cybersmile, they created this program to stand up for those who have been affected by online bullying and built this campaign to help make a meaningful impact through activism and empowerment.The Cybersmile Foundation, committed to tackling all forms of cyberbullying and digital abuse, has provided Urban Decay’s education modules that cover topics such as Allyship on Social Media, Becoming an Upstander, Dealing with Online Bullying, and many more. Our students in the Home From College network were excited to join the conversation and use their content creation skills and deep understanding of Gen-Z within social media to bring positive change to their peers and beyond. Their passion for anti-cyberbullying advocacy showed strongly in their applications and content produced for this campaign, so we asked some of our students to share why the Changemaker Program is important to them - here’s what they said:Angelina Hamid, @angelinaserenaxo“I joined the Urban Decay Changemaker GIG because I wanted to be a part of a campaign that spoke up about the dark side of online bullying and ways to prevent cyberbullying. As a content creator, mean comments have the ability to affect you, but it's great to learn how to persevere through them and what steps to take to help those dealing with it as well. I learned how I could be an ally and help those receiving hateful comments online.”Angelina is a nursing student at The University of Miami and has been in the H\FC community for almost 1 year now!Sophia Scharffenorth, @sophiasch1“I joined Urban Decay's campaign about cyberbullying because it deeply resonates with me. As someone who experienced bullying in my childhood due to my tooth gap, I understand the emotional toll it takes. Even as a content creator, I continue to face cyberbullying online, making this program very important for me.Through completing the Changemaker Program courses on cyberbullying, I've gained valuable insights on how to recognize and address cyberbullying effectively, fostering a safer and more inclusive online environment. Being part of this campaign has empowered me to stand up against bullying and advocate for positive change in the digital space because I know that together, we can create a world with more kindness.”Sophia studies graphic design at Lynn University and has participated in many GIGs in the last year as a content creator!Danielle Gootman, @healthywithdani“I joined the Urban Decay GIG because the Changemaker Program is an amazing opportunity to educate others and make a difference. This program taught me how to empower others on social media and be an ally, and aligns with my personal values of acceptance and positivity. I am so happy to be a part of creating a safer space on social media!”Danielle is a marketing major at The University of Tampa, and has grown immensely with Home From College, participating in many GIGs to work with amazing companies and create meaningful connections!<figure><img src="https://d3lrqzm3fer3ds.cloudfront.net/blog-media/7/1695502674626.png" alt="Students" title="Students"></figure>

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Why Gen-Z cares about anti-cyberbullying 

Gen-Z has and will continue to shock the world in their innovative and leadership abilities. The college students in our community are no exception. Within our fast growing community, so many motivated students take initiative in their career and community. In this article, we have the privilege of introducing you to some of the most remarkable college innovators and leaders within our community. These exceptional students have demonstrated their commitment to driving change, defying the haters, and inspiring others to do the same. As we delve into their stories and endeavors, we hope to ignite your own passion for innovation and inspire you to join us in fostering a culture of progress and excellence.<h3> </h3><figure><img src="https://d3lrqzm3fer3ds.cloudfront.net/blog-media/13/1695502928215.png" alt="Olive Thompson" title="Olive Thompson"><figcaption>Olive Thompson</figcaption></figure>📸 Meet Olive Thompson, studying Psychology at The New School&nbsp;NYC &amp; CO Photographer, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.instagram.com/olivethompsonphotography/?hl=en">@olivethompsonphotography</a> What led you to start your small business?Olive: Growing up a dancer, I always loved the creative arts industry and started my photography journey in 2016 when I needed a creative outlet while I recovered from hip surgery. It’s kind of an “accidental business” because it started as a way for me to get out of the house and learn something new. I try my best to make sure that photography stays as something that I can do to fulfill my need for creative juices.What have you been able to achieve through this?Olive: Funnily enough, photography has taught me a lot about what I don’t want in terms of a career. In 2018, I briefly attended the Fashion Institute of Technology for Photography. I’m still pretty proud of attending because it is such a good school, but I ended up transferring to The New School for a Masters in Psychology. I think it sucks the passion out of art to HAVE to create. We need to pay artists for what they are worth, but I do believe that art for the sake of a paycheck is less authentic.&nbsp;Despite this, I am proud to say I’ve done some pretty cool things with photography – NYFW, magazine features, starting my own business, expanding my network - but I think the biggest achievement has just been finding the ability to walk away when something isn’t a good fit.What do you hope for the future of your business?Olive: I am just along for the ride. Recently, I co-hosted an event to raise awareness for sexual assault survivors. I did some gender affirming portraits for Pride Month and I frequently work with minority owned businesses for branding. It’s only a touch of advocacy, but I would love to continue to be able to utilize art for the bigger picture. <figure><img src="https://d3lrqzm3fer3ds.cloudfront.net/blog-media/13/1695503037368.png" alt="Rachel Fong and Julia Gray" title="Rachel Fong and Julia Gray"><figcaption>Rachel Fong and Julia Gray</figcaption></figure>👩🏼‍💻 Meet Rachel Fong and Julia Gray, studying Fashion Industry’s Science and Technology at the University of ArizonaCo-founders of Haus of Style club at University of Arizona, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.instagram.com/__juliagray__/?hl=en">@ua_hausofstyle</a> What led you to start this club?R+J: After being exposed to the plethora of professions within our field of study, we saw a number of our peers struggling to bridge their college lives with prospective career paths, so in January of 2023, we started Haus of Style.&nbsp; What have you achieved through this so far?R+J: Our club strives to give students opportunities to build their portfolios through creative and professional development.&nbsp; We establish systems of teams, working under mentors, to build supportive learning communities and complete monthly goals or projects.&nbsp; We also hold guest lectures, featuring local professionals, and resume-building workshops to aid our members when applying for jobs and internships. What do you hope for the future of your club?R+J: We aim to increase the confidence of students looking to start their careers and venture into a workplace environment.&nbsp; We hope our club can connect with more students, professionals, and businesses to support our creative community on campus.<figure><img src="https://d3lrqzm3fer3ds.cloudfront.net/blog-media/13/1695503131889.png" alt="Milan Marino" title="Milan Marino"><figcaption>Milan Marino</figcaption></figure>👡 Meet Milan Marino, studying Studio Arts/Graphic Design&nbsp;Founder of LA Thrift Babe, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.instagram.com/shoplathriftbabe/">@shoplathriftbabe</a> What led you to start your small business?I started my business in 2019 and it all stemmed from my passion for thrifting! I would sometimes find pieces that weren't my size, but were items that I couldn't pass up on, so I started selling them on my page. From there my shop started to grow pretty quickly, and I then began upcycling pieces.What have you been able to achieve through this?I learned how to market myself, stay connected with my customer base, keep people interested in my brand, and overall my business gave me a boost of confidence in myself and my creative abilities. What do you hope for the future of your business?My plan is to build out my website more and re-up my inventory so people have constant new drops, and to grow my consumer base more. I also really want to begin selling in person to interact with people IRL at flea markets or trade shows. I think that getting my brand and image out there would greatly help to build up my brand!

College leaders and innovators to look out for!

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College students on the rise

Gen-Z has never been just one thing. With Gen-Z’s shtick living around a “can do it all and do whatever we want” kind of mindset, they are constantly reaching out into the ether to find how they can harness their passions and where they can make that bank💰.These college students are leaders, are ambassadors, are activists, are society shapers, are curious - and as college summers tend to be a time for anti-stress exploration, they are honing in on and redirecting that test-taking brain power into what will become a force to be reckoned with post-graduation.Our (almost) 100,000 students on Home From College are some of the most motivated, talented, and ambitious Gen-Zers you’ll find, and you can bet they are hustling this summer. These students are undoubtedly impressive and we LOVE showing them off, so take a peek at some of our talent and how they’re spending their summer: <figure><img src="https://d3lrqzm3fer3ds.cloudfront.net/blog-media/6/1695502261777.png" alt="Jessica Lam" title="Jessica Lam"><figcaption>Jessica Lam</figcaption></figure>Meet Jessica Lam - UCLA, PsychologyJessica recently found Home From College on Instagram and joined the platform to grow in her content creation skills. After a few months of applying, she was eventually accepted to her first GIG with Steve Madden, or in her words, “STEVE freaking MADDEN.” Her work through H\FC has only grown stronger and has now worked GIGs with Urban Decay and Aquaphor.“As a small content creator, I have to say that joining HFC is one of the best decisions I've made this year.”Aside from working GIGs this summer, she is also working as a full-time Digital Marketing Intern at an AI company in Los Angeles. Alongside these impressive professional experiences, she will soon begin summer school, leading her back into the new academic school year. In her free time, she enjoys creating videos, exploring new places in SoCal, and working towards improving herself mentally and physically. <figure><img src="https://d3lrqzm3fer3ds.cloudfront.net/blog-media/6/1695502330403.png" alt="Lea Moreno" title="Lea Moreno"><figcaption>Lea Moreno</figcaption></figure>Meet Lea Moreno - Georgia State University, MarketingLea came to our platform after discovering us on TikTok! She had learned the platform from scratch, not knowing what to expect, and after a few applications landed her first GIG with Steve Madden.“That partnership was truly a dream come true as it’s a brand I‘ve loved since I was 12! Ever since, H\FC has been one of my favorite platforms and gives me outlets to express my creativity through content creation!”She is currently working on the Aquaphor College Ambassador GIG while also becoming a Leasing Professional (LP) earlier this summer. Simultaneously, Lea landed the Business of Fashion Internship with The Smith Agency, being able to travel to Dallas as part of the Elite SA Travel Team, and gaining more experience with wholesome apparel at Dallas &amp; Atlanta market! <figure><img src="https://d3lrqzm3fer3ds.cloudfront.net/blog-media/6/1695502385248.png" alt="Natalie Garay" title="Natalie Garay"><figcaption>Natalie Garay</figcaption></figure>Meet Natalie Garay - UCLA, Dance &amp; CommunicationsNatalie joined Home From College after discovering a TikTok where H\FC TikTok Creator, Nicole Hurd, blew her mind with the H\FC vision and the chance to get experience that fit into her busy schedule. She began working as a H\FC Campus Team Member, and has since found other amazing job opportunities.This summer, she is working as the ‘You Need This’ Events &amp; Activations Intern, found and applied through the H\FC platform! In this role, she has received vital experience in public outreach, coordinating events and projects, and overall growth in career confidence and hands on training.Along with her internship, she has also balanced her schedule practicing as a member of the UCLA dance team and producing the UCLA dance major show, WACSMASH. When she is not dancing or working, she spends her time with her roommates and traveling when possible!

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Hot (Working) Girl Summer

Gen Z, known as the first “digital native” generation, is growing into one of the most powerful consumer groups as they enter the workforce. To better understand how this rapidly growing market segment will impact brands, we surveyed our community of Gen Zers to get their thoughts on the State of Gen Z. <h2>Gen Z and the Workplace&nbsp;</h2>As many Gen Zers undertake the job hunt for their first full-time job, many are prioritizing work-life balance when choosing where to work. 55.6% of respondents reported that they’d ideally like to work 40 hours a week in their first full-time job, with another 17.2% reporting that they see themselves working 40-50 hours a week.<figure><img src="https://d3lrqzm3fer3ds.cloudfront.net/blog-media/52/1706655824272.jpg" alt="Pie Chart Breaking Down Gen Zs Preferences for Work" title="state-of-gen-z"><figcaption>Gen Z Hours Preferences</figcaption></figure>"I feel like our generation is very in tune with ourselves and knows whats working and what isn't before others might. Entering the job market in this day and age is very scary since we hear so many stories on social media about how hard it is to find a job and how competitive it is which sometimes makes me feel a bit discouraged but also makes me want to work 10x harder to find a job." - University of Deleware, 22Gen Zers are also interested in working for a company that offers a hybrid environment, giving them the flexibility to work from home while also interacting and building relationships with their coworkers in the office. 67.7% of respondents reported that “hybrid” is their ideal workplace set-up, with the rest evenly split between preferring fully remote and fully in-person.<figure><img src="https://d3lrqzm3fer3ds.cloudfront.net/blog-media/52/1706655940428.jpg" alt="Bar chart showing Gen Zs preferences for where to work" title="state-of-gen-z-(1)"><figcaption>Gen Z Office Preferences</figcaption></figure>With inflation, a high cost of living, and many layoffs over the past couple of years, Gen Zers are looking for multiple sources of income. 70.7% of respondents reported that they plan to have a side hustle while working their first full-time job. Platforms like <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.homefromcollege.com/gigs">Home From College</a> are helping students and young professionals find gig work to supplement their income and gain professional experience.&nbsp;<h2>Gen Z and Social Media&nbsp;</h2>TikTok is by far the most popular social media platform for Gen Z, with 70% of respondents reporting that they spend the most time on it. The most popular content areas that they engage with are <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://vm.tiktok.com/ZM6syqG2w/">lifestyle</a> (62.7%), followed by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://vm.tiktok.com/ZM6sQKqgh/">beauty</a> (13.4%) and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@lisabevolving/video/7300970816316001578">humor</a> (11.8%).<figure><img src="https://d3lrqzm3fer3ds.cloudfront.net/blog-media/52/1706656092390.jpg" alt="Gen Z's TikTok Preferences" title="state-of-gen-z-(6)"><figcaption>Gen Z's TikTok Preferences</figcaption></figure>As such, Gen Z’s favorite brands often fall within these content areas. Some brands our community thought were killing it on social media included <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@duolingo">Duolingo</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@elfyeah">Elf</a>, and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@drinkpoppi?lang=en">Poppi</a>. They blend humor, trending audio, and UGC to engage viewers continuously and subtly integrate their products rather than making their content ad-like.&nbsp;<reactembed src="https://www.tiktok.com/@duolingo/video/7327668381690137898?lang=en" alt="" title="Duolingo TikTok" type="tiktok"></reactembed>TikTok has significantly influenced Gen Z’s purchases, with 80% of Gen Zers surveyed reporting that they’ve bought something they first saw on TikTok. On TikTok, they are most likely to trust the recommendation of friends (31%) and macro influencers (31%), followed closely by nano influencers (21%). Brands should work with smaller creators with more niche, loyal audiences that are more likely to trust their recommendations.&nbsp; “I think brands should strive to partner with smaller (nano) influencer over macro influencers. I think bigger platforms can sometimes come across as less genuine than smaller accounts! Smaller accounts definitely feel like talking to your best friend!” - Miami University, 21 Interestingly, though Gen Zers are making purchases based on what they’re seeing on TikTok they are still very distrustful of TikTok Shop with 34% of respondents reporting that they “think it’s a scam” and another 23% “undecided”.<figure><img src="https://d3lrqzm3fer3ds.cloudfront.net/blog-media/52/1706579043928.jpg" alt="Gen Z and TikTok Shop" title="Gen Z and TikTok Shop"></figure><h2>Gen Z’s Favorite Brands</h2>When we asked respondents to name their three favorite brands in the fashion, beauty/skincare, and food &amp; beverage space, some interesting trends emerged.&nbsp;Gen Z’s favorite fashion companies are dominated by big brands like H&amp;M, Aritzia, Zara, and Lululemon. The smallest fashion company loved by Gen Z was Skims, suggesting that influencer/celebrity-led companies are well-received by Gen Z.<figure><img src="https://d3lrqzm3fer3ds.cloudfront.net/blog-media/52/1706562682454.jpg" alt="Gen Z's Favourite Clothing Brands" title="Gen Z's Favourite Clothing Brands"></figure>In the skincare and beauty space, Gen Z’s favorite brands vary from large brands like Cerave to rising startups such as The Ordinary and Summer Fridays. Celebrity-owned brands like Rare Beauty and Fenty Beauty were frequently mentioned by Gen Zers, showing the influence of these believed figures on Gen Z's preferences.<figure><img src="https://d3lrqzm3fer3ds.cloudfront.net/blog-media/52/1706562842894.jpg" alt="Gen Z's Favourite Skincare and Makeup Brands" title="Gen Z's Favourite Skincare and Makeup Brands"></figure>Looking at Gen Z’s favorite food and beverage brands, there’s a wide mix, ranging from emerging companies that have blown up on TikTok, like Poppi and Chobani, to classics like Coca-Cola and McDonalds. This suggests that Gen Zers have varying tastes in food and beverage companies, though there is a rise in healthier fast food options through the popularity of Cava and Chipotle.&nbsp;<figure><img src="https://d3lrqzm3fer3ds.cloudfront.net/blog-media/52/1706656206376.jpg" alt="Gen Z's Favourite Food and Beverages" title="state-of-gen-z-(4)"><figcaption>Gen Z's Favourite Food and Beverages</figcaption></figure><h2>Gen Z's Shopping and Spending Habits&nbsp;</h2>When it comes to shopping, Gen Z is rather evenly split on whether they prefer to shop online (53.9%) or in-store (46.1%). Gen Zers still enjoy the physical experience of browsing for items and trying on clothes while recognizing the convenience and ease of ordering from home. How Gen Z pays for their purchases widely varies, with 46% preferring to use debit cards followed by 35% preferring to use credit cards.<figure><img src="https://d3lrqzm3fer3ds.cloudfront.net/blog-media/52/1706579071969.jpg" alt="How Gen Z Pays for Stuff" title="How Gen Z Pays for Stuff"></figure>As Gen Zers, are just beginning to enter the workforce and with the rise of financial literacy, this generation tries to make smart decisions regarding their money and spending. 62% classify themselves as a careful spender rather than an impulse shopper, and 57% say they prioritize getting the best deal over brand loyalty. In addition, 60% of respondents report that they keep a monthly budget, and 75% say that they save a portion of their income to invest and save for retirement.&nbsp;<h2>Gen Z’s 2024 Predictions&nbsp;</h2>As we approach 2024, Gen Z will continue growing as one of the most powerful demographics for brands. To help you stay ahead of this year's trends, we asked our community to predict what’s in and what’s out.&nbsp;Check it out on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@homefromcollege/video/7329556046484114731">TikTok</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C2sMmH-u6Uf/?img_index=1">Instagram</a> .<reactembed src="https://www.instagram.com/p/C2sMmH-u6Uf/?img_index=1" alt="" title="Gen Z's Ins and Outs" type="instagram"></reactembed>

We surveyed our Gen Z community to find out what's trending in 2024 and how brands can best connect with Gen Z. 

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State of Gen Z 2024

Resources for LA-Area Students and Residents Affected by the WildfiresIf you or someone you know has been impacted by the recent wildfires in the Los Angeles area, we’ve compiled a list of resources to help you navigate this challenging time. From apps and emergency alerts to free meals and shelter options, these tools are here to support you.<hr><h3>Apps to Download</h3><ol><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://watchduty.org">Watch Duty </a>– Track active fires, evacuation zones, and nearby shelters.</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://protect.genasys.com/search">Genasys</a> – Enter your ZIP code to receive personalized zone status alerts.</li></ol><h4>Understanding Evacuation Zones:</h4><ul><li>Level 1: Be ready.</li><li>Level 2: Pack a go-bag and be prepared to leave.</li><li>Level 3: Evacuate immediately.</li></ul>When to Wear a Mask:<ul><li>AQI 101 and Above: Consider wearing a mask, especially if you belong to sensitive groups (children, elderly, or those with respiratory conditions like asthma).</li><li>AQI 151 and Above: Everyone should wear a mask outdoors and reduce outdoor activities.</li><li>AQI 201 and Above: Strongly consider staying indoors and using air purifiers if available. Wear an N95 mask or higher for outdoor exposure.</li></ul><hr><h3>Go-Bag Checklist: The 7 Ps</h3><ol><li>People – Ensure everyone is accounted for.</li><li>Pets – Include food and supplies for your animals.</li><li>Paper – Important documents like passports and social security cards.</li><li>Prescriptions – Medications and medical supplies.</li><li>Pictures – Irreplaceable memories.</li><li>Personal computer – Store essential digital files.</li><li>Plastic – Wallet with ID, debit/credit cards.</li></ol><hr><h3>Emergency Shelters</h3>Find the nearest shelter by texting "SHELTER" + your ZIP code to 43362.Evacuation Shelters:<ul><li>Arcadia Community Center – 375 Campus Drive, Arcadia, CA 91007</li><li>Ritchie Valens Recreation Center – 10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Pacoima, CA 91331</li><li>Pan Pacific Recreational Center – 7600 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036</li><li>[More locations listed above in the resources.]</li></ul>Other Shelter Options:<ul><li>Airbnb + 211 LA: Offering free temporary housing. Apply <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.airbnb.com/e/lawildfires?c=.pi0.pk22115202631_174897868044&amp;&amp;c=.pi0.pk22115202631_174897868044&amp;ghost=true&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAyoi8BhDvARIsAO_CDsB_3UEGm8i_cfOxFaAKLbKMLTj2x4od3qPGGfOynwwGTCDfEqnemy8aAnx5EALw_wcB&amp;gclsrc=aw.ds">here</a>.</li><li>YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles: Providing evacuation sites, shelter, showers, and free childcare.</li><li>Planet Fitness: Free access to locker rooms, showers, Wi-Fi, and more through January 15.</li></ul><hr><h3>Transportation Support</h3><ul><li>LA Metro: Fare collection is suspended systemwide until Sunday, January 12. Stay updated by following them on X (formerly Twitter).</li><li>Uber: Offering free rides to shelters with the promo code WILDFIRE25, covering up to $40.</li><li>Lyft: Providing free rides to shelters using the promo cutie90ode CAFIRERELIEF25, with a limit of $25.</li></ul><hr><h3>Mental Health Support</h3><ul><li>Headspace - TBD</li><li>LA County ACCESS Center: 24/7 support at (800) 854-7771.</li><li>Cal Hope: Free mental health resources for distress and grief.</li></ul><hr><h3>Free Meals for Fire Evacuees and First Responders</h3>Many restaurants and cafes across LA are stepping up to provide free meals.<ul><li>Bar Etoile – Free meals for evacuees.</li><li>Danny Boy’s – Free pizza for first responders and evacuees.</li><li>South LA Cafe – Offering shelter, groceries, and masks.</li><li>Prime Pizza – Free pizza for evacuees and first responders.</li><li>Fiorelli Pizza – Complimentary pizza for evacuees.</li><li>Norms – Free meals for first responders.</li><li>Bé Ù – Free meals for evacuees and first responders.</li><li>Otus Thai Kitchen – Free meals for firefighters.</li><li>Pie Trap Pizza – Free pizza for first responders and evacuees.</li><li>Millcross Coffee – Free coffee for evacuees and first responders.</li><li>Love Hour – Free meals for firefighters and evacuees on Jan. 9, 5 PM–10 PM.</li><li>Wake &amp; Late – Free breakfast and coffee for first responders at their Hollywood and DTLA locations.</li><li>La Pupusa DTLA – Free meals for firefighters, accepting donations.</li><li>Yeastie Boys – Free bagels and sandwiches for evacuees and firefighters.</li><li>Sunday Gravy – Free meals for first responders and evacuees.</li><li>Crustacean – Free pho and garlic noodles for evacuees and first responders.</li><li>Howlin’ Rays – Complimentary meals for emergency crew and first responders.</li><li>The Butcher’s Daughter – Partnering with YMCA Santa Monica to offer meals.</li><li>Lowboy – Free burgers and fries for those in need until supplies run out.</li></ul><hr><h3>Places to Donate</h3>Your donations can make a huge difference to those affected by the wildfires. Here are some reputable organizations where you can contribute:<ul><li>American Red Cross: Providing disaster relief and emergency assistance.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.redcross.org"> Donate here</a>.</li><li>California Community Foundation Wildfire Relief Fund: Supporting intermediate and long-term recovery efforts.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.calfund.org"> Donate here</a>.</li><li>Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation: Supporting first responders with essential equipment and resources.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.supportlafd.org"> Donate here</a>.</li><li>United Way of Greater Los Angeles: Assisting low-income families affected by the fires.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.unitedwayla.org"> Donate here</a>.</li><li>World Central Kitchen: Providing fresh meals to affected communities and first responders.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.wck.org"> Donate here</a>.</li><li>The Humane Society of the United States: Supporting pet rescue and relief efforts.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.humanesociety.org"> Donate here</a>.</li><li>Airbnb.org: Offering temporary housing to evacuees and disaster relief workers.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.airbnb.org"> Donate or volunteer here</a>.</li></ul><hr> We hope these resources help you stay safe and supported during this time. Please share this blog with anyone who might benefit from these services. Together, we can support one another through these challenges.

We’ve compiled a list of resources to help you navigate this challenging time. From apps and emergency alerts to free meals and shelter options, these tools are here to support you!