Two Ten Responds to California Footwear Community Struggling with Fires

Evacuations, forced work closures, power outages, diminished air and water quality, and the charred remains of countless homes and businesses have been the reality for many California residents in the wake of the worst fires to hit Los Angeles in the city's history. The blazes have seared across more than 60 acres of land and claimed more than 20 lives since they ignited on January 7. Officials warn it could take several more weeks until the fires are fully contained.

With no end to the devastation in sight, the California footwear community is more vulnerable than ever. Many find themselves in sudden need of the most basic elements for survival: food, water, shelter, clothing. Some retail stores in impacted regions have been forced to close for the foreseeable future, leaving their store workers to face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives without a steady paycheck. The financial strain is particularly dire for those who need to relocate. They see their income reduced even as they are draining their savings to pay for temporary housing.

Two Ten Footwear Foundation has been working around the clock to help, fielding requests for emergency assistance and distributing echecks to impacted employees as quickly as possible. Two Ten has also been reaching out to footwear employers to expedite the disaster relief process should they have people in affected areas.

"We have a lot of experience responding to major natural disasters, but even for us this situation is unprecedented because these fires have continued to spread and conditions on the ground are changing so rapidly. The number of impacted employees grows daily," said Shawn Osborne, the president and CEO of Two Ten. "Our ability to deliver emergency funds quickly and directly to impacted employees is vital – because the unexpected expenses can be overwhelming. Getting your family out of harm’s way, paying for a hotel, replacing lost food and clothing and personal items. The disaster itself is traumatic then there’s a huge financial burden as well.”

Osborne adds, “The footwear community is rallying to help colleagues in LA right now and you can help by making a gift to Two Ten’s Disaster Relief Fund or donating product to Two Ten’s Share Your Shoes program.”

If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to Two Ten. Impacted footwear employees can apply for disaster relief online, call us at 781-736-1500, or have an employer contact us on their behalf.