Paris Hilton launches fund for families displaced by the LA wildfires

Paris Hilton has launched a fund to help families who have lost their homes to the Los Angeles wildfires.

The TV personality’s home was one of many that were caught in the fires that began on Tuesday (January 7). Since, Hilton has shared her experience of watching her home burn on television.

Hilton said on Thursday (January 9) the time: “Sitting with my family, watching the news, and seeing our home in Malibu burn to the ground on live TV is something no one should ever have to experience. This home was where we built so many precious memories”.

She continued: “While the loss is overwhelming, I’m holding onto gratitude that my family and pets are safe. My heart and prayers are going out to every family affected by these fires.”

Now, Hilton is offering support to those who have lost their homes in the fires. On Friday (January 10), she pledged $100,000 to help families affected, through the Community Organized Relief Effort (CORE). She’s also promised to match up to $100,000 in donations.

“As a mom, I can’t imagine the pain and fear of not having a safe place for your babies so I’m launching an emergency fund through my nonprofit 11:11 Media Impact to support displaced families with young children,” she wrote on Instagram. “I’m starting with a personal contribution of $100,000, and will be matching additional dollars raised up to $100,000 more. I am looking for others to donate and match alongside me to do our part!”

Hilton’s fund will specifically help support “displaced families with young children”, per Rolling Stone. According to Hilton, the fund will provide cash assistance, offer short-term housing for families with little ones, deliver essentials to evacuation centres, and support local animal shelters. Families in need of help may email impact@1111media.co.

Among the homes affected in the wildfires were comedian and actor Billy Crystal’s, Cary Elwes, and Academy Award winner James Woods and Mark Hamill‘s.

Heroes and This Is Us actor Milo Ventimiglia recently choked up during a live interview while discussing watching his house burn down.

Meanwhile, a fundraiser for DIIV’s frontman Zachary Cole Smith was launched after his house succumbed to the fires. According to the GoFundMe campaign launched by their friend Lindsey Hartman, Smith and his family are safe but have unfortunately had their house burnt and destroyed in the fires.

A host of musicians and actors expressed their sadness over the wildfires and offered their support including Billie Eilish and Ariana Grande.