Earlier this year, California experienced devastating wildfires, leading to a high-profile fundraiser known as “FireAid.” This event was backed by leaders within the state and featured numerous celebrities and musicians. They reported raising a staggering $100 million, money that was supposed to be earmarked for victims who suffered losses due to the fires. But as time has passed, the reality of where those funds ended up is stark and troubling.
Independent journalist Sue Pascoe recently uncovered that as of now, none of the victims have received any financial support from this vast sum. Her investigation found that a significant portion of the donations had been redirected to various nonprofit organizations, many of which provide little to no direct assistance to those impacted by the wildfires. Pascoe’s inquiry began with a simple question from a concerned reader about how victims could access these funds. “There are 12,000 people, 12,000 homes gone. Those people probably want to know where the money is,” she pointed out, emphasizing the critical nature of this issue.
Further investigation by the Washington Free Beacon only amplified these concerns. The Beacon reported that many of the nonprofits benefiting from FireAid have no ties to fire recovery efforts. Notably, the Greenline Housing Foundation received a share from a $4.8 million pool intended for health and housing, but their own website indicates a troubling policy: “No whites need apply.” Their funding criteria are explicitly based on race, stipulating that only Black or Hispanic individuals are eligible for grants.
Other organizations, like the Black Freedom Fund, also received significant contributions. This group, associated with the Black Lives Matter movement, has stated in their grant proposals that they will only assist initiatives led by and primarily serving Black individuals. Another recipient, My Tribe Rise, similarly focuses on aiding Black and Brown communities in addressing violence and stigma surrounding gangs. It’s concerning to note that the prioritization of these groups appears to overshadow the urgent needs of wildfire victims, who are left without any direct aid.
Some nonprofits that received funding from FireAid are known for providing support to illegal aliens within California. This situation raises ethical questions about how funds are allocated and whether they truly address the needs of those devastated by the fires. The ongoing distraction created by political figures, like the governor using social media to engage with adversaries rather than tackling these pressing issues, reflects poorly on leadership accountability. The governor’s choice to focus on social media engagements gives the impression that he seeks to divert attention away from the deeper problems that deserve immediate action.
It appears FireAid may have misled many who generously donated to support those in dire need. “It really looks like FireAid was nothing more than a progressive scam on the donors,” concludes the Free Beacon’s analysis, painting a grim picture of the event’s actual impact. With victims remaining in desperate conditions, questions abound about the integrity and transparency of the organizations that were supposed to aid them. As the investigation continues to unfold, the need for clarity and accountability grows ever more pressing.
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