Relief Efforts for Wildfires in Southern California

Situation: 
Wind-Controlled Fires Destroying Homes in L.A. County: Multiple Wildfires in Southern California

As of January 13th, The Salvation Army has served over 3200 meals and provided emotional & spiritual care to 494 individuals at eight American Red Cross emergency shelters.

With red flag warnings in affect, The Salvation Army is on standby to serve those affected by new wildfires in California.

Once red flag warnings are over and relocation is allowed, The Salvation Army has Emotional & Spiritual care teams on standby to deploy, comprised of Salvation Army pastors and volunteers to visit neighborhoods affected by the Eaton Canyon and Palisades Fire to offer comfort, food and practical assistance.

The Salvation Army is preparing to be a resource to those affected at the Disaster Recovery Centers once activated.

In addition to officers and employees serving the evacuees and first responders, Salvation Army volunteers have served 567 hours over the last five days.

With Red Flag Warnings back in affect today, Southern Californians joined in prayer at their local churches. This included the 43 Salvation Army Corps (churches) in Southern California that met today to pray for help and remind each other where their hope comes from.

Salvation Army Corps in the affected areas of Santa Monica, Pasadena, Hollywood, Glendale, Oxnard, San Fernando Valley also joined for worship today. Lt. Colonel Mike Dickinson, Divisional Commander for Southern California, joined the Pasadena Tabernacle Corps this morning. “It was somber. Today I sat with people who have lost everything but their hope. Their resolute faith was humbling,” Dickinson shared.

“I hugged families that experienced total loss. They’re numb, but so grateful they are alive and giving thanks to God for their temporary shelter and a supportive church family.”-Col. Mike Dickinson

Even while The Salvation Army congregations met together, many of the officers (pastors) and volunteers from these same churches were preparing meals for the evacuation shelters as we continue to serve, feeding and encouraging evacuees as the need continues.

Updates:

As of January 12th, The Salvation Army has served over 2500 meals and provided emotional & spiritual care to 476 individuals at American Red Cross emergency shelters as well as the Family Assistance Center in Pasadena.

Once red flag warnings are over and relocation is allowed, The Salvation Army has mobilized Emotional & Spiritual care teams, comprised of Salvation Army pastors and volunteers to visit neighborhoods affected by the Eaton Canyon and Palisades Fire to offer comfort, food and practical assistance.

The Salvation Army is preparing to be a resource to those affected at the Local Assistance Centers/Disaster Recovery Centers once activated.

As of Thursday, January 9, wildfires driven by high winds have burned a combined total of nearly 32,000 acres and are not yet contained.

Though devastation continues across Southern California, The Salvation Army is on site at five evacuation shelters to offer a meal, a hot cup of coffee and a listening ear.

In addition to meal service, one of the hallmarks of The Salvation Army’s service during disasters is Emotional & Spiritual Care or as we call it, “ministry of presence.” For those who are evacuated or experiencing property loss, a friendly face and a warm handshake can make a difference.

“The Salvation Army is out here serving our ‘actual’ neighbors,” shared Lt. Colonel Mike Dickinson, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army in Southern California. “Many of our officer families, staff, as well as several of our shelters have been evacuated, but I’m humbled to say that those same people have remained on duty, doing what The Salvation Army is known for—providing food, shelter, the basic needs and HOPE, all in the name of Jesus.”

Lt. Colonel Dickinson continued, “As the leader of The Salvation Army in Southern California which has been serving this community since 1887, I can assure you that we are committed to aid our neighbors impacted by these fires for the long run. So, I’m asking those with means to support the work of The Salvation Army so that we have the ability to serve the most vulnerable among us.”

Our teams have been deployed to serve at American Red Cross operated evacuation shelters in the following locations:

1. El Camino Real Charter High School in Woodland Hills
2. Westwood Recreation Center in Los Angeles
3. Ritchie Valens Recreation Center in Pacoima
4. The Fairplex in Pomona
5. Pan Pacific Recreation Center in Los Angeles 

As communities across Southern California are devastated by fast-moving wildfires, The Salvation Army is ramping up its efforts to care for survivors displaced from their homes, temporary evacuees, and emergency responders with meals and emotional/spiritual care.

As the number of fires multiply and expand, The Salvation Army is coming alongside their neighbors in need, mobilizing their teams in So Cal to serve those affected in the emergency shelters tonight and for the days and needs to come.

As of January 8th, The Salvation Army has been deployed to serve meals, support the shelters, and offer spiritual and emotional care at American Red Cross operated evacuation shelters in the following three locations:

• El Camino Real Charter High School, 5440 Valley Circle Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91367
• Westwood Recreation Center, 1350 S Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025 (photos above are from this site)
• Ritchie Vales Recreation Center, 10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd, Pacoima, CA 91331

In addition, The Salvation Army in Southern California has 13 emergency vehicles ready for deployment upon government partner request, including 6 mobile kitchens, 5 Transit vans, and 2 shower trailers.