Hello CSBC Family –
We are all grieving over the devastation unfolding through the wildfires in and around Los Angeles. A part of our family is hurting, and so many of us want to engage in support. Thank you for your concern and for reaching out. As you can imagine, circumstances are evolving by the hour, and while we all are eager to help, there’s much to consider. Here are some important things to know:
What we know now:
- Several shelters are already established in the areas surrounding the fires. The city of Los Angeles and the Red Cross are managing those shelters. They are currently under capacity as it appears most of the affected residents have chosen to utilize hotels or stay with friends and family.
- California Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (CSBDR) is in communication with the City of Los Angeles, the Emergency Network of Los Angeles, the Red Cross, The Salvation Army, first responders deployed to the firefighting efforts, and churches that are either impacted by the fires and/or near the fires.
- CSBDR has been asked to help with support at the Local Assistance Centers, spiritual care, and clean-up once the fires have been contained. While first responders work on protecting people and putting out fires, we are planning and preparing to provide help, hope, and healing to those affected by the fires. This is going to be a long recovery.
- Currently, our CSBDR volunteers are prepping vehicles and equipment, building teams, and preparing care buckets for survivors to be distributed at Local Assistance Centers.
There are three important ways you can help:
- The most effective way will be when recovery and cleanup efforts begin. Once the fire is contained, we will need churches to house our Disaster Relief teams as they respond to assist homeowners with cleanup. Your participation will be a tremendous support.
- You can also help by encouraging church members to become volunteers with CSBDR and take part in any one of our upcoming trainings happening all across the state. It’s not too late to get your CSBDR badge, as we will be supporting clean-up for several months after the fire is out.
- Vigilantly Pray. Pray for the winds to die down, for the stamina of first responders, for the churches in and around the devastation as they step up in the aftermath, and, of course, pray for the survivors who will need to press on in this new reality.
If you wish to contribute immediately, the best way to do so is through a financial donation.
A word of warning: several organizations will be providing avenues for fraudulent financial support. Please be mindful that any funds donated will, in fact, go directly to help fire victims OR…
You can visit csbc.com/disaster-relief/ to donate directly to our efforts in Los Angeles.
Thank you for your care, your prayers, and your generosity. We are deeply grateful for your overwhelming support and willingness to help in response to the devastating fires currently impacting Los Angeles.
We truly are Better Together.
Kendrick Neal
Director, California Southern Baptist Disaster Relief
