We have received many requests for information about how the fires are impacting the PSWR and how you can help. Gratefully, the Region did not lose any Disciples church facilities, though one building sustained minor damage from the high winds. The Eaton fire burned within two blocks of our former regional office location on Lake Avenue in Altadena. That neighborhood lost two churches, including the Altadena Community Church, a UCC congregation.

At least two households connected to our congregations have lost their homes, and many are saddened for family, friends, and communities they love who suffered loss. Many congregations are responding with donations and support for the communities impacted by these devastating fires, and have been connected with SoCal VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) and the county VOAD organizations. It has been inspiring to learn about neighbors helping neighbors. We are grateful for the first responders, firefighters, and city/local relief response.

Please share this page with anyone who can benefit from the resources and opportunities to help. For more information, please reach out to the PSWR Regional Office at care@docpswr.org.


WHERE TO FIND HELP

Please share these resources with those you know who have been displaced or suffered losses due to the fires:

Week of Compassion and various General Ministries offer financial support to Disciples households (members, staff, and active participants) that have been displaced or suffered losses. For more information about all of these grants, please reach out to Rev. Caroline through email (caroline@weekofcompassion.org) or text (203-772-8597).

  • Household Solidarity Grants: Pastors can request these grants for congregants or staff by contacting Rev. Caroline Hamilton-Arnold 

  • Congregational Solidarity Grants: churches that sustained building damage from fire, smoke, wind, or other elements of the disaster can request these grants and be referred to the Disciples Church Extension Fund disaster response program for technical assistance. 

  • Disaster Equity Grants: Lay Disciples who identify as Black, Indigenous, Hispanic, or API and have faced loss or financial hardship due to the fires can also apply. 

  • Pension Fund Ministerial Relief: If clergy experience loss or financial hardship due to the fires, Week of Compassion can make a referral to the Pension Fund for disaster assistance through the Ministerial Relief Fund. 

For those at risk from the poor air quality, a simple DIY air purifying system using a box fan and HVAC filter can be helpful: https://www.epa.gov/sciencematters/do-it-yourself-air-cleaners-making-cleaner-air-more-accessible


how you can HELP

We’re so glad you asked! Our region has been in regular contact with Week of Compassion, who is responding these needs of congregations in the affected areas to assist Disciples and to support them as they serve their neighbors. At this time, Week of Compassion recommends in times of disaster, pray, stay safe, and where possible please donate, (select "California Wildfires 2025"). 100% of your contribution will go directly to assist disaster-affected communities, both in immediate relief efforts and in ongoing recovery.

Churches with the capacity to serve as shelters, collect donations, or provide any other needs for affected communities are encouraged to do so. Week of Compassion offers Community Response Grants to congregations who are responding to various needs in the wider community experiencing a disaster. Please contact Rev. Caroline Hamilton-Arnold for more information.

We know the intensity of the situation makes the desire to help feel very urgent, and our neighbors do have extraordinary needs right now. We also know that long after the headlines move on, the flurry of activity settles, and the adrenaline wears off, many in the community will have needs that remain. The task of recovery and rebuilding will take years, and will be most difficult for those who have been most marginalized. We commit as Disciples to be part of that long process.

Volunteers: The Region, along with local churches and the staff of Week of Compassion, is working to coordinate Disciples efforts through the VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) networks, especially ENLA (Emergency Network Los Angeles), the LA County VOAD. The unified request from this group of partners is to please send all volunteers to L.A. Works. You can sign up for alerts and learn more about specific opportunities available right now, based on the type of skills and availability you can offer.

Donations: Cash is the most effective donation, as it allows organizations to be flexible to meet rapidly changing needs now and is critical for the long-term recovery and rebuilding that will come in the months and years ahead. 

FCC Burbank is serving as a donation collection center in partnership with several local organizations. Donations needed are: bottled water, first aid supplies, cleaning supplies, shelf stable food, new shoes, and new clothes. Drop-off at 221 S Sixth St, Burbank, CA 91501 Monday-Friday 11am-2pm and 4pm-7pm or arrange dropoff by calling 859-221-3222.

Abundant Life Christian Church, Los Angeles working with local contacts has been able to supply storage containers, and other supplies to help affected families rebuild.  

FCC North Hollywood is expanding their monthly distribution to unhoused neighbors to include additional clothing and hygiene supplies. They also need serving utensils, aluminum serving trays, and plastic serving tables, among other items for food prep and storage. Contact Rev. Jonathan Hall, (805) 535-8051.

Community Worship Center, Gardena, using its local contacts were able to make fresh hot meals, and deliver them directly to first responders on the front lines of the LA Fires. They have been collecting water and other supplies for local organizations.

Several PSWR congregations in San Diego, and the surrounding areas are organizing and gearing up to help volunteer and respond to the long - term needs of those affected by the LA Fires.   


Emotional and Spiritual Care

Disaster Distress Helpline: The Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) is a free, 24/7, toll-free service that provides crisis counseling for people experiencing emotional distress related to disasters. You can call or text the DDH at 1-800-985-5990 (also available in Spanish and ASL and through translation in many other languages)