Responding to the Wildfires in Southern California
Episcopal Relief & Development is Partnering with the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles Amidst Southern California Wildfires
January 16, 2025
Press Release
Episcopal Relief & Development is partnering with the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles to provide cash assistance to people who have been impacted during the Palisades, Woodley, Eaton and Hurst wildfires.
The fires ignited in early January and have killed at least 25 people and displaced tens of thousands. Fueled by high winds, they have followed an unpredictable path, causing widespread destruction to homes, schools, businesses and places of worship in Ventura and Los Angeles counties.
Among those impacted are service industry workers. Many people’s workplaces have been destroyed, and others have had difficulty commuting in Southern California because of dangerous conditions, resulting in lost wages.
In partnership with Episcopal Relief & Development, the Diocese of Los Angeles is providing gift cards and cash deposits through electronic apps to people in need. The financial assistance will be disbursed through churches throughout the Diocese that are serving as emergency shelters, charging stations and respite centers.
“The effects of this disaster are heartbreaking, overwhelming and deeply personal for our church partners,” said Lura Steele, Program Officer, Episcopal Relief & Development. “Many have lost so much, and they are still working hard to quickly mobilize resources to people even more affected by the fires such as people who have limited social and financial resources.”
Episcopal Relief & Development is equipping local leaders to implement asset-based disaster responses through regional support calls where staff share expertise and resources. Staff also individually guide leaders through federal and state aid processes. Episcopal Relief & Development will support leaders throughout the impact phase of this disaster and into long-term recovery. We will walk alongside survivors as they choose the next steps that make the most sense for their lives.
Please pray for the people affected by the wildfires. Supporting the Wildfire Response Fund will help communities around the world respond to the impact of fires, including people affected by the wildfires in Southern California.
Disponible en Español.
Episcopal Relief & Development Is Actively Responding to the Southern California Wildfires
Web Update
January 14, 2025
Episcopal Relief & Development is actively supporting diocesan leaders in communities impacted by the Southern California wildfires and working with them to identify the needs of the people in their communities that have been severely affected.
Here are some recent updates as the event continues to unfold:
- At least 24 people have died from the fires and 180,000 have been displaced.
- The winds have made the fires hard to contain and predict.
- A new fire, the Auto Fire, ignited late Monday. It is now fully contained.
- Episcopal Relief & Development has been providing spiritual support, technical resources and guidance to clergy and lay leaders who have been impacted by the fires.
- Episcopal Relief & Development is working with community leaders to plan and implement emergency, mid and long-term responses.
This is an active disaster. All are reminded not to send goods or to make plans to travel to the area to volunteer until the community is ready. Instead, consider making a contribution to the Wildfire Response Fund to support people in impacted communities now and in the long-term.
Please pray for the people being affected by the multiple wildfires in California. Visit the Wildfire Prayer Experience page.
Explore Episcopal Relief & Development’s disaster-related resources:
Episcopal Relief & Development Is Responding to the Wildfires in Southern California
Web Statement
January 9, 2025
Episcopal Relief & Development is offering technical support to partners in California that are being affected by the devastating and fast-growing Palisades, Woodley, Eaton and Hurst fires.
Emergency responders are currently working to contain the 100 mph wind-fueled fires that are consuming the dry land. At least five people have died and around 130,000 people have had to evacuate their homes. Places of worship, businesses and other buildings have been heavily damaged. There are widespread power outages impacting hundreds of thousands of people.
“We are heartbroken by the death and damage caused by the wildfires in Southern California and are praying for all affected,” said Lura Steele, Program Officer, Episcopal Relief & Development. “We are working with our partners to assess evacuee needs and provide support in the coming days.”
Please pray for the people affected by the wildfires. Supporting the Wildfire Response Fund will help communities around the world respond to the impact of fires.
For over 80 years, Episcopal Relief & Development has worked with an extensive network of faith and community partners to advance lasting change in communities affected by injustice, poverty, disaster and climate change. Inspired by our faith, we reach over three million people each year by focusing on four interconnected priorities: nurturing the potential of caregivers and young children, reducing violence against women and girls, strengthening communities’ resilience to climate change and facilitating humanitarian response to disasters. Together with our partners, we leverage what’s working well to drive impact, learning and sustainability. Together, we create lasting change. Join us: www.episcopalrelief.org/sign-up
