Christian charities and groups have been mobilising to help the relief workers and half a million people have been moved from their homes in the biggest evacuation in California’s history.
Some firefighters are conceding defeat in many areas against the wildfires that have destroyed more than 1,300 homes between north Los Angeles to the Mexican border.
Having completed recovery efforts surrounding the 2003 southern California wildfires only weeks ago, The Salvation Army has once again mobilized to provide assistance and support to relief workers and survivors in the wake of the latest series of blazes.
To date, nine mobile canteen units have been deployed throughout the area and six additional units have been mobilized. Thus far, the canteens have provided more than 15,000 meals and 15,000 drinks to thousands of individuals impacted by the disaster. In addition, the Army is providing cots, cups and personal care kits to responders and survivors, along with emotional and spiritual care.
“Our primary goal is responding to the immediate needs of the thousands of evacuees and relief workers in the area,” said Lt. Col Doug O’Brien, Divisional Commander, The Salvation Army’s Sierra Del Mar Division covering San Diego County. “Over the long-term, we expect to have many thousands of people who will need our help with long-term recovery to rebuild their homes and lives.”
Meanwhile, from Florida to Southern California, local Catholic Charities agencies are mobilizing to help their communities deal with the ongoing disaster.
Local Catholic Charities in San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino/Riverside are coordinating and collaborating with their local Catholic and disaster relief partners to assess the needs and determine relief efforts.
In Florida, Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida is also helping families who lost their homes recover from strong storms and a tornado that tore through the northern panhandle last week.
“Catholic Charities USA’s Office of Disaster Response is working closely with local agencies to ensure that our network has the tools and resources it needs to respond to these disasters,” said Kim Burgo, director of disaster response for Catholic Charities USA. “We anticipate making emergency grants available to our agencies to support their immediate efforts.”
Catholic Charities USA, which has been commissioned by the U.S. Catholic Bishops to represent the Catholic community in times of domestic disaster, responds with emergency and long-term assistance as needed. Its Disaster Response Office connects the Church’s social service agencies and disaster planning offices across the nation.