Support Communities Impacted by Fires
Many of you have contacted us asking about ways to help with the devastating fires we witnessed last week.
Experts who have experience in the wake of natural disasters, emphasized that the very *best* thing we can do is to donate money, not to collect stuff or things. When we support these organizations with cash donations, they can help people get exactly what it is they need/want, and give them a chance to make their own decisions/choices; and they can spend funds locally to help support businesses who are trying to stay afloat post-disaster.
Below please find a small collection of organizations doing good work. Thank you in advance for your generosity.
In the Trinity Notes Newsletter on January 10, the Rev. Elizabeth Molitors suggested donating to the diocese of Los Angeles One Body, One Spirit Annual Appeal. For the foreseeable future, all donations will go toward fire relief for those individuals, churches, and schools impacted in our diocese. Visit the Diocese Resource Page for updates and more information.
Episcopal Relief & Development is working with local diocesan partners to assess the needs of evacuees and provide community support. As the scope of the disaster continues to unfold, ERD's Wildfire Response Fund will support families impacted.
The Red Cross is helping as thousands cope with the trauma and massive destruction from the wildfires. They are working with partners to provide food, shelter, emotional support and other critical aid. Select "California Wildfires" from the drop-down menu.
World Central Kitchen’s Relief Team is supporting first responders and families impacted by wildfires in the Los Angeles area. Teams and partners have mobilized across the region to provide nourishing meals to people in need.
Donate Directly to Episcopal Churches
Saint Mark’s in Altadena lost their church and entire school campus in the Eaton Fire. They have established a dedicated Emergency Relief Fund to support their community. To donate, click here and select “Emergency Relief Offering” from the drop-down menu.
At St. Matthew’s in Pacific Palisades, their community suffered the destruction and damage to school properties, and the complete loss of the homes of their three priests. Many school and church families have experienced significant losses. Donate directly to their Parish School and/or to their Pastoral Fund, supporting members of their community impacted by the Palisades Fire.
Donate Directly to Families
From our friends at CLUE (Clergy and Laity United for Justice) they have brought attention to a directory of GoFundMe fundraisers to support displaced Black families from Altadena and Pasadena. Over 600 families are listed there.
