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News Release

The Church Joins Relief Organizations to Aid California Fire Victims 

Update: January 24, 2025

As part of its ongoing efforts to support those affected by the fires in Southern California, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has already contributed a combined US$1.2 million to help four nonprofit organizations respond to the immediate needs of people in the impacted areas.

“My heart is full of gratitude for the humanitarian organizations the Church is working shoulder to shoulder with to assist those tragically affected by the fires,” said North America West Area President Elder Mark A. Bragg. “Even in the most difficult and darkest of times, there is light and goodness all around us. I see the light of Christ working through these organizations, families, friends, and even complete strangers serving, comforting, and praying for all those in need.”

American Red Cross

The American Red Cross (ARC) is operating shelters across the Los Angeles area for those affected by the fires. In addition to providing shelter and food, ARC is also distributing relief supplies and offering physical and emotional health support. With the Church’s help, more than 10,000 people will have access to these services.

International Medical Corps

The International Medical Corps (IMC) is working to procure and deliver urgently needed response and recovery supplies to emergency shelters, emergency distribution centers, nursing homes and community-based emergency management organizations. IMC medical and mental health professionals are also providing direct health and mental health care.

A representative from the International Medical Corps delivers items to victims of fires in Southern California.
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All of this is being done in close coordination with government and emergency services organizations to ensure procured items meet local needs, fill urgent gaps and do not duplicate efforts. With the Church’s support, IMC will help 15,000 direct beneficiaries through its services.

“Thank you for the Church’s generous donation,” said Erica Taveres, IMC’s senior director of U.S. programs and wildfire response lead. “With your support, International Medical Corps was able to quickly deliver more than 20,000 pieces of urgently needed relief supplies to the Pasadena Convention Center to support evacuees, and we will be able to support many more in the coming weeks and months. Your longtime commitment to supporting families affected by disasters ensures that our teams can be on the ground, delivering care where and when it is needed most.”

Project HOPE

Project HOPE’s emergency response team is conducting site visits and rapid assessments at shelters and clinics to identify items that are desperately needed by impacted individuals and communities. The Church’s support will provide over 15,000 people with hygiene kits and sanitation supplies, N95 masks, air purifiers and air filters, cleaning supplies and other non-food items.

Save the Children

Save the Children is working to address the distress and trauma experienced by children affected by the fires. One way they are doing this is by providing educational recovery vouchers to help reopen classrooms and childcare centers. In addition, they are distributing calming kits and caregiver kits to affected communities. They are also providing mental health and psychosocial support programming directly to educators in schools, childcare and community learning centers. The Church’s support will allow 2,240 children, caregivers and educators to receive these services.

Save the Children is supporting childcare and early learning centers damaged by the Southern California wildfires. Together with Project:Camp, Save the Children set up emergency childcare centers where children who are evacuated or out of school can safely play.
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“Many children left home with only the clothes on their backs and will need our help for many months to come,” said Lucero Chavez Ramirez, director of Save the Children’s California programs. “It’s critical we get children the essentials they need to be safe and healthy — and back to learning and their everyday, comforting routines. Save the Children is committed to helping them get that support now and over the long term.”

The Church has worked with these organizations in the past to provide disaster relief and engage in humanitarian projects. In coordination with the Church’s North America West Area and the local emergency response team, immediate and long-term needs will continue to be assessed so that resources can be provided to best help those affected by these devastating fires.

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is continuing its efforts to assist those affected by the fires still burning in Southern California. The Church’s emergency response team is currently working with multiple local organizations to assess needs, both immediate and long-term, and provide resources. The Church is thankful its meetinghouses survived the fires and has offered them for staging areas, shelter and worship services of all faiths as needed.

At least 48 homes of Church members have been lost and approximately 750 members remain evacuated. Family Services counselors will also be sent to congregations in the affected areas to provide mental and emotional support.

Volunteer opportunities are limited at this time because of safety concerns caused by the fires. Members who wish to help are encouraged to donate to the Church’s humanitarian efforts or other reputable organizations and look for opportunities to help at JustServe.org.

Friday, January 10, 2025

As fires continue to burn in Southern California, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is organizing emergency support on various levels. Emergency supplies are being provided to those in need through local bishops’ storehouses and the Bishops’ Central Storehouse in Salt Lake City. Today, for example, 1,500 cases of bottled water are being delivered to areas most impacted by the wildfires.

Approximately 1,000 Latter-day Saints have been evacuated and are staying with relatives, friends, fellow Church members or other lodging. More than 30 Latter-day Saints’ homes have been destroyed. Church buildings have been made available for community staging and shelter.

All missionaries are safe and accounted for and are continuing their service. The Los Angeles Temple, which closed on January 8, reopened on January 9 and is operating on its regular schedule.

Local leaders deeply appreciate the outpouring of support and willingness to volunteer from so many. Until this is needed, those who wish to help can donate to the Church’s humanitarian efforts or offer volunteer support through local organizations.

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A man searches the rubble of his parents' home, destroyed during the Palisades Fire, in Pacific Palisades, a neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, on January 9, 2025.Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images

Thursday, January 9, 2025

Elder Mark A. Bragg, North America West Area President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, issued the following statement:

Our hearts go out to all affected by the fires that continue to cause destruction in Southern California. As one who grew up and has deep roots in the area, I have a great love for the community. Our prayers are with those who have lost their homes and are displaced and for the first responders. We mourn with those who have experienced loss and ask for the Savior’s comforting spirit to be with them. We also express gratitude for the acts of faith and work sustaining those affected by this crisis.

At this time, the Church is mobilizing its resources. Everyone is encouraged to volunteer and make themselves available to assist those in need. The Church is committed to helping during this emergency and throughout the aftermath.

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The Palisades fire burns near homes in the Pacific Palisades on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. Photo by Hans Gutknecht/MediaNews Group/ Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images

Banner Image: Photo by Qian Weizhong/VCG via Getty Images

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