As communities across Southern California are devastated by fast-moving wildfires, The Salvation Army is on the ground supporting evacuees and emergency responders.
The Salvation Army has deployed Emergency Disaster Services teams to serve meals and offer spiritual and emotional care at emergency shelters in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles and Pacoima, in addition to providing bedding, first aid, emergency medical care and mental health support. Thirteen emergency vehicles, including six mobile kitchens, are poised for deployment, as and when they are needed.
The Salvation Army is coordinating with other aid organisations and federal, state and local authorities to respond as efficiently and effectively as possible.
General Secretary for the Southern California Division, Major Anthony Barnes, in speaking to CNN News, said: ‘The Salvation Army is mobilised and we are prepared to help meet the most immediate needs of our neighbours.’ He added that The Salvation Army was working to ensure no one goes hungry, and that water and clothing was available to those who needed it.
‘The Salvation Army is there before, during and after any disaster strikes, and we are committed to serving the whole person, physically, emotionally and spiritually... We want to remind people that we are with them and that they are not walking alone in these disasters,’ continued Major Barnes.
Fast-moving fires
Intense wildfires have rapidly spread across five neighbourhoods since Tuesday 7 January, claiming the lives of ten people and forcing 180,000 people to evacuate. Another 200,000 people are under evacuation warning.
The fast-moving fires are not yet under control and the death toll is expected to rise. The burnt areas now cover more than 12,000 hectares (30,000 acres).
International leader of The Salvation Army, General Lyndon Buckingham, calls for Salvationists to support the people of California in prayer: ‘As the wildfires continue to devastate communities across California, our hearts and prayers go out to those who have lost their homes, livelihoods and loved ones. May we, as a global Salvation Army family, demonstrate our love and concern through fervent prayer for the people of California.’
Hands and feet of Christ
At least four Salvation Army corps officers (ministers) are currently under mandatory evacuation order, including Captains Becky and Nick Helms in Pasadena.
‘The destruction has been widespread, and we are grieving alongside those who have suffered great loss,’ the captains wrote in a note to their congregation. ‘This is a moment for us to truly embody what it means to be the hands and feet of Christ.’
‘These are traumatic and unsettling times for our families and first responders,’ said Colonel Eddie Vincent, Chief Secretary for The Salvation Army USA Western Territory. ‘Please be in prayer for those impacted by these devastating fires.’
