SILVER SPRING, MD (January 11, 2025) –The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is partnering with Adventist Community Services (ACS) to support California communities severely impacted by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles County.
The Pacific Palisades Fire, which began on Tuesday, January 7, has rapidly spread, igniting multiple blazes across various communities in the greater Los Angeles region, including Eaton, the Sunset/Runyon Canyon area of the Hollywood Hills, and the Kenneth area of Woodland Hills. These fires have now become the most destructive in Los Angeles history.
As of the latest reports, the fires remain uncontained, burning over 39,000 acres across multiple fire zones. More than 12,000 structures have been destroyed, including homes and businesses, and at least 13 people have tragically lost their lives. Over 180,000 residents have been forced to evacuate, and many people are reported missing. With additional evacuation notices expected, the death toll could continue to rise as damage assessments unfold. (*Numbers are subject to change daily.)
The fires, driven by ferocious winds that have exceeded 70 mph, are threatening more homes, businesses, and communities. According to fire officials, the winds have contributed to the rapid and widespread destruction, turning areas not typically affected by wildfires into scenes of devastation and causing widespread power outages, impacting nearly half a million residents.
“We are praying for the people of California as they strive to stay safe and rebuild their lives after this devastating disaster,” says ADRA International Vice President for Humanitarian Affairs Imad Madanat. “In the face of such tragedy, it is critical that we stand united as a global church community. ADRA is committed to working closely with Adventist Community Services, and we are thankful for the opportunity to provide immediate aid, bringing hope and relief to those who have lost so much. We are focused on ensuring affected families and individuals have access to the vital resources needed to begin their journey toward recovery.”
In a statement to the North American Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, W. Derrick Lea, director of Adventist Community Services (ACS) for NAD, highlighted the collaborative efforts underway to provide essential support to those affected by the crisis:
“We are working with our Pacific Union ACS director Leon Brown to ensure that shelter efforts are supported. Additionally…our friends at ADRA International will partner with NAD ACS financially in support of this needful work. The need is great, and it will grow.”
Immediate Support and Relief Efforts
ADRA is providing an emergency grant to Adventist Community Services (ACS) in the Pacific Union Conference to support immediate relief and long-term recovery. The funds will be used for:
- Shelter: Adventist churches in the affected areas are being converted into emergency shelters for families displaced by the fires. These churches will serve as safe havens for those who have lost their homes or cannot return due to the ongoing fires.
- Emergency Supplies: Essential supplies, including water, blankets, cots, and prepackaged food items, will be distributed at these shelters to ensure families have access to basic necessities during this crisis.
- Gift Cards: ACS will provide gift cards to help affected individuals purchase additional necessities, offering them much-needed flexibility as they navigate the challenges of this disaster.
Several Seventh-day Adventist churches have opened their doors to provide shelter and power to those impacted by the fires. Associate Pastor Angel Pereira from the White Memorial Adventist Church in Los Angeles indicates that his church is ready to help displaced families. The church has opened its doors to the public to be a shelter for the community and has beds available.
Pereira said, “We’re going out to the streets, to other shelters, and continuing to share what we’ve been given. This is why we’re here—for such a time as this.”
Those in the evacuation zone who need shelter or are experiencing power interruption due to the winds may go to the following locations for shelter and power.
- White Memorial Seventh-day Church, 401 N State St., Los Angeles, CA 90033.
- Canoga Park Seventh-day Church, 20550 Roscoe Blvd., Winnetka, CA 91306.
- Glendale Filipino Seventh-day Church, 310 E Chestnut St, Glendale, CA 91205.
- Normandie Seventh-day Church, 12420 Normandie Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90044.
- Valley Crossroads Seventh-day Church, 11350 Glenoaks Blvd., Pacoima, CA 91331.
- Hollywood Seventh-day Church, 1711 N Van Ness Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90028. (offering showers and shelter)
How You Can Help As this tragedy unfolds, the need for assistance is greater than ever. No matter the size, a donation will help provide shelter, supplies, and recovery services for those in need. Please click ADRA.org/CaliforniaWildfires to contribute to the relief efforts. Donate today!
