As wildfires continue to devastate Southern California, faith groups are stepping up to offer critical aid and support to those affected by the crisis. Here are eight ways they are making a difference:
1. Critical emergency supplies
Beyond these primary initiatives, organizations such as World Vision have been mobilizing to provide emergency relief to thousands of fire victims. The U.S. Programs team at World Vision has dispatched 11 truckloads of supplies, benefiting 13 partner organizations across California. In collaboration with local churches, Operation Blessing from Virginia Beach has sent a tractor-trailer full of emergency supplies to Southern California, including baby formula, hygiene kits, cookware, and N95 masks.
2. Hot Meals and Nourishment
Faith groups have been working around the clock to provide nourishing meals for those displaced by the fires. The Salvation Army has served over 2,500 meals to fire victims, offering both physical sustenance and emotional care at Red Cross shelters and Family Assistance Centers. At a Gurdwara (Sikh temple) in Covina, communal meals have been provided to displaced individuals, demonstrating the Sikh community’s commitment to seva (selfless service) in times of crisis.
3. Donation Drives
Religious communities are organizing donation drives to gather essential supplies for fire victims. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, a Hindu temple in Southern California, held its first donation drive in early January, collecting critical items such as non-perishable food, water, and hygiene products. In a similar effort, Mandarin Baptist Church of Los Angeles is partnering with World Vision, an organization that collaborates with local partners to deliver emergency aid, especially to children and families affected by the fires.
4. Drop-off Centers for Donations
Catholic parishes, such as Ascension of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Andrew’s in Pasadena, have transformed their parish halls and school gyms into donation centers, welcoming the public to drop off essential supplies like clothing, toiletries, blankets, and toys. In addition to these local efforts, Catholic Charities USA has launched nationwide fundraising campaigns to support the relief operations, providing much-needed resources for both immediate and long-term recovery.
5. Helplines and Direct Support
Several faith-based organizations have set up dedicated helplines to support victims. BAPS and United Sikhs, an international nonprofit organization, have been actively providing emotional and practical support, including serving meals and offering assistance to displaced families. United Sikhs has also served over 1,300 meals to fire victims, helping to address immediate needs while offering a sense of community during a traumatic time.
6. Prayer
Prayer has been a central element of the response to the fires. More than 40 Salvation Army Corps locations have held prayer services for affected families, offering spiritual healing and a sense of hope. Additionally, Tzu Chi USA, a Buddhist nonprofit, organized an interfaith prayer gathering, bringing together people of different faiths to pray for the victims and for the healing of the land. The organization continues to collect donations to support long-term recovery efforts, demonstrating the power of collective action in the face of tragedy.
7. Spiritual and Emotional Support
Faith communities are offering more than just material aid—they are also providing spiritual and emotional care. Synagogues across the region have held special services for displaced congregants, providing a space for reflection, prayer, and solidarity. Volunteers have been assisting with food distribution, cash aid, and tracking the status of homes. Similarly, The Dream Center in Los Angeles has been addressing both the physical and spiritual needs of fire victims. Volunteers and displaced individuals have participated in faith-based discussions, offering mutual support during the recovery process.
8. Wildfire Relief Funds
The Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles has launched its annual appeal for fire relief, providing an essential source of funding for ongoing recovery efforts. Episcopal Relief and Development is also offering vital technical support to local partners in California, leveraging its Wildfire Response Fund to provide both financial and logistical assistance to communities in need. This fund helps to coordinate relief operations and direct resources where they are most urgently required.