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After building a new life in Southern California, Steven Seruyange now helps wildfire survivors navigate recovery and rebuild after loss.
As flames from the 2025 Eaton and Palisades fires spread across Southern California, Steven Seruyange watched the destruction unfold on television with his children.
Many of the communities impacted were home to people he knew through his church, The Salvation Army Pasadena (California) Tabernacle Corps.
As neighborhoods burned and families evacuated, Seruyange found himself thinking about the uncertainty survivors would face long after the fires were extinguished.
“Deep down, I kept thinking, ‘What are these people going to do?’” Seruyange said. “Imagine losing everything you have in life—everything you’ve worked for. Some of those homes had been in families for generations, and suddenly it was all gone.”
At the time, Seruyange was working in banking, but as he watched the fires spread, he felt compelled to do something.
“I didn’t have the funds to help everyone who had been affected,” Seruyange said. “But I kept thinking, maybe God could do something for me so I could have an impact on people’s lives.”
He said the feeling was personal.
Originally from Uganda, Seruyange moved to the U.S. with his wife, Florence, and their two children in 2018 after facing persecution in their home country. As the family adjusted to life in the States, they navigated housing, employment and finding community in a new place.
He described those early years as difficult, as they lived in a cramped apartment while trying to get on their feet.
“We really didn’t know what was going to happen next, but the Pasadena Corps was there for us,” Seruyange said.
During that time, then Pasadena Tabernacle Corps Officers Majors Terry and Rutendo Masango supported the family by welcoming them into their home for several months and helping them find more stable housing near the corps.
“The Salvation Army became our family when we didn’t have anyone else,” Seruyange said.
The family’s connection to the corps continued to grow over the years. Seruyange regularly volunteered at the food pantry, sang with the Songsters and participated in corps activities alongside his family. Eventually, the entire family became soldiers.
“He was not just here waiting for the church to support him,” Terry Masango said. “He would spend hours at the food bank every day helping those who were in need.”
That desire to help others remained with Seruyange over the years, even as he built a career in banking and settled into life in Southern California.
After witnessing the level of destruction caused by the 2025 Southern California wildfires, he began looking for ways to support those affected more directly.
He eventually learned about the role of Disaster Case Manager, a full-time position available at the Pasadena Tabernacle Corps that would allow him to support those recovering from the fires.
“Because of my experience volunteering at the food pantry and social services, I felt ready for the role,” Seruyange said. “I already had an idea of what it looked like to help people in need.”
In May 2025, seven years after arriving in Southern California in search of stability for his own family, and now a family of five, Seruyange became a Disaster Case Manager at the Pasadena Tabernacle Corps, helping wildfire survivors start over.
“Imagine losing everything you have in life—everything you’ve worked for. Some of those homes had been in families for generations, and suddenly it was all gone.”
Steven Seruyange
According to Pasadena Tabernacle Corps Business Administrator Jody Davis, Seruyange’s background and ability to connect with people stood out.
“When he talks to people coming in, it’s very much with compassion and care,” Davis said. “I don’t think we could have found a better person who has the heart to do this work.”
Today, Seruyange spends his days helping those impacted by the fires access resources as they work to rebuild.
“Every family, every individual has different needs,” Seruyange said. “It’s not like a one-size-fits-all solution.”
He recalled recently assisting a family of nine who had been sleeping on the floor in temporary housing after losing everything in the fire. When they learned The Salvation Army could help furnish their home, they were in disbelief.
Just days later, mattresses, furniture, bedding and groceries were delivered to the family.
“She said to me, ‘Steven, this is too much. Am I supposed to pay this money back?’” Seruyange said. “And I just assured her, no—this is the Lord’s work for you.”
Seruyange said he shared Jeremiah 29:11 with her—as he often does with clients—reminding them that God has “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
He said he often invites his clients to church services and activities at The Salvation Army, where several have since become regular attendees.
“His love for Jesus is clear, and he loves to share it with everyone,” said Pasadena Tabernacle Corps Officer Captain Nicholas Helms. “His witness is inspiring.”
Along with emotional and spiritual support, Seruyange continues to help survivors navigate urgent recovery needs.
Another client was connected with Seruyange after losing a wheelchair in the fire, leaving them struggling with mobility for months. Through recovery assistance, he helped secure a replacement mobility scooter.
“Some people come to The Salvation Army with little to no hope,” Seruyange said. “It’s our responsibility to help restore that hope.”
The role has positioned him to offer others the same compassion, stability and care his family once received, he added.
“My heart is full when I can help someone in need,” Seruyange said. “Sometimes in life, it’s not about the money. Sometimes it’s about the fulfillment.”
Do Good:
- When disaster strikes, The Salvation Army is already there to provide immediate relief and long-term recovery support. By working together, we can make a significant impact on the lives of those affected by disasters. See more here.
