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The Salvation Army joins a multi-agency Wildfire Resource Hub in Pasadena to provide support and services to families and individuals affected by Southern California wildfires.
As tens of thousands of Southern California residents remain displaced following historic wildfires that charred the region, The Salvation Army joined some 30 organizations to provide direct assistance through a Wildfire Resource Hub at the Kaiser Regional Headquarters in Pasadena from Jan. 27-Feb. 1.
Organized by California Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), the free six-day Wildfire Resource Hub invited impacted families to access support, material donations and financial assistance in a centralized location.
General Secretary for The Salvation Army Southern California Division Major Anthony Barnes said the hub aims to meet immediate needs while preparing individuals for long-term recovery to rebuild their lives.
“We’re going into action to help families that have needs of different kinds,” he said.
Upon arriving at the Wildfire Resource Hub, individuals verified their addresses before meeting with social service organizations in the Kaiser office space. Through meeting with Salvation Army officers, clients could receive gift cards along with emotional and spiritual support.
Each day, about 20 Salvation Army volunteers provided snacks and drinks to individuals waiting in line for screening and assistance—many of whom waited up to three hours outside before entering the hub.
“During our first day of operation, The Salvation Army provided prayer and financial assistance to 300 individuals and families,” said Pasadena Tabernacle Corps Officer Captain Rebecca Helms.
Helms said individuals who lost their homes or suffered significant property damage are eligible for a $1,000 Walmart gift card. Additionally, those who faced evacuation orders can receive a $100 grocery gift card.
“We’re meeting with those affected by the fires to make sure they know: one, they’re not alone, two, we’re here to help with resources, and three, we will walk alongside them throughout their long-term recovery.”
Major Anthony Barnes
She added the Pasadena Tabernacle can be a place of solace, inviting those affected to join the church community for further support, healing and connections.
“I let them know that we’re here in the Pasadena community, ready to support them as they grieve and rebuild,” she said. “Many people have lost their communities and churches.”
After meeting with social service providers, individuals stepped outside to explore various hubs, including a kids’ bounce house, a sound healing station, therapy dogs and Salvation Army donation stations offering food, cleaning kits, air purifiers and household supplies.
Medical and vision care clinics were also on-site, including a Tsu Chi mobile unit that provided free eye exams and same-day glasses.
For Maria Saucedo, who remained displaced from her Altadena home due to smoke damage from the Eaton Fire, having access to a range of services in one location was ideal.
“I came out for financial assistance and cleaning supplies,” Saucedo said, adding she is living with family while she works on cleaning her home.
“It’s nice that everything is in one place here,” she said. “I’ve been doing a lot of calling around and filling out online forms for financial assistance; it’s overwhelming.”
Despite the hassle, Saucedo said she is grateful she will eventually have a house to return to.
“I know that’s not the case for many families right now,” she said.
For those who have lost their homes and are uncertain of what’s next, Barnes said The Salvation Army is committed to long-term recovery to help families regain stability.
“We’re meeting with those affected by the fires to make sure they know: one, they’re not alone, two, we’re here to help with resources, and three, we will walk alongside them throughout their long-term recovery,” he said.
Do Good:
- The Salvation Army is currently accepting financial gifts to support its relief efforts. For more information and to donate, visit salarmy.us/socalfire.
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