Fires in California

Assist us mercifully, O Lord, in these our supplications and prayers, and protect all those facing the destruction of the fires in Southern California; that, among all the changes and chances of this mortal life, they may ever be defended by your gracious and ready help; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

How can you help?

To prepare for the long-term recovery work, we have established a 2007 Fire Relief Fund. Individuals can make a gift to our fund. Please add: “Fire Relief” to the memo line.

Please send gifts designated for that fund to:

The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego
2728 6th Ave. San Diego, CA 92103

Donate Online here. (or see below for ERD)

In addition, we are collecting gift cards to Target, K-Mart, Walmart, and JC Penney to be distributed to people who have lost property. These gift cards can be sent to the above address to the attention of Canon Howard F. Smith. Any communication of these requests would be a blessing.

Faithfully, The Rt. Rev. James R. Mathes Bishop of San Diego

CHURCHES HOSTING EVACUEES:
All Saints' 651 Eucalyptus Ave., Vista 760-726-4280
Christ Church 1114 Ninth St., Coronado 619-435-4561
Good Samaritan 4321 Eastgate Mall, San Diego 858-458-1501
St. Andrew's 890 Balour St., Encinitas 92024 760-753-3017
St. Andrew's 4816 Glen St, La Mesa 91941 619-460-7272
St. Dunstan's 6556 Park Ridge Rd., San Diego 92120 619-460-6442
St. James 743 Prospect St., La Jolla 92037 858-459-3421
St. Michael's, 2775 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad 92018 760-729-8901

San Diego Fire's Prayer List, visit here.

For the latest wildfire conditions, visit here or you can see it mapped out here.

From Episcopal Relief and Development:

Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) is standing by to provide emergency assistance to communities affected by wildfires in Southern California. Almost 1 million people have been forced to evacuate their homes, the largest evacuation in California history. Experts fear that the number could increase within the next several days.

Since Friday, approximately 20 wildfires have scorched hundreds of thousands of acres over 600 square miles from north of Los Angeles to southeast of San Diego. Santa Ana winds, 90 degree temperatures and record low rainfalls have made the fires extremely difficult to control. There are not enough fire engines and firefighters in the state of California to battle the blazes. The flames have destroyed hundreds of homes and damaged hundreds more.

Episcopal Relief and Development is working with the Diocese of San Diego to assist with sheltering and provide psychosocial support for those whose lives are challenged by the trauma and displacement from the fires. “We need to keep our thoughts and prayers with Southern California during and after these fires,” says Rich Ohlsen, Episcopal Relief and Development’s Director for Domestic Response and Preparedness. “The needs, especially of the vulnerable populations, will be great.” Ohlsen will be traveling to the area to assist the Diocese in recovery efforts.

While many people have been able to seek temporary refuge with family and friends, the region’s more vulnerable and marginalized populations – the homeless, low-income and elderly – are in need of immediate assistance, including food, water, and blankets. Several congregations have already opened their doors to offer shelter. Funds are needed for operations and to provide psychosocial support. Once the fires are contained, these same populations will require assistance in rebuilding their lives and finding new homes.

To help people affected by the fires in Southern California, please make a donation to ERD's “Emergency Relief Fund” online at http://www.er-d.org/ , or call 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to: Episcopal Relief and Development “Emergency Relief Fund” P.O. Box 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116-7058.