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California Wildfires: World Vision Meeting Needs Through Local Churches

Donations to World Vision's domestic emergency response fund help us to stock supplies to distribute to families struck by sudden-onset disasters in the United States.

Updated October 29, 2007


A woman watches her neighbor's home burn on the Rincon Indian Reservation in Rincon, Calif., on Oct. 23. Wildfires stoked by fierce winds burned unchecked across Southern California for a third day on Tuesday. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson (United States)
The wildfires in Southern California now are contained, but as families and children return home, many face the daunting challenge of rebuilding.

According to the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services, some 2,846 structures have been destroyed. The majority of these are homes consumed by the raging infernos of last month.

World Vision Needs Volunteers


World Vision representatives in Southern California continue to work closely with our local church partners in the seven counties affected.

"We're in touch with our 80-plus church partners in the affected areas to identify any families with limited means, families left destitute by these fires, or people who may have difficulty accessing other assistance, while remaining sensitive to anyone that may need our support," says Jo Carcedo, World Vision's area director for Southern California.

Volunteers interested in helping with aid distributions or assembling emergency hygiene kits may contact our Storehouse in Los Angeles at (323) 751-4408. Our staff estimates at least 20 to 25 volunteers are needed daily to help with aid distributions.

Wildfire Fast Facts:

  • Some 2,846 structures have been destroyed.
  • The state of California is hiring 3,000 temporary disaster assistance workers to respond to needs following the fires.
  • More than 517,700 acres have been burned, the majority of which are in San Diego County.
Source: California Governor's Office of Emergency Services

Relief Supplies

World Vision sent a shipment of bottled water, baby supplies, facemask filters, personal hygiene items, and clothing to our Storehouse in Los Angeles. The supplies, provided by generous World Vision corporate donors, are being distributed — mostly through local churches — to families in need.

World Vision, through its U.S. programs, is committed to working with the local church and other non-profit organizations to assist the vulnerable survivors of this tragedy in Southern California for the long term.

Cash donations are welcome to help stock our U.S. Storehouses with such items as blankets, clothing, personal hygiene kits, and cleaning supplies that help to assist communities during sudden-onset disasters across the United States, such as the wildfires in Southern California. Local churches and community groups distribute the supplies to families in need.


Learn More


>> Check out CNN.com for a comprehensive update on the California wildfires.
>> Listen to an interview by Mission Network News with Jo Carcedo, World Vision's area director in Southern California.

Two Ways You Can Help

>> Pray for those affected by the fires, including families driven from their homes, those who face loss of livelihood, children, the elderly, and others vulnerable to respiratory problems because of poor air quality.
>> Donate to World Vision's U.S. Disaster Response Fund. This fund helps to assist communities during sudden-onset disasters across the United States. Local churches and community groups distribute the items to families in need.

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