ADRA and ACS Join Forces to Deliver Urgent Relief After Devastation by Wildfires

Partnership with Adventist Community Services benefits California communities.

January 14, 2025 | Silver Spring, Maryland, United States | ADRA International

Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is partnering with Adventist Community Services (ACS) to support California communities severely impacted by the current wildfires in Los Angeles County in the U.S.

The Pacific Palisades Fire, which began on Tuesday, January 7, has rapidly spread, igniting multiple blazes across various communities in the greater Los Angeles region, including Eaton, the Sunset/Runyon Canyon area of the Hollywood Hills, and the Kenneth area of Woodland Hills. These fires have now become the most destructive in Los Angeles history.

As of the latest reports, the fires remain uncontained, burning more than 39,000 acres (15,800 hectares) across multiple fire zones. More than 12,000 structures have been destroyed, including homes and businesses, and at least 25 people have tragically lost their lives. More than 180,000 residents have been forced to evacuate, and many people are reported missing. With additional evacuation notices expected, the death toll could continue to rise as damage assessments unfold. (*Numbers are subject to change daily.)

The fires, driven by ferocious winds that have exceeded 70 miles (113 kilometers) per hour, are threatening more homes, businesses, and communities. According to fire officials, the winds have contributed to the rapid and widespread destruction, turning areas not typically affected by wildfires into scenes of devastation and causing widespread power outages, impacting nearly a half million residents.

“We are praying for the people of California as they strive to stay safe and rebuild their lives after this devastating disaster,” said ADRA International vice president for humanitarian affairs Imad Madanat. “In the face of such tragedy it is critical that we stand united as a global church community. ADRA is committed to working closely with Adventist Community Services, and we are thankful for the opportunity to provide immediate aid, bringing hope and relief to those who have lost so much. We are focused on ensuring that affected families and individuals have access to the vital resources needed to begin their journey toward recovery.”

In a statement to the North American Division (NAD) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, W. Derrick Lea, director of NAD Adventist Community Services (ACS), highlighted the collaborative efforts underway to provide essential support to those affected by the crisis.

“We are working with our Pacific Union ACS director Leon Brown to ensure that shelter efforts are supported. Additionally . . . our friends at ADRA International will partner with NAD ACS financially in support of this needful work. The need is great, and it will grow.”

Immediate Support and Relief Efforts

ADRA is providing an emergency grant to ACS in the Pacific Union Conference to support immediate relief and long-term recovery. The funds will be used for:

• Shelter: Adventist churches in the affected areas are being converted into emergency shelters for families displaced by the fires. These churches will serve as safe havens for those who have lost their homes or cannot return because of the ongoing fires.
• Emergency Supplies: Essential supplies, including water, blankets, cots, and prepackaged food items, will be distributed at these shelters to ensure families have access to basic necessities during this crisis.
• Gift Cards: ACS will provide gift cards to help affected individuals purchase additional necessities, offering them much-needed flexibility as they navigate the challenges of this disaster.

Several Seventh-day Adventist churches have opened their doors to provide shelter and power to those impacted by the fires. Associate pastor Angel Pereira from the White Memorial Seventh-day Adventist Church in Los Angeles indicates that his church is ready to help displaced families. The church has opened its doors to the public to be a shelter for the community and has beds available.

Pereira said, “We’re going out to the streets, to other shelters, and continuing to share what we’ve been given. This is why we’re here—for such a time as this.”

The original version of this release was posted by ADRA International.