SoCal Fire Response

By now, we have seen the way these wildfires have engulfed different parts of the LA community. The images and videos we have seen are devastating and heartbreaking. Many in our community have lost their homes or know someone who has. There are not words to fully describe what we are feeling. When we’re faced with communal tragedy like this, we often don’t know how to respond or where to begin. The pain feels too big. Our souls long to see all things restored, not destroyed. How do we be the church we are called to be? How do we be people of restoration in the midst of devastation?

IF YOU ARE STRUGGLING

  • The University Counseling Center is available to support students with free and confidential same-day urgent care sessions or scheduled appointments.

  • APU’s team of campus pastors is also available by appointment for prayer and confidential one-on-one counseling. Email pastoralcare@apu.edu or call (626) 815-3855. 

  • If you are not sure where to start or are concerned about a peer who finds themselves without power or is currently displaced, please consider submitting an APU CARES form. The APU CARES team will follow up to help connect students with the appropriate support and resources.

WAYS TO RESPOND

  1. Pray! Scripture reminds us that the Lord hears the cries of His people. Prayer is a tangible way we can ask God to intercede in the midst of such tragedy. 

  2. Give of your resources! Below, we have linked organizations you can volunteer with or donate funds to. These orgs are directly helping victims now. 

  3. Stay tuned! Our office is working on solidifying details for helpful and sustainable ways to serve these communities through this Spring semester. Sign up for updates on how we’ll be responding.

LOOK FOR GOD

People of restoration will face devastation head on, but recognize that there is always hope to be found in the midst. The pain we see and experience in the world is real. Full stop. But we know that we serve a God who faced darkness and overcame it. That truth is relevant even today. As you navigate the ripple effect of this tragedy, we challenge you to look for the hope around you. Call it out in others; show up for your neighbor; be the love of Christ in your community today and every day thereafter.

 

Volunteer + Donate

While we would like to jump in and serve right now, most organizations are overwhelmed by the fires and devastation, and are not yet at capacity to accept volunteers. We will be tracking developments daily and will update you when we are able to join the response on the ground. Sign up for our newsletter to receive updates.

Donate:

Water:

  • Bring water bottles to the OSD office. We will deliver the water to Altadena/Pasadena weekly.

Currently Accepting Volunteers:

KTLA - How to Help

KCRW - Resources for finding and offering help