Responding to the California Park Fire
Responding to the California Park Fire
Web Statement
July 30, 2024
Episcopal Relief & Development is accompanying Episcopal Diocese of Northern California staff in response to the Park Fire that is currently affecting Butte, Plumas, Shasta and Tehama counties.
When the recent Park Fire began, Episcopal Relief & Development staff began providing pointed hands-on guidance that is helping the diocese begin to respond to the impacted communities once the rescue phase of the disaster is completed.
Through the Diocese of Northern California long-term recovery program in partnership with Episcopal Relief & Development, churches throughout high-risk areas have been equipped with disaster community engagement training since the devastating Camp Fire in 2018 and other fires of recent years.
Immediately after the fires broke out, the diocese set up an evacuee resource hub at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Red Bluff to provide water, food and internet access, as well as referrals to shelters and other services. All Saints Episcopal Church and St. John’s Episcopal Church are providing spiritual care to evacuees, distributing masks and meeting short term needs.
Episcopal Relief & Development stands ready to support any growing needs that exceed the diocese’s capacity and is continuing on its partnership with the diocese for disaster resilience.
Please pray for the impacted communities in California and those affected by fires in the western US as the emergency services work to contain the fires and bring people to safety. Donations to the US Disaster Response Fund will help provide emergency and long-term recovery support to survivors of disasters including the recent fires.
For over 80 years, Episcopal Relief & Development has worked with an extensive network of faith and community partners to advance lasting change in communities affected by injustice, poverty, disaster and climate change. Inspired by our faith, we reach over three million people each year by focusing on four interconnected priorities: nurturing the potential of caregivers and young children, reducing violence against women and girls, strengthening communities’ resilience to climate change and facilitating humanitarian response to disasters. Together with our partners, we leverage what’s working well to drive impact, learning and sustainability. Together, we create lasting change. Join us: www.episcopalrelief.org/sign-up
