Los Angeles Wildfire Relief

Los Angeles Wildfire Relief words over flames.

Each year, the Diocese of Portland holds a special collection to help people affected by natural disasters wherever they may occur. However, we understand that many may be looking for additional ways to reach out to and assist the thousands of people affected by the devastating California wildfires.

Below, you will find three ways that you can help.

  • The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has set up a donation portal to assist parishes, schools and those communities most affected by the fires. 
     
  • Catholic Charities USA, the official domestic relief agency of the Catholic Church in the United States, has also launched a dedicated disaster relief donation campaign. CCUSA and its member agencies around the country have a long history of rapidly mobilizing following disasters not only to meet the immediate needs but also to provide long-term support to communities as they rebuild. One hundred percent of the money collected will go to wildlife relief efforts. Donations can be made here.
     
  • The Wildfire Catholic School Tuition Relief Fund is collecting donations to help Catholic school students impacted by the fires. The fund is designed to ensure that students will be able to continue their Catholic school educations, despite new financial hardships that their families may be facing. Donations to that fund may be made here.

Among the thousands of structures destroyed in the fires was Corpus Christi Church in Pacific Palisades. However, parish representatives reported that firefighters were able to save the tabernacle and deliver it to them.

Pope Francis was among those joining in prayer for those impacted by the wildfires. "I am close to the residents of Los Angeles County, California, where devastating fires have broken out in recent days," the pope told thousands gathered in St. Peter's Square on January 12. He invited the faithful to pray the Angelus with him.