A roundup of items on the response of religious groups to the California fires:
ERD to help those displaced by Southern California wildfires
Christian charities mobilise as California fires rage
Muslims pray for rain to put out California fires
San Diego diocese shelters evacuees from raging wildfires
From the San Diego Diocesan homepage (to follow the links for giving follow the homepage link just given)
Letter from the Bishop
Dear Friends in Christ,
We anticipate over 500,000 people being evacuated and hundreds of homes and businesses destroyed. The fire fighters and aid workers are doing extraordinary work. Please pray for the safety of those battling the fires both in the air and on the ground.
What is becoming clear is that we will be involved in a twofold endeavor: a short-term ministry of housing and hospitality helping those who have been displaced through evacuation; and long-term assistance in recovery and rebuilding. We are currently matching requests for housing with those who have offered that blessing. Please see buttons at right.
To prepare for the long-term recovery work, we have established a 2007 Fire Relief Fund. Individuals can make a gift to our fund. Please add: “Fire Relief” to the memo line. Please send gifts designated for that fund to:
The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego
2728 6th Ave.
San Diego, CA 92103
Donate Online »
In addition, we are collecting gift cards to Target, K-Mart, Walmart, and JC Penney to be distributed to people who have lost property. These gift cards can be sent to the above address to the attention of Canon Howard F. Smith. Any communication of these requests would be a blessing.
Faithfully,
The Rt. Rev. James R. Mathes
Bishop of San Diego
CHURCHES HOSTING EVACUEES:
All Saints’ 651 Eucalyptus Ave., Vista 760-726-4280
Christ Church 1114 Ninth St., Coronado 619-435-4561
Good Samaritan 4321 Eastgate Mall, San Diego 858-458-1501
St. Andrew’s 890 Balour St., Encinitas 92024 760-753-3017
St. Andrew’s 4816 Glen St, La Mesa 91941 619-460-7272
St. Dunstan’s 6556 Park Ridge Rd., San Diego 92120 619-460-6442
St. James 743 Prospect St., La Jolla 92037 858-459-3421
St. Michael’s, 2775 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad 92018 760-729-8901