Wildfire Emergency Frequently Asked Questions
 
Following, please find Frequently Asked Questions on the wildfire emergency, resources and other important information to assist in addressing questions or for anyone who may be looking for help. This information can also be found at https://lacatholics.org/california-fires/. This web portal is our central location for updates, resources, donations and other key information regarding the fires and the relief efforts in our communities. 
 
 
What is the damage to our churches and schools?
It is too early to know the full extent of the damage. From the reports received so far, Corpus Christi Church in Pacific Palisades experienced extensive fire damage to the church building and some of the school buildings. Some other parishes also have fire and/or wind related damage. The Archdiocese is working with parishes and schools who have sent reports of damage. It will take time to assess the full extent of the damage as locations are addressing immediate needs and may still be under evacuation orders. Please report any damage due to the recent wildfires at parish or school locations to the emergency reporting line at (213) 637-7777 or via email at [email protected]. 
 
Note: The Archdiocese has been informed that while the Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center did have some damage related to the fire, it did not affect the main part of the center, and it will assume its usual ministries as soon as it can repair those areas that suffered damages.
 
What can a parish or Catholic school do to help?
Many of our parishes, schools and ministries have already mobilized to hold donation drives, offer shelter, and/or serve as distribution centers for supplies. All these efforts are greatly appreciated. The following are additional ways to help:
 

1. Parish and school locations are reminded that the Archdiocese has an agreement with the Red Cross that provides for parish and school locations to be considered to serve as centers for emergency relief services or shelters. Additional information about the partnership can be found in the Administrative Handbook at this link: https://handbook.la-archdiocese.org/chapter-8/section-8-5/topic-8-5-4. Please contact Eileen E. O’Brien of the Archdiocese Operations Department at (213) 637-7618 or [email protected] for more information.

 

2. The Archdiocese has established a Wildfire Victims Emergency Relief Fund to provide financial assistance to help victims with food, clothing, and other needs related to the fires. Parishes are asked to hold a second collection on any of the weekends in the month of January for the fund which would be directly used for one-time assistance grants for victims of the fires. The funds collected can be sent to the Office of the Chancellor at the Archdiocesan Catholic Center, 3424 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90010. For questions related to the fund please contact Sister Anncarla Costello, Chancellor, at (213) 637-7460 or via email at [email protected]. Anyone interested in donating directly to the fund can also do so at this link: https://lacatholics.org/california-fires/.  

 

3. Information on the locations and agencies providing resources and support in the Archdiocese can be found at the wildfire emergency web portal: https://lacatholics.org/california-fires/. Please feel free to refer anyone looking for information on these resources to this page. It is the central portal for all the updates, resources, and ways to donate and provide assistance.

 
Where can someone make a financial donation to help victims of the fires?
Anyone looking to make a financial donation to the Archdiocese’s Wildfire Victims Emergency Relief Fund can do so through the wildfire emergency portal: https://lacatholics.org/california-fires/. Donations made to the fund will be dedicated specifically to providing financial assistance for food, clothing, and other needs of victims of the fires.
 
How can someone apply for the emergency relief grants provided through the Archdiocese’s Wildfire Victims Emergency Relief Fund?
Requests for a one-time grant for food, clothing, and other needs due to the fires can be made through the local parish. Parishes will be reimbursed by the fund, similar to the Cardinal McIntyre Fund process. Anyone in need of financial assistance due to the fires is eligible: parishioners, neighbors, everyone affected by the fires. 
 
Is the Archdiocese using other formats to collect relief funds like GoFundMe?
The Archdiocese is not utilizing any outside donation portals or services like GoFundMe to collect funds to help victims of the recent wildfires. Anyone wishing to donate to the Archdiocese so that the funds can be used to help victims directly can visit our emergency portal at https://lacatholics.org/california-fires/ and click on the donate button. 
 
Can donations be made to help a specific parish or school?
Yes. Donations can be sent directly to the parish or school, or by sending a check with the name of the parish/school in the memo section to the Office of the Chancellor at the Archdiocese, 3424 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90010.
 
Where can someone donate food, clothing, or other essential items?
Several parishes, schools, the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Los Angeles (SVDPLA) and other Catholic relief agencies are collecting and distributing food items, clothing, hygiene kits, and other resources. For a list of locations to donate visit: https://angelusnews.com/local/la-catholics/la-fires-catholic-help/.
 
How can our parish or school be added to the list of locations providing aid?
Any parish, school or ministry offering assistance to victims or other services related to the fires can send the information to [email protected] to be added to the list.  Please include a contact name and number/email and any specific details on what assistance is being offered and/or if donations are being accepted.
 
 Will Catholic schools continue to remain closed during the fires?
Approximately one third of the Catholic schools in the archdiocese closed during the first week of the fires due to evacuations, power outages, unhealthy air quality, and/or student-staff attendance limitations. The Department of Catholic Schools (DCS) anticipates all schools, except for those in evacuation zones, or damaged by fire, wind and/or smoke to return to full operation on Monday, January 13^th. 
 
The DCS has been working with Catholic schools who are most vulnerable to fire, smoke and wind-related disruptions to take the appropriate steps to ensure the safety and well-being of students, families and all who serve at our schools. Each school is following recommendations from safety officials regarding evacuations and will continue to make decisions on closures in the best interest of the school community. Please contact the school directly with questions regarding closures and other school-related matters.
 
Will students in schools that have fire damage be able to attend other schools?
Since this crisis began, the Department of Catholic Schools (DCS) has been in regular communication principals in the affected communities to ensure that life, safety and health are protected; to understand the state of the campus property and establish the foundation for rebuilding; and, to ensure that the school has all the necessary resources and guidance to identify alternative locations to re-establish school operations.
Sadly, many families have had to leave their homes and may have had to relocate into different parts of the archdiocese. Our Catholic schools welcome all families affected by the fires who wish to enroll their students in another school Catholic school closer to their current place of residence. Schools are working with families to ensure that students can continue their studies in person or remotely since it may take some time for families to be able to make decisions regarding permanent housing and relocation. Schools are encouraged to work with families and staff who are experiencing financial destress due to fire-related impacts. These schools are advised to contact their regional superintendent for guidance and assistance. 
 
Where can I refer someone who needs more information about the emergency relief efforts of the Archdiocese?
The Archdiocese has created a dedicated portal with the latest information on emergency relief efforts and opportunities to donate and help victims of the fires. Feel free to refer any inquiries to the wildfire emergency portal at https://lacatholics.org/california-fires/.

1. Fraud Alert from the LAPD: The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has issued several warnings about scams targeting fire victims. Here are some key resources and tips that the LAPD is providing the to help avoid falling victim to these scams. Please share this information with your communities:
   
   
   1. False Job Solicitation Scams: Be cautious of job offers related to fire recovery circulating on social media. These offers may claim to be from the government or reputable agencies but are often fraudulent1. Do not provide personal information like your Social Security number or bank account details.
      
      
   2. Fake Government Employees: Do not trust anyone claiming to be a city, county, or federal employee without proper identification. Government workers will not ask for payment on the spot or pressure you into making immediate decisions1. Verify their credentials by contacting the relevant agency directly.
      
      
   3. Phone and Text Message Scams: Beware of unsolicited phone calls or text messages asking for donations or offering assistance. Legitimate organizations will not cold-call you for donations. Always verify the authenticity of such requests by calling back using verified contact details.
      
      
   4. Unsolicited In-Person Solicitations: Be cautious of people approaching you in person offering free help with repairs, insurance claims, or government assistance. Ask to see their identification and verify their credentials.
      
      
   5. Charity Scams: Scammers may pose as charities or nonprofits aiding fire victims. Verify the legitimacy of any organization by researching them on websites like Charity Navigator or the Better Business Bureau. Avoid cash donations and opt for secure, traceable payment methods.

 
The LAPD urges everyone to “be cautious when donating to fire relief efforts. Always verify the legitimacy of the charity or organization, especially if they reached out to you directly. Use trusted platforms like Charity Navigator to check the legitimacy of organizations before making a donation.” To ensure that any charities or organizations are legitimate, the LAPD says you can reach out to the department by calling 877-275-5273.

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has established a Wildfire Victims Emergency Relief Fund to help the victims of the recent wildfires. There will be a special second collection in the month of January at parishes in the Archdiocese for the fund to provide grants for food, clothing, and other needs due to the recent wildfires Anyone who would like to donate to help our brothers and sisters who are suffering because of the fires, please contribute to the second collection for the Wildfire Victims Emergency Relief Fund or directly online at : https://lacatholics.org/california-fires/.

Requests for assistance will be made through your local parish and the funds will be provided as a one-time grant to those in need effective immediately.  Thank you for your support to help those who are suffering and have lost so much through these devastating events. Let us continue to offer our prayers for all who have been impacted by the wildfires and for the first responders and all volunteers who are on the front lines. 

Please continue to donate towards this fund. God bless you and your family!