SoCal Fires Response
As the day winds down, we are thankful there were joyful, willing faces of volunteers ready to help from Calvary Chapel Monrovia and La Habra! Many of us were on our first deployment while the veterans are expert burrito makers from multiple trips out!
The destruction is overwhelming up close with whole blocks missing, churches burnt out, trees and debris from the high winds obstructing streets, and many downed power poles and lines!
We heard a story from Robert whose home was gone and yet was more concerned for his daughter Natalie, whose home survived. He explained that Natalie had previously survived the Route 91 Harvest Festival shooting in Las Vegas and now she’s survived this but is falling apart and losing weight.
In response to the Eaton fire, we set up a base of operations at Calvary Chapel Monrovia. Over several weeks, we cooked and delivered burritos to fire survivors, first responders, and residents who stayed behind the lines. Additionally, we delivered donated generators and gas to those without power. We also had a few small resource centers and handed out drinks, snacks, and hygiene products to those affected by the fires.
Another story was Mya, looking at the ashes of her home. She had lived there with her mom, Tawnya, a nurse. They had been in bed, not planning to evacuate or heed the warnings. A family member called them to say they should look for a hotel room before they’re all gone. They had evacuated multiple times prior under threat. When they returned from the Rosemead hotel, their home was gone along with their Dodge Journey and Ford Explorer. She was thankful they had money to buy her mom new scrubs for work at the hospital!
The work continues Friday morning at 7am for Day 2, making burritos at Calvary Chapel Monrovia. Then fanning out into the area to provide support, comfort, a bite to eat and some water. Simple things unless you have no home or no power! We have much to be thankful for! Please keep all these communities and the volunteers in prayer.
We will update you as often as we can.
God bless you all!
Maui Fire Response
As soon as we received news of the Lahaina fire, Calvary Disaster Relief contacted all the Calvary Churches on the island of Maui. We were able to connect with Pastor Sean Housman from Calvary Chapel Central Maui. After speaking with Pastor Sean, who showed he had a vision and a heart to reach out to his community, the CDR first team was deployed.
The first team arrived in Maui and met with Pastor Sean to discuss, plan, and determine if a base of operations could be set up, and if it would be sustainable. Once a deployment was confirmed, the most immediate need was building showers for the incoming teams.
Fortunately, the first team consisted of carpenters and plumbers who quickly went to work on the shower construction. Also, once the green light was given, news was sent to the CDR network and teams began to contact CDR on the arrangements and possible deployment dates.
This responsibility was then transferred to a representative of Calvary Chapel Central Maui and (through the grace of God and His ability to move hearts) we were able to coordinate and deploy teams to come alongside the church and people of Maui for eight weeks.
