HUNDREDS OF EVACUEES STILL IN EMERGENCY SHELTERS AS THE SALVATION ARMY PROVIDES RELIEF ACROSS SOUTHERN CALIFORN
IN ADDITION TO STAFFING TWO MAJOR EVACUATION SITES, HUNDREDS SUPPLIES ARE BEING SUPPLIED TO OTHER FIRE SITES
Los Angeles, CA, December 7, 2017– The fires across Southern California have burned more than 100,000 acres combined, including hundreds of homes and structures. With Santa Ana winds exacerbating conditions, the wildfires are expected to grow throughout the week. The Thomas Fire alone has only reached 5% containment as of this morning. Hundreds of residents across L.A. county have been displaced and are relying on emergency shelters for basic needs and places to sleep.
The Salvation Army has been on the scene for the past few days, distributing supplies and food at two major emergency shelters: the Ventura County Fairgrounds and Nordhoff High School in Ojai. Since Monday, 1,500 meals have been distributed to evacuees at these sites. More than 400 people slept at these locations on the night of the 6th. Additionally, The Salvation Army has sent 400 snacks and water to evacuees and first responders in Sylmar and the Sepulveda Pass. Furthermore, we will be serving dinner meals to 500 first responders working tirelessly at the Skirball fire.
The Salvation Army disaster response is anticipating a long term response campaign. The organization is asking the public for financial donations, which can be used to meet immediate challenges and specific needs. To donate, go to socal.salvationarmy.org or call 1 800 SAL ARMY and donate to fire relief today.
About The Salvation Army: The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 127 years in Southern California. Nationally, more than 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. About 82 cents of every dollar raised is used to support those services in 7,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmy-socal.org.
About The Salvation Army