The Los Angeles fires have left countless individuals and families in need of urgent assistance, from immediate shelter and supplies to long-term recovery resources. Monitoring the quickly evolving situation, Archbishop Hovnan has been in constant communications and consultation with his clergy, civic and community leaders to effectively and efficiently provide aid to the victims of this horrific tragedy. He has set into motion a group of clergy including deacons of the Diocese to help victims. Updates are provided to the public so that the Western Diocese, its churches and its network of community organizations can address the needs of the victims in an organized manner.

Whether you are seeking daily essentials or counseling services, the links below point to resources to help victims navigate the current challenges ahead. We’ve also included information for those who wish to volunteer or donate to help affected communities recover.

1. Brands Providing Products to Families Impacted by LA Fires

*Free products, product pick up locations, free services,  discount codes, email template to reach out to brands for products.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1L0dQpfj3c86mXRjADRrLshUCZrFzA3vcM_TfYxITjmc/htmlview

2. Helping Armenians Affected by LA Fires

*60 Armenian family GoFundMe links to donate. Including Sahag Mesrob School.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1AshdKz-xI8ymzDRmn86Z0frCBBQ8ilgxgif3DmAUFPA/edit

3. Pro Bono Therapy for Los Angeles Wildfires

*Over 800 mental and psych therapists providing free therapy for those who were affected.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1uAMVz8TQMzShQeuEA6kmOP0jyRN7qe1Iiqb6JOLTPqg/htmlview

4. Available Leases in Los Angeles

*Leasing options all over LA county.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1TNNyf-B4iWVPixM2Kghw6V919O3maoqr-IM6Gjh8ves/htmlview

5. In Person Volunteer Options

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1eaSXTYlLY_spJ-_w43ac55qu6X4YtgApgRGfads3cM4/htmlview

6. Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation

*Sends donations directly to first responders.

https://supportlafd.kindful.com

7. Red Cross

https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation.html/?donamt=0

8. LA Food Bank

https://secure.lafoodbank.org/site/Donation2?df_id=5221&mfc_pref=T&5221.donation=form1&_ga=2.51990633.1955397815.1736883490-1198064564.1736883490

9. World Central Kitchen

* World Central Kitchen’s Relief Team is in Southern California to support first responders and families impacted by wildfires in the Los Angeles area.

https://donate.wck.org/give/654000/#!/donation/checkout?c_src=site-slider-cafiresjan25

10. KCRW Resources

https://www.kcrw.com/news/shows/kcrw-features/wildfire-help-donate-volunteer

Informational links:

Los Angeles Fire Department Updates https://ers.lafd.org/redflag/

City Services

Help those who have lost vital records (birth certificates, death certificates, driver’s licenses, social security documentation).

Help those who have experienced loss or damage to their homes and businesses apply for disaster relief loans. 

Provide referrals for mental health counseling and other services.

More information is available at lacity.gov. 

N95 Masks Available - The South Coast Air Quality Management District is recommending that Angelenos wear well-fitting, medical grade masks while outside when air quality is poor, or if you smell smoke or see ash. The City of Los Angeles has distributed N95 masks throughout Los Angeles Public Libraries, Los Angeles Recreation Centers, Los Angeles Senior Centers and local nonprofits. Click here to find your nearest library or here to find your nearest Recreation Center/Senior Center. 

School Opening Service

One of the largest fire-related disasters for the Armenian Community was the complete destruction of the Sahag-Mesrob Armenian School in Altadena. Updates related to the school will be posted by the AGBU Western Region.

Watch for regular updates to our efforts to bring comfort and aid to the members of our community. The Western Diocese, its Primate, clergy and faithful, pray that God guide all those who are helping in the emergencies, especially the fire fighters and civil servants.

---

Archbishop Hovnan Derderian

Father Vazken Movsesian

Father Shnork Demirdjian

Father Sarkis Petoyan

Father Haroutioun Tachejian