By Haley Osness– February 5, 2025
The Salvation Army joins a multi-agency Wildfire Resource Hub in Pasadena to provide support and services to families and individuals affected by Southern California wildfires.
As tens of thousands of Southern California residents remain displaced following historic wildfires that charred the region, The Salvation Army joined some 30 organizations to provide direct assistance through a Wildfire Resource Hub at the Kaiser Regional Headquarters in Pasadena from Jan. 27-Feb. 1.
Organized by California Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), the free six-day Wildfire
Resource Hub invited impacted families to access support, material donations and financial
assistance in a centralized location.
General Secretary for The Salvation Army Southern California Division Major Anthony Barnes said
the hub aims to meet immediate needs while preparing individuals for long-term recovery to rebuild
their lives.
“We’re going into action to help families that have needs of different kinds,” he said.
The Salvation Army sets up a financial and spiritual support area at the Pasadena Resource Hub to assist individuals affected by the Southern California wildfires. Photos Courtesy Melinda Lankford.
Upon arriving at the Wildfire Resource Hub, individuals verified their addresses before meeting with
social service organizations in the Kaiser office space. Through meeting with Salvation Army officers,
clients could receive gift cards along with emotional and spiritual support.
Each day, about 20 Salvation Army volunteers provided snacks and drinks to individuals waiting in
line for screening and assistance—many of whom waited up to three hours outside before entering
the hub.
“During our first day of operation, The Salvation Army provided prayer and financial assistance to 300
individuals and families,” said Pasadena Tabernacle Corps Officer Captain Rebecca Helms.
Helms said individuals who lost their homes or suffered significant property damage are eligible for a
$1,000 Walmart gift card. Additionally, those who faced evacuation orders can receive a $100
grocery gift card.
“We’re meeting with those affected by the fires to make sure they know: one, they’re not
alone, two, we’re here to help with resources, and three, we will walk alongside them
throughout their long-term recovery.”
Major Anthony Barnes
She added the Pasadena Tabernacle can be a place of solace, inviting those affected to join the
church community for further support, healing and connections.
“I let them know that we’re here in the Pasadena community, ready to support them as they grieve
and rebuild,” she said. “Many people have lost their communities and churches.”
After meeting with social service providers, individuals stepped outside to explore various hubs,
including a kids’ bounce house, a sound healing station, therapy dogs and Salvation Army donation
stations offering food, cleaning kits, air purifiers and household supplies.
Medical and vision care clinics were also on-site, including a Tsu Chi mobile unit that provided free
eye exams and same-day glasses.
For Maria Saucedo, who remained displaced from her Altadena home due to smoke damage from
the Eaton Fire, having access to a range of services in one location was ideal.
“I came out for financial assistance and cleaning supplies,” Saucedo said, adding she is living with
family while she works on cleaning her home.
Salvation Army volunteers and employees distributed cleaning kits, which include gloves, masks,
cleaning brushes, and microfiber cloths. Photos Courtesy Melinda Lankford.
“It’s nice that everything is in one place here,” she said. “I’ve been doing a lot of calling around and
filling out online forms for financial assistance; it’s overwhelming.”
Despite the hassle, Saucedo said she is grateful she will eventually have a house to return to.
“I know that’s not the case for many families right now,” she said.
For those who have lost their homes and are uncertain of what’s next, Barnes said The Salvation
Army is committed to long-term recovery to help families regain stability.
“We’re meeting with those affected by the fires to make sure they know: one, they’re not alone, two,
we’re here to help with resources, and three, we will walk alongside them throughout their long-term
recovery,” he said.
Do Good:
The Salvation Army is currently accepting financial gifts to support its relief efforts. For more
information and to donate, visit salarmy.us/socalfire.
