Brussels, Brussels, Belgium, 23rd Jan 2025 – Southern California is grappling with multiple wildfires, leading to widespread destruction and evacuations. The Palisades Fire has consumed approximately 23,713 acres and is 68% contained, while the Eaton Fire has burned 14,021 acres with 91% containment. A new blaze, the Hughes Fire, ignited near Castaic Lake and has rapidly spread to 3,407 acres, prompting immediate evacuations. Collectively, these fires have resulted in at least 28 fatalities, the destruction of nearly 16,000 structures, and economic losses projected to exceed $250 billion. Firefighters are working tirelessly to contain these fires amid strong Santa Ana winds and dry weather conditions.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA • JAN 22, 2025 – As devastating fires continue to ravage Greater Los Angeles, the Volunteer Ministers of Scientology Churches and Missions across L.A. County are providing critical support to those affected. From offering essential supplies to emotional support, the Volunteer Ministers are stepping up to assist individuals and families in their time of need.
Operating from their headquarters at the bright yellow tent at the Church of Scientology at 4810 Sunset Blvd., just west of Vermont, Volunteer Ministers deploy to deliver supplies and provide service to those requesting help. The tent is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Donations of essential supplies such as water, nonperishable food, blankets, bedding, and hygiene items are urgently needed and can be dropped off at the tent. “Anyone wishing to volunteer is welcome and needed,” stated a Church spokesperson. “Individuals are encouraged to call the hotline or visit the site to learn how they can help.” The 24/7 hotline is (323) 953-3240.
Volunteer Minister Shares a Firsthand Account
Alberto, trained as a Scientology Volunteer Minister by completing the 19 online Scientology Tools for Life courses, began assisting as soon as the fires started. Reflecting on his experiences, he said, “I have seen the pain and heard people crying, heartbroken over the loss of their belongings. I’ve heard the frustration, but I have also witnessed the courage of people who, despite having lost everything, say ‘I will rise from this.’ Supporting each other in these moments helps us grow as a community.”
Other volunteers described their hands-on efforts. In Altadena, Volunteer Ministers distributed gallons of water and several bags of necessities to a family living in the guest house of their burned-down property. Volunteers also filled SUVs with supplies and delivered them door-to-door in Pasadena and Altadena neighborhoods, reaching elderly residents and others in need.
An International and multi-faith Effort
Learning of the unprecedented disaster, Volunteer Ministers from around the world have contacted the Los Angeles headquarters to assist. The are volunteers originally from Mexico, Venezuela, Spain, Canada, and many other countries. A volunteer from France arranged to travel to Los Angeles to help for the next two months. Ivan Arjona, spokesperson for the Scientologists in Europe, emphasized, “Those wishing to help do not have to be trained Volunteer Ministers. Trained or not, everyone’s help is welcomed, and there is so much work to be done.”
At Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Pasadena, the Volunteer Ministers found the pastor lacking supplies to help his displaced parishioners, who were now living in the church. The volunteers gave the pastor the blankets, food, water, and baby supplies he needed for them.
Another team of Volunteer Ministers arrived at one disaster response headquarters to offer their help just as the center received an evacuation order. They helped the center pack up, loaded all its water and provisions into its cars, and moved the whole center to a new location.
While relaxing at home, a man came across an ad for the Scientology Volunteer Ministers hotline on X (formerly Twitter) and immediately left for L.A. Arriving two hours later, he was deployed to the drive-in donation center at the Santa Anita Park. After a day of unloading cases of water and truckloads of clothes, stopping only to console an elderly gentleman who had lost his home, the volunteer felt revitalized. He shared that as a Marine, he had done numerous humanitarian projects, and helping people is his passion. “This was definitely a great experience,” he said.
A woman who dropped off donations at the Scientology Volunteer Ministers Center in Los Angeles asked if she could stay and help. She was invited to do so, shared what she was doing on her social media, and was soon joined by three friends who volunteered with her for the rest of the day with a team of Volunteer Ministers at a local shelter.
The Church of Scientology Volunteer Ministers program, created in the mid-1970s by L. Ron Hubbard, is one of the world’s largest independent relief forces. Their motto, “Something can be done about it,” underscores their efforts to restore purpose and values to individuals in times of crisis. With more than 1,500 Volunteer Ministers currently responding to the L.A. fires, their actions stand as a testament to their commitment to helping those in need.
Media Contact
Organization: European Office Church of Scientology for Public Affairs and Human Rights
Contact Person: Ivan Arjona
Website: https://www.europeanaffairs.eu
Email: scientology@europeanaffairs.eu
Address: Boulevard de Waterloo 103
City: Brussels
State: Brussels
Country: Belgium
Release Id: 23012522869
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