Some parishioners have inquired about our response to the disastrous wildfires in the Los Angeles area that have destroyed Catholic and other churches, synagogues, schools, and of course thousands of people’s homes, neighborhoods, and businesses. We will be collecting funds here to send in the name of our whole parish for one month (from now through Monday, February 24). See the details elsewhere in this eNews for giving online. Our collected offering will be sent to Catholic Charities Los Angeles Wildfire Relief, the charitable arm of the Catholic Church which is sure to get the aid directly to those in need.
If you would prefer to give separately from our parish, or to give further assistance, here are two other good options. A secular but interesting choice is Airbnb.org, the non-profit related to the commercial AirBnB: they cover the costs of using AirBnB homes for those who have lost their own homes; they have currently offered housing to 32,000 people in LA and hope to increase the number of nights available.
Another option is “Proyecto Pastoral” (California Non-Profit of the Year!), which receives funds for Dolores Mission, the LA Jesuit parish in Boyle Heights that is homebase for Fr. Greg Boyle, SJ, well known for his work with gang members through Homeboy Industries. While Dolores Mission was not directly harmed in the fire, it is the neediest of the Jesuit ministries in LA and has people whose lives have been impacted by the fire.
Thank you for your generosity!