Ways to Support Our LA Neighbors Affected by the Wildfires

Biola University is grieved by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles County. While Biola's campus remains safe and open, some members of our community have been directly or indirectly impacted. Whether you've been personally affected or are supporting your community through this crisis, Biola has curated a list of resources, service opportunities and ways to support those most affected by the wildfires.

List of Resources

Biola has gathered resources from the Biola community to support those impacted by the wildfires:

• Navigating the Collective Trauma Experience : Access a comprehensive online resource on grief and trauma from the Biola LEARN library.
• Counseling Services: If you need emotional or mental health support, Biola offers counseling services. You can reach the Biola Counseling Center at 562-903-4800 or [email protected].
• Insurance Support: Biola alumnus Bernhard Hoehle, with Goosehead Insurance, is offering free home insurance consultations for those who have lost their homes to the wildfires. Contact him at 310-450-3337.
• LA County Recovery Assistance: The LA County Recovery Assistance offers resources to help access essential services, including the Emergency Management Office, Ready Los Angeles County, and Public Health, Health Services, and Mental Health offices.

Opportunities to Serve

The following are some ministries that are mobilizing to provide immediate relief to those affected by the wildfires:

• SendRelief: This ministry is collecting donations and providing a list of ways you can support people through prayer.

• Hope Center: A nonprofit organization affiliate with Reality Church LA, pastored by faculty member and Biola alumnus Dr. Jeremy Treat is actively engaged on the ground in responding to the devastation, with many of their own members being displaced by the wildfires.

Support Members of the Biola Community Directly Affected by the Wildfires

• Dr. Tania Abouezzeddine: Biola's associate professor of psychology, lost her home in the wildfires. Her graduate students have started a GoFundMe campaign to provide her with immediate financial help.
• Alumna Natalie Maljian: Natalie and her family lost their home in the Eaton wildfire. They can be supported through their GoFundMe campaign.
• Alumna Lacey (Anderson) Galbraith & Family: Lacey, her husband Jordan, and their soon-to-arrive baby lost their home and belongings in the Palisades fire. You can support them through their GoFundMe campaign.
• Alumna Elizabeth (Manning) Stubblefield & Family: Elizabeth and her husband also lost their home in the wildfires. You can support them through their GoFundMe campaign.

Biola Collective Initiatives

Biola is actively in discussion with LA organizations on ways to best serve fire victims. If you are interested in volunteer opportunities to serve the Los Angeles community, fill out this form and we will keep you informed about future opportunities.

Below is a collection of current opportunities, which will be updated as new opportunities arise.

• Love La Mirada, in partnership with Works of Power Inc., will be serving the community on Saturday, January 25 at 10 a.m. Please email [email protected] to volunteer.

• Dream Center LA Foundation: Biola plans to partner with the Dream Center LA Foundation, but the organization is currently at full capacity for volunteers. Should additional needs arise next month, Biola will organize a volunteer effort.

Join Us in Prayer

The Biola community is actively praying for all those affected by the wildfires. We invite you to share any specific prayer requests with us.e. Please email [email protected] with your prayer needs, and we will pray for you during this difficult time.

Thank you for your support and prayers for those impacted by this crisis. Together, we can make a difference.

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.