Rebuilding Lives in Southern California

By Adrienne Campbell, LSS-SW Public Affairs Specialist

The headlines have long faded, but the headaches and heart aches remain in the wake of losing homes and personal possessions for individuals and families impacted by the fires in Southern California.

Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest Disaster Services staff has worked since last fall to meet the needs of the underserved in the Ramona and Escondido areas of California. The staff connected a San Diego furniture bank with a Lutheran Thrift shop in Las Vegas, Nevada. The result--three semi truck loads full of former casino furniture, in excellent condition, including refrigerators, stoves, microwaves, stereos, and color televisions. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans paid the thrift shop for their costs and the furniture bank paid for three semi-loads, each costing nearly $900. About $15,000 worth of furniture has been made available for fire survivors at little or no cost. Over $200,000 of direct and referred services were provided to fire survivors.

The staff worked with agencies throughout San Diego County to mobilize Lutheran and Service Clubs. On May 31, 2008, over 80 volunteers came together to clear brush which has again become a fire hazard on eight properties in two cities. A total of 14 congregations participated. In addition, property owners received prayer quilts from various congregations.

Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest received a grant from the San Diego Foundation After the Fires Fund to hire additional staff. Veronica Santos-Turgeon and Sherrie Ross will continue to work recovery efforts in North San Diego County.

It is important work helping those who have suffered so much. Many don't have insurance, are significantly under-insured, or were non-insured renters. The work continues to identify need, assess resources, and rebuild individuals emotionally and spiritually.

For a related article from Disaster News Network: http://www.disasternews.net/news/article.php?articleid=3518&printthis=1

Current as of Jul 23 2008