San Diego Fire Relief

· Over 1700 homes lost in San Diego alone to date
· Hundreds of thousands of people displaced from their homes
· Largest evacuation in California history…larger than evacuation during Hurricane Katrina

You may be like me and watching the news wondering what in the world you can possibly do to make a difference even from a distance. I have one avenue that I would like to pitch out to you.

When we left San Diego, we were involved in a church called Crossroads Church. The congregation at Crossroads has a motto: No One Stands Alone and they live it. When there is a need they will hold “No One Stands Alone” offerings and throw themselves into serving that need. This is NOT a church with a lot of money. They do not live in suburban America with 4 bedroom homes and 2 car garages. Many of them rent and live in apartments. The majority are blue collar workers living paycheck to paycheck. They are a living, contemporary example of the church in 2 Corinthians 8:

2 Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme
poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.

Crossroads is currently involved in the effort to provide fire relief in San Diego. They have done everything from directing traffic in front of shelters to donating water, cots and other needs. They are being the hands and feet of Jesus to the victims of the fires with their time, energy and money.

Here’s how you can help. By writing a check to Crossroads Church and including “SD Fires” in the memo line you can be guaranteed that your money will go directly to fire relief. If you are in the Michiana area, I would be happy to collect the checks and get them to Crossroads. Or you can mail your check directly to them. (You will receive a tax receipt at the end of the year)

I’ve included an e-mail from the fire relief point person at Crossroads so you can get an idea of what is being done.

Thank you already to those of you who have already contributed!

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Hello everyone,

Matt Ortiz and I spent the morning and early afternoon visiting some evacuation shelters. From our contact with leaders there I would like to suggest a strategy for those would like to organize and help. Please forward this to anyone who is interesting in participating. If you want to receive updates on how to help, make sure you e-mail me at Daviemio1@hotmail.com or call me at 619 248 8226.


Assessment
First, let me describe the situation with evacuation centers. Almost all centers are currently well organized, supplied, and staffed. Volunteers have been storming Evacuation Centers in large numbers. Matt and I spoke with the leaders of the Chula Vista Youth Center and two San Ysidro evacuation centers today. The centers are well prepared for Evacuees. Larger Centers are the main focus for the cities and are less needy. Qualcomm and the Rock for example even have live entertainment. It is the smaller centers, especially those housing the elderly, that are the one's needing more supplies and manpower. Since the volunteers came as a spur of the moment "thing," these smaller centers may need assistance soon.

Assisting

For those who are local to San Diego: Scouting the needs of smaller Evacuation Centers might be the best use of our time. As the day(s) go on, the needs of specific evacuation centers will become clear. Perhaps the best strategy now would be to visit local centers, meet the leaders get their contact information and ask them regarding their needs. Do they need people or supplies? If so, what kind of supplies and what kind of activities are the people needed for. Basically, the evacuation centers are off to a good start, but we want to make sure we can be there if the volunteers and supplies start to die down. If you are not local to San Diego: It's difficult to see if and when we will need volunteers. So far it seems like evacuation centers have more volunteers than they actually need, but this could easily change. If you are interested in helping, please let me know what you think you can do. As we hear from individual evacuation centers I will pass that information on to you.
My email is daviemio1@hotmail.com.
My cell phone is 619 248 8226.

Summary

1. Tomorrow (Wednesday) night Crossroads Community Group will meet at Chula Vista Youth Center to volunteer from 6pm-8pm. It is on the south side of Chula Vista High School 4th and K in Chula Vista. Tim Berroth is sending information.


2. Find and visit local evacuation centers, meet their leaders, get contact information, inform them or you willingness to help, and determine their needs. As you encounter needs, please pass those on to others (and please to me).


3. If you are out of town, please let me know what you are thinking you can do, so that we have an idea of what we can rely on you to provide. Primary Needs: Cots (especially for the elderly), Bedding, Toiletries (not toilet paper - there's plenty of that), Cash (Note: See P.S. below)

Thank you,

David Looney

P.S. Crossroads Church can accept checks made payable to Crossroads Church with a memo line that reads: San Diego Fire Relief.
Mail to:
Crossroads Church
555 Saturn Blvd., Suite B, PMB#510
San Diego, CA 92154