Make a difference to the most vulnerable in your communities

Throughout the year, Catholic Charities responds to those experiencing fear and hopelessness, such as Alex who is a survivor of the SCU Lighting Complex fire of 2020. This fire destroyed 396,624 acres making it the third largest wildfire recorded in California’s modern history. It spanned the counties of Santa Clara, Alameda, Contra Costa, San Joaquin, and Stanislaus.

When the fire reached Stanislaus county, Alex found himself rushing to safety only having enough time to take minimal personal items and his livestock with him. He hoped and prayed that his home would be spared by the fire. Two days later, on August 20th, Cal Fire cleared him to return. When he arrived he saw that the fire had destroyed everything, including his humble home, surrounding structures, and fencing for his livestock.

Alex immediately went to work and began his application with FEMA to help with the cost of rebuilding. During this time, Catholic Charities was also working on the development of our Disaster Care Management Program (DCMP). The mission of the DCMP is to assist survivors of the SCU Lighting Complex Fire in Stanislaus County. It assists survivors in creating a recovery plan and reconnecting them with available resources in their county.

FEMA provided a list to DCMP and they were able to contact Alex to assess his needs. In doing so, the team members of DCMP were able to work with local vendors to gather donations for much needed tools and equipment to begin rebuilding structures lost in the fire. Through the efforts of the DCMP and partnerships with community resources, Alex was able to replace his fence, allowing him to bring home his livestock and revive a part of his income.

We invite you to partner with us as we give a “light of hope” to others like Alex. Join Catholic Charities as we serve the disadvantaged in our communities such as vulnerable

seniors, homeless Veterans, low income immigrants, families in need of access to health care and nutrition assistance, help to those struggling from the COVID pandemic and individuals/families with mental health needs regardless of race, age, or religion