Necessary Relief in Wake of California Wildfires

As firefighters continue their efforts to control wildfires in California, some are returning to what’s left of their homes and neighborhoods. Operation Blessing’s Hayley Hensen has been moving from place to place assessing the needs of LA’s most vulnerable victims.    

“It’s utterly devastating because when you look around, you can see how many families have been displaced and you speak to the people and they’re so traumatized that they. They have no words. They’re still in shock.  It’s unimaginable loss.” Explains Hayley from Operation Blessing.

People like Jennifer Sanchez whose family was told at 3:30 in the morning to evacuate. 


“It all happened very quickly.” Jennifer, a victim of the wildfires, said.

“We gathered one change of clothes, left because we thought we were going to come back. A lot of my own family members were affected and we’re pretty much just left without nothing.” She goes on to say. 

“Honestly, unprepared, never thought something like this was gonna happen. –" Noted another victim, Kevin Lopez.

“So many of these families are emotionally overwhelmed. They’re traumatized and they have no idea of what’s in front of them.” Hayley continues tearfully.

“Our house burned down. Sometimes I am very confused. I don’t know what to do.” Said another victim who sadly was affected as well, Grandma Ophelia Sanchez.

Operation Blessing continues to provide emergency assistance, this time working with a new partner at Fearless Church in Downtown LA.  

“I haven’t worked with Operation Blessing before but this has been such a blessing.” Pastor Jeremy from Fearless Church expresses.

Here Operation Blessing delivered a truckload of relief supplies over the weekend and it’s already being distributed to those in need. 

“Getting a couple things, mostly for the kids, for the little one, whatever helps outright now in these difficult times. Money is a little hard, so just diapers or whatever is needed for the kids.” Kevin Lopez adds.

“Just basic needs like diapers for our cousins that have babies or laundry detergent, just essential supplies…that we need.” Jennifer Sanchez continues.   

And as always we always offer words of encouragement and prayers.   

“What we want to do as Operation Blessing, is let them know that they aren’t alone.” Hayley affirms.

“Operation Blessing has just been such a blessing. If you're watching out there and you've given to Operation Blessing, you've prayed for Operation Blessing, you've sewed in, you've partnered, you've volunteered, we just want to say thank you. Thank you, Operation Blessing. You’re living up to your name.” Says Pastor Jeremy.