Photo: Associated Press, Ethan Swope 2025
Wildfires across Los Angeles County, which began on January 7, have destroyed or damaged at least 17,000 structures and killed at least 27 people. Thousands of firefighters are battling extreme winds and dry conditions, while widespread power outages affect 200,000 people and thick smoke blankets neighborhoods far beyond evacuation zones.
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Learn more about how disaster response makes a difference for people like Melissa, whose life changed overnight by wildfires
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CWS Emergency Preparedness, Response and Recovery
In the days immediately following a catastrophic disaster, CWS provides cleanup buckets, kits and vital supplies to help impacted people begin to clear up what was left behind. In the U.S. and around the world CWS works with trusted local community-based organizations to reach the most vulnerable communities, including immigrants and refugees, to provide the support these families need. When disasters, both natural and man-made, force families to flee their homes in search of safety, CWS provides emergency support along the journey and connects them with vital services to rebuild their lives.
The road to recovery is often long and challenging. That’s why after attention fades, CWS works to ensure that affected communities continue to receive the help they need by providing support to community long-term recovery groups. The Emergency Response Fund allows us to quickly respond to emergencies as soon as they occur. Donor support not only allows CWS to quickly respond to emergencies as soon as they occur, but also reminds our neighbors on the journey from recovery to thriving, they are never alone.
About CWS
For nearly 80 years, CWS has been a trusted leader in emergency response work. As a member of the global ACT Alliance, national and statewide VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster), we work for the safety, justice and dignity of all people and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation or national origin. We do not promote religious conversion or require any profession of faith to be a part of our programs or to receive support. CWS was awarded the 2022 National VOAD Member of the Year.