Flash News: Update on the fires in Los Angeles and the Good Shepherd Shelter

Flash News: Update on the fires in Los Angeles and the Good Shepherd Shelter

Flash News: Update on the fires in Los Angeles and the Good Shepherd Shelter

Flash News: Update on the fires in Los Angeles and the Good Shepherd Shelter

Flash News: Update on the fires in Los Angeles and the Good Shepherd Shelter

Flash News: Update on the fires in Los Angeles and the Good Shepherd Shelter

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In the heart of Los Angeles – where Good Shepherd Shelter is located – the air quality was so poor on Wednesday, January 8, that all classes were canceled in the elementary school and the adult learning center.

Staff at the shelter advised families who receive support at the shelter to remain indoors and provided all program participants with masks, lunch, and other necessities to help them stay in their apartments.

The previous day, one of the shelter’s advisory board members, Cheryl Newell, evacuated from her home along with her family in Altadena – they remain uncertain about when they can return and whether their home is still standing.

When evacuation warnings – which transpired to be false – were sent out to all Los Angeles residents on January 9, Good Shepherd Shelter Program Director, Deana Payne, issued an evacuation plan to the women, children, and families at the shelter in the event that an eventual evacuation would be ordered.

Deana, who observed the fire encroaching on the San Fernando Valley on the evening of January 10, said it was both “surreal and jarring to see the flames coming over the ridge, given that the fire started so many miles away in Pacific Palisades.” She and her family have made the decision to pack their ‘go bags’ as their home is just a mile or so outside the evacuation warning areas.

There is a heavy weariness throughout Los Angeles since the fires broke out last week. When greeting friends, family, neighbors, colleagues, and others their first question is, “are you safe?” The city collectively grieves for all that has been lost – loved ones, homes, and entire communities. The outpouring of support whether in volunteerism, donations, or outreach has been a beacon of hope to everyone.

Thanks to the tremendous and heroic efforts from the Los Angeles Fire Department and other agencies there is hope that the blaze will be extinguished and that recovery operations can begin. Good Shepherd Shelter relies on your prayers and action – in whatever way you can – as Angelenos stand together, lifting one another up as best they can.

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