In the wake of the devastating Eaton Fires that swept through Pasadena and Altadena, Black churches in the area are stepping up to provide critical support to those impacted. With many families displaced and homes destroyed, these congregations are mobilizing their resources and communities to address urgent needs.
The response from local churches has been extraordinary. While the influx of food and clothing donations continues to pour in, attention is now shifting toward offering financial assistance and securing temporary housing for those who have lost everything. Tragically, Abounding Grace COGIC and Lifeline Fellowship Christian Center were among the churches destroyed by the fires. Hillside Tabernacle City of Faith, though heavily damaged, experienced a remarkable stroke of grace as its sanctuary remained intact. Meanwhile, Metropolitan Baptist Church remains inaccessible, located within the evacuation zone and guarded by the National Guard, as church officials work to assess what damages the church might have suffered.
Physically impacted or not, all of the churches in the area have members who have lost their homes. At First AME, more than 50 families have lost everything, while Metropolitan Baptist Church reports over 40 families displaced, emphasizing the extensive devastation caused by the fires. Victory Bible Church, under the leadership of Pastor Jon DeCuir, is taking a proactive approach by reaching out to displaced families, distributing essential goods and resources, and establishing a dedicated fund to support not only their congregation but also the broader faith and Altadena communities.
“I was born and raised in Pasadena. This is where I serve,” said DeCuir. “I have 42 members who lost everything, and I didn’t know where they were. On day one, I went to the Pasadena Convention Center and the shelters searching for them. When I got there, I didn’t just see my members—I saw everyone’s members. Then I heard that 12 pastors had lost their church buildings to the fire.
“This traumatic experience is very fluid and we’re doing everything we can to help not just my members but this city.”
His collaborative spirit resonates across various congregations, including First AME Pasadena, Pasadena Church, and Friendship Pasadena, all of which have joined efforts to organize donation drives and outreach programs aimed at supporting those in need. At Deliverance Tabernacle Church, Pastor Terry Turrentine and his wife, Robin, have transformed their fellowship hall into a resource hub, distributing essential items such as snacks, gift cards, Gatorade, and hotel vouchers, ensuring that displaced individuals receive the critical support they require.
Pastor George Hurtt of New Revelation Baptist Church in Pasadena is serving grab and go hot meals three times daily— from Dulan’s Soul Food Restaurant, the Serving Spoon and A Family Affair Southern Cuisine along with water, blankets, hygiene, clothes, detergent, socks and toys. Other churches stepping up to provide outreach and immediate assistance include Pasadena Church (Pastor Kerwin Manning) and Friendship Pasadena (Pastor Lucious Smith).
In service to the community at large and 12 member families who’ve lost homes, Abundant Harvest has been conducting donation drives for critical supplies such as water, toiletries, baby items and “new” clothing. Pastor Anthony McFarland is one of the dozen or so faith leaders who have also lost everything in the disaster.
“They’re still trying to contain all the fires right now, specifically dealing with the gas lines, so we’ve seen an influx of families needing supplies,” McFarland reported. “The water remains contaminated and for those of us who’ve lost homes, we’re not able to get anything from our insurance companies. They are using the loophole that they can’t do anything until they can access and inspect the property which is not possible as the National Guard is not allowing people in. Right now, we’re waiting to hear if Airbnb is going to extend our stay, but the property owner has now come back with a cost of around $2,000 for seven days.”
The Clergy Community Coalition, a multi-denominational organization comprising over 70 churches in the Altadena/Pasadena area, has launched an Eaton Fire Relief Fund to facilitate donations and volunteer efforts. Pastor Mayra Macedo-Nolan emphasizes the coalition’s mission to unify various faith expressions in service to the community, ensuring that every person can flourish despite the challenges posed by the fires.
Neighboring communities and Los Angeles churches have joined the cause, showcasing a unified response to the disaster. Churches like Atherton Baptist Church, Faithful Central Bible Church, Crenshaw Christian Center, and West Angeles COGIC have launched fundraising campaigns, supply drives, and donation efforts as well as prayer vigils.
“As the church, we are called to be a lifeline in times of crisis, offering not just prayer but tangible support,” said Center of Hope Pastor Geremy Dixon. His church has hosted a wildfire assistance drive and plays a key role in the United Faith Coalition, which is actively funding and resourcing those impacted by the Eaton Fire. “Right now, we’re stepping in to meet immediate needs—providing relief to those who’ve lost homes and possessions—while also committing to the long road of recovery. Beyond helping with essentials, we’re focused on preserving the assets people have left and walking alongside them to navigate the complex systems of aid and assistance. This is about more than relief; it’s about restoration and ensuring no one is left to rebuild alone.”
Pastor K.W. Tulloss, president of the Baptist Ministers Conference of Southern California, was reached by phone in Birmingham while attending the Winter Meeting of the National Baptist Convention, USA., a convening of pastors representing 20,000 churches from across the nation. A major topic of discussion among attendees was the fires.
“Churches around the country are trying to see how they can help,” he said. “The National Baptist Convention is mobilizing efforts by sending trucks filled with supplies and raising funds to support many of our churches that have been affected by these fires. On Sunday, I had the opportunity to visit ground zero, where my Deacon, Rodney Nickerson, tragically lost his life and saw the destruction firsthand.”
As the community continues to grapple with the aftermath of the Eaton Fires, the resilience and compassion of Black churches stand as a beacon of hope. From organizing donation drives to providing direct financial support, these congregations are not only addressing immediate needs but fostering a sense of solidarity and strength among those affected.