UNITED SIKHS LAUNCHES HELPLINE FOR CALIFORNIA FIRE SURVIVORS
Global Humanitarian, United Nations–Affiliated Non-Profit Offers Shelter, Food Supply & Medical Care
BUTTE, LOS ANGELES, VENTURA COUNTIES, CALIFORNIA – Since the largest most destructive fire in California history started taking form, United Sikhs Humanitarian efforts were there first with boots on the ground working with FEMA, Fire Department, Sheriffs to provide long-term assistance for residents and their pets in need. Through its international Sikh Aid program, the humanitarian nonprofit is committed to providing hotel vouchers, shelter placement, food supply, blankets and hygiene products, as well as medical care, including grief counseling and meditation services, in partnership with local Gurudwara leadership.
“The fires have displaced thousands of families,” said Gurvinder Singh, UNITED SIKHS International SIKH AID Director. “Through our mission to uplift humanity, we are launching a helpline where residents can call us for support. We look forward to lend a hand to those families who have lost so much due to these unprecedented fires.”
To receive assistance, California residents may call the UNITED SIKHS disaster helpline at 1-888-243-1690 or email contact@unitedsikhs.org. To help the residents affects by fire hotel Vouchers are being provided, Sikh families are adopting families fleeing the fires by offering homes during their transitional phase, a safe place for family/pets is been provided and medical relief by volunteer Doctors that stand ready at FEMA central commands direction. According to CalFire and local officials, firefighters are battling three major wildfires in California with the following breakdown by the numbers as of Tuesday evening:
Wildfires Across California
Camp Fire
Location: Butte County
125,000 acres burned
30 percent contained
42 fatalities confirmed, 3 firefighters injured
228 people unaccounted for
7,177 structures destroyed, most of them residences
139 reports of “suspicious incidents,” including 16 considered looting, but no arrests
Woolsey Fire
Location: Los Angeles County, Ventura County
96,314 acres burned
35 percent contained
2 fatalities confirmed, 3 firefighters injured
Some 370 structures destroyed, 57,000 in danger
Hill Fire
Location: Ventura County
4,531 acres burned
90 percent contained
A full list of fire locations and evacuation centers can be found at http://fire.ca.gov/current_incidents/. To donate to this effort, please visit: https://unitedsikhs.org/donate/. Volunteers who wish to donate food, beverages, volunteer hours, or their home as a temporary measure for displaced citizens may contact the hotline at 1-888-243-1690 or email contact@unitedsikhs.org to alert FEMA Central Command.
There are 9,000 fire fighters fighting the fires. We thank the fire fighters that are putting their lives on the line to protect our homes and our communities. If anyone wants to write thank you letters please do so, and we will send them to CalFire.
If you are affected, contact us we will engage with your home owner’s insurance and home lender to minimize the burdens these families will go through today and for the many months to come as rebuilding efforts take place in the months ahead. If certain families need additional support or special care, we stand ready to help! Call our dispatch line for the most current relevant information and for direction on where to go or for available resources.
For Sikh Gurdwaras, Community Centers & Businesses: To participate in the relief efforts, provide help or volunteer for California Fires, you may reach the UNITED SIKHS Disaster Response Team by calling (929) 438-1904. UNITED SIKHS will continue to provide ongoing updates from FEMA, local Fire Departments and Sheriffs’ offices. For latest updates please visit http://fire.ca.gov/current_incidents/
Issued by:
Jatinder Singh
National Sikh Aid Director, UNITED SIKHS, USA
E:sikhaid@unitedsikhs.org
ABOUT UNITED SIKHS
UNITED SIKHS is a United Nations-associated global charity that advocates for civil and human rights, registered in 11 chapters. Our International Civil & Human Rights Advocacy helps advance the economic, social and spiritual empowerment of minorities and other marginalized groups and individuals in need, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, social status, age or ability. We achieve this by protecting and enforcing the civil and human rights of minorities and marginalized groups in the Americas, Europe and Asia. Visit us at www.UNITEDSIKHS.org.
