The following update was provided by the Western Jurisdiction United Methodist Volunteers in Mission on March 6, 2025.

It is because of you that we can announce that effective immediately, we do not need any additional supplies for the fires in the Los Angeles area.  This milestone was only accomplished by the outstanding response of each of you who gave of your time, talents, and money to support the efforts of your fellow volunteers.  We continue to need gift cards and cash donations.

While this phase is progressing and the supplies are sufficient, it is very important to remember that the next phases of the recovery efforts are just beginning and will again need your assistance in various ways. In particular, we will be in great need of more volunteers, so now is the time to get trained as an ERT or Mission Volunteer. This training will get you up to speed on all phases of disaster response and the many types of skill sets that are needed.  It is surprising when we hear, “oh, I’m not able to volunteer”,  I’m ( you can add any reason here ). It has been our experience that we have never found anyone and can’t help.  Did you know we need volunteers who can listen? Or volunteers that can make a lunch or two. We need volunteers who can help someone fill out a form or type in a computer.  Yes, we also need folks who like working with their hands, but we also need volunteers who can help with their minds and their prayers. 

For more information, you can contact your conference Disaster Response Coordinator or UMVIM Coordinator and they can help you take those important steps.  Thank you again for being there when needed. The people of the United Methodist Church provide God’s support to those who need it.

God has blessed us with the gift of service.

                                    Karl Ports                                                    Paul Lorson                        

                                  CalPac CDRC                                               UMVIM

                                    Kports95@gmail.com                                  Western Jurisdiction Coordinator

                                                                                                      UMVIMWJ@gmail.com

Donations:                   

• http://calpacumc.org/donate
• https://advance.umcmission.org/p-618-united-methodist-volunteers-in-mission-western-jurisdiction.aspx

CDRC

• Alaska – Dan Wilcox                                                                danielpwilcox@gmail.com
• California/Nevada – Steve Elliot                                            umvimcoordinator@calnevumc.org
• California/Pacific – Karl Ports                                                 kports95@gmail.com
• Desert Southwest – George Cushman                                      gccushman@cox.net
• Mountain Sky – Rev. Jean Schwien                                         pastorjeanincortez@gmail.com
• Oregon Idaho – Louise Kienzle                                             umvim@umoi.org
• Pacific Northwest -Dana and Kathy Bryson                           brysonpnw@gmail.com