Everence contributed $36,000 to churches in and around Los Angeles County in response to the 2025 California wildfires.
Everence distributed a dozen $3,000 grants to eight churches from February through May. Churches needed to be either an active Everence Stewardship Partner or part of an Everence-affiliated denomination or church network.
Wholicare Community Mission Church in Pasadena, where most church attenders were displaced, received a California Wildfire Assistance grant and disbursed it to members to buy food, pay utilities and afford repairs.
Royal Dominion International Church in Los Angeles used funds to provide food, rent money and cleaning services for those whose homes were impacted by the fire.
“The community’s experience was that of fear, sadness and the loss of lifetime memories of their lives together, which cannot be replaced,” said Pastor Olufemi Fatunmbi.
Despite the crisis, the church family came together to assist one another.
“Church families opened their homes for affected members. It sparked a fellowship and sharing that has led to lifelong friendships,” he said.
The California Wildfire Assistance Grants and Everence Sharing Funds are two ways Everence and its members provide financial support to those in need.
“Our African churches that are members of the African, Belizean and Caribbean Mennonite Mission Association cannot thank Everence enough for the mutual aid of grants awarded to assist our brethren in times of need,” Fatunmbi said.