California Wildfire Emergency Response

Weeks of wildfires razed communities in northern and southern California, burning close to 250,000 acres and causing thousands to evacuate their homes in October and November. Over 100 fatalities have been reported, with hundreds still missing. Many of those affected are living in temporary accommodation including tent cities, shelters, and cars.

IsraAID deployed its emergency response team from Houston to Chico, California in November to conduct a rapid needs assessment and provide support for displaced communities.

IsraAID's psychosocial support professionals are working with service providers and first responders to ensure that their emotional needs are met. Self care workshops and processing sessions with police, firefighters, and municipality workers seek to create a safe space for open communication and unpacking the emotional trauma of the fires, so that these key leaders can best support the community.

In addition, in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of America, IsraAID is providing psychosocial support to children to teach new coping mechanisms to expand their emotional wellbeing toolbox and bolster their resiliency. Psychologists and social workers from California have joined the team on the ground, providing expertise and support through sessions with the children. IsraAID staff members are working both directly with children, as well as training the after-school programming mentors from the Boys and Girls Club of North Valley. Many of these programs are currently running in new, improvised locations outside of Paradise, CA, as the normal locations were burnt down in the fire. It's essential, in these times of volatility and crisis, to provide children with routine and normalcy like daily after-school programming-- which IsraAID is supporting.

Jascon, one of the mentors in the Boys and Girls Club, shared with IsraAID staff: “By working closely with IsraAID, and implementing expressive art programs with our youth, I have gained a new perspective on the significance of art.  IsraAID has given me a new way to approach art programs with our members.  I now look at art as a tool to help others express themselves, and create a new sense of security and belonging.  We now utilize art as a means to share and heal during a time of tragedy.” Jason was among the community members to lose his home in the fire.

Another staff member added, "IsraAID was able to help me vent and express what I experienced during the Camp Fire. As a staff members they gave me tools to help members express the trauma they experience in creative ways. I am grateful for the resources they have provided."

More updates from the field to follow...

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