(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — In the wake of the Eaton Fire that tore through Altadena, destroying homes and leaving families grieving unimaginable losses, Samaritan’s Purse is doing what they do best: walking alongside survivors in their darkest hour. Their approach is personal, compassionate, and grounded in faith, offering more than just recovery—it’s about restoring hope, one step at a time.
When Samaritan’s Purse meets with a homeowner for the first time, they don’t come with a cookie-cutter plan. Instead, their trained assessors sit down with the family, listen to their stories, and help identify their specific needs. The goal? To serve them in the most meaningful way possible.
“We’ll walk through the site together with the homeowner to find out what they need and where they want us to focus,” explains Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse. “This is about more than cleanup—it’s about helping families reclaim a part of their lives.”
Once the family’s needs are clear, the Samaritan’s Purse team gets to work. Volunteers—both local and from across the country—begin sifting through ashes, carefully combing through the debris for anything salvageable. This isn’t just manual labor; it’s deeply personal.
“We’ve found things like wedding rings, photo albums, even small trinkets that carry so much sentimental value,” says one volunteer. “You see the relief and gratitude in their faces when you hand them something they thought was lost forever.”
For many homeowners, it’s the first glimmer of hope they’ve experienced since the fire. Each recovered item becomes a symbol of resilience—a piece of their past that survived the flames.
What sets Samaritan’s Purse apart is their holistic approach. After the work is done, volunteers don’t simply pack up and leave. Before departing, they gather with the homeowner to pray, offering emotional and spiritual support in addition to physical help.
As a final gesture, Samaritan’s Purse presents the homeowner with a Bible, often reading from Psalm 46:1-3:
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea, though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling.”
This moment of prayer often becomes the most powerful part of the experience. “It’s a reminder that even when everything feels lost, God is still present, and there is strength to be found in Him,” says one chaplain.
The work wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of Samaritan’s Purse volunteers, many of whom travel across the country to serve. Their care and compassion make all the difference, not just in the recovery process but in helping families feel seen and supported.
“These volunteers are the hands and feet of Jesus,” Graham emphasizes. “They come not just to work but to minister to people’s hearts. That’s what makes this so special.”
For families facing the daunting task of rebuilding, Samaritan’s Purse provides more than just tools and manpower—they provide companionship, prayer, and the assurance that they are not alone in their journey. One homeowner, after receiving a recovered family heirloom, said with tears in their eyes, “You’ve given me a piece of my life back.”
Through their thoughtful process—assessing needs, sifting through ashes, and leaving families with the comfort of prayer and God’s Word—Samaritan’s Purse is offering a lifeline to those navigating unimaginable loss.
How You Can Help
Samaritan’s Purse is actively responding to the Eaton Fire and other disasters across the region. If you feel called to volunteer or donate, visit spvolunteer.org to be part of the work they’re doing.
In a time of uncertainty and heartbreak, Samaritan’s Purse reminds us all of the power of compassion, faith, and hope. For the families of Altadena, these small acts of kindness are helping them take the first steps toward healing—and reminding them that even in the ashes, they are not alone.
