California Masonic Homes Offers Aid and Assistance to Masons Affected By SoCal Wildfires

(Reuters)

by Christopher Hodapp

THIS STORY HAS BEEN UPDATED TO INCLUDE AN OFFICIAL MSA DISASTER APPEAL

In the wake of the massive devastation from the Southern California wildfires over the last few weeks, the Grand Lodge of California's Masonic Homes website has posted the following message offering assistance to Freemasons and their loved ones:

The wildfires that have spread throughout Northern and Southern California this year have been the most destructive in our state's history. They have caused billions of dollars in damage and displaced hundreds of thousands of people.

If you or a brother or sweetheart you know has been affected, the Masonic Homes can help. Please call Masonic Assistance at (888) 466-3642 for help accessing relief resources. If you call on behalf of another brother or widow, it is recommended that they are present for the call to expedite relief.

Available resources include:

Direct relief: Housing, food, clothing, and transportation
Counseling for grief and emotional distress
Relocation assistance
Referrals to organizations providing financial guidance, including assistance with mortgage payments and insurance matters
Information about and referrals to agencies providing local support

Even if your need is not included in the list above, assistance may be available. Please call Masonic Assistance to learn more about how our compassionate staff can support you and your loved ones.

Relief provided through the Masonic Homes of California is made possible by the generosity of brothers and friends statewide. CLICK HERE to make a gift to support the Masonic Homes’ mission of relief.

Note: If you are donating from out of state, ignore the drop-down menus asking for your lodge name, etc.  When asked where to direct your donation, choose the 'Distressed Worthy Brother Relief Fund.'

UPDATE FEBRUARY 8. 2024: 

Since this story was first posted, California Grand Master Arthur Salazar Jr. has also requested the Masonic Service Association of North America to issue an official Disaster Appeal over the California fires. 

From the MSANA website:

California Wildfires Relief Appeal

Grand Master Arthur L. Salazar Jr of California has requested the Masonic Service Association of North America (MSA) to issue this Disaster Relief Appeal.

Earlier this month, large parts of Los Angeles County were ravaged by several horrific fires which took several lives, destroyed entire communities, and flattened thousands of structures. While we are not aware of any of member lives that were lost, we have received daily requests from members who have lost their homes, their livelihoods, their worldly possessions. Now they need your assistance.

Sincerely and Fraternally,
Craig L. Davis, PGM
Administrator, MSANA

To Donate by Mail:

Please make checks payable to MSA Disaster Relief Appeal.
Please clearly mark the appeal that you wish the funds to go to and send to:

Masonic Service Association, 813 1st Ave SE, Suite 357, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402

To Donate by credit card online, CLICK HERE  Be sure to use the drop-down box to direct it to the California Wild Fires

MSA is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and donations made through them are tax deductible.