This weekend, a devastating fire destroyed the San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission’s emergency shelter, vehicle fleet, and clothing and food warehouse. The fire started just before 1 a.m. Saturday at a wood pallet warehouse adjacent to the shelter on Saticoy Street and took Los Angeles City firefighters over an hour to get the flames under control.

With so much damage done, the Mission needs the community's help to rebuild. Cash donations are the most vital right now and may be made by visiting the Mission’s website here. Trucks and temporary storage containers are also needed to continue the Mission’s work without interruption. Other items critically needed include blankets, clothing, small household items and personal hygiene items.

Donated items can be dropped off to the Sun Valley Thrift store at 9007 Lankershim Blvd, Sun Valley, CA 91352 between hours of 9am–6pm daily or at Councilmember Blumenfield's office at the West Valley Municipal Center at 19040 Vanowen Street, Reseda, CA 91335.

For more information and how to donate, please contact (888) 937-4448.

The destruction of the Mission’s vehicle fleet will seriously impact the emergency mobile program, which travels to six distinct areas of the Valley each week equipped with its mobile shower unit, hot nutritious food, and clothing and hygiene items for distribution. Each month, the SOS program serves an average of 1,500 men, women and children and provides over 1,500 meals, 1,400 items of clothing, 300 showers, and 400 hygiene kits.

The San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission also serves as the production hub for our three Valley thrift stores.  100% of all proceeds from these stores support the ongoing work of the mission. 

In the last year, the Mission provided 9,700 nights of shelter to mothers, fathers and their children.  In addition, more than 46,500 meals were served, and dignity was restored to over 10,500 homeless individuals through showers and clean clothes provided at eight mobile locations and three Mission-run thrift stores help fund a pathway for families to get off the streets and into self-sufficiency.

UPDATE: 5/5/2014 4:25 PM

The Mission has posted a list of vital goods needed, including:

• Children's clothing
• Adult clothing
• Socks and underwear
• Gift cards to department stores and grocery stores
• New children's shoes
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Soap
• Toothpaste and toothbrushes
• Feminine products
• Blankets
• Small household items
• Personal hygiene items