Bel Air Rebuilds
“They shall build up the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities…”
– Isaiah 61:4
The Eaton and Palisades Fires have resulted in the largest disaster in Los Angeles history where there is more ash, loss, and grief than ever before. While many have lost hope, we know that God always moves towards those who are suffering and we have an opportunity to join God in that work.
Bel Air Rebuilds is a ten year plus initiative that was initiated by Pastor Drew on January 10 to support residents who have lost homes, students who have lost schools, and congregants who have lost churches or synagogues.
While there will be many phases of the relief, recovery, and rebuild process, there are some key areas that you can participate in NOW.
Bel Air Mobile Fresh Market and Food Distribution
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Bel Air Mobile Fresh Market and Food Distribution ～
Fighting Food Insecurity. Building Community. Being the church at work
We believe that consistent access to fresh, healthy food and essential household items is a fundamental right, not a privilege. Our Mobile Fresh Market and dedicated Food Distribution initiatives are designed to address food insecurity and provide reliable support directly to our neighbors in need.
Sunday Essentials Collection Drive: Your Generosity Makes a Difference
We believe that consistent access to fresh, healthy food and essential household items is a fundamental right, not a privilege. Our Mobile Fresh Market and dedicated Food Distribution initiatives are designed to address food insecurity and provide reliable support directly to our neighbors in need.
Top Items needed by food distribution while programs are on hold:
Canned vegetables: Examples include green beans, corn, and mixed vegetables, with a preference for low-sodium options.
Canned beans and lentils: Both canned and dried versions are versatile and packed with protein and fiber.
Canned meats and fish: Tuna, chicken, and salmon are great sources of protein. Canned stews and chili are also useful.
Pasta, rice, and other grains: Pasta, rice (white or brown), oats, and other whole grains like quinoa are affordable and filling staples.
Canned soups and broths: Soups, stews, and broths are easy meal starters or can be used in other recipes.
Cereal and oatmeal: These are quick breakfast options. Look for whole-grain or low-sugar cereals.
Peanut butter and other nut butters: A great source of protein, nut butters can be eaten with crackers, toast, or fruit.
Cooking oils: Olive or canola oil is essential for cooking and can also be used for dressings.
Pasta and tomato sauces: Canned tomatoes (diced, crushed) and jarred pasta sauce are useful for many dishes.
Shelf-stable milk and juice: Powdered milk or shelf-stable milk boxes and juice boxes provide dairy and vitamins.
Most needed household items that cannot be purchased with SNAP/EBT – Please consider buying these non-food items as well:
Cleaning Supplies
Paper products,
Cosmetics & Toiletries
Diapers & wipes
Petfood
Cooking utensils
Calvary Palisades is currently meeting every Sunday on our campus and Lifeline Fellowship Altadena’s Food Ministry will be supported by our Mobile Fresh Market.
As you give to the LA Fires Relief Fund, a portion of that giving supports Calvary Palisades who is utilizing our facilities rent free and supports Lifeline Fellowship. This is in addition to other areas designated by our Elder Board related to residents who have lost homes, students who have lost schools, and congregants who have lost churches or synagogues.
All funds given to the LA Fires Relief Fund on Easter Weekend (April 18-20) will be split evenly and given directly to Calvary Palisades and Lifeline Fellowship Altadena.
To hear more from the pastors of Calvary Palisades and Lifeline Fellowship Altadena, view this video interview with Pastor Drew Sams, released on Easter Weekend.
SUPPORTING LOCAL CHURCHES
SEVEN HOUSES
A non-profit is currently being establish by Anthony and Gina Zimmitti, long-time participants of both our Bel Air Church and Bel Air Preschool.
Now, they are channeling their years of combined expertise into a nonprofit building company with a powerful mission: to create affordable, thoughtfully designed homes for those in need. Drawing inspiration from regional and historic architecture, they are committed to providing homes that are not just functional but beautifully crafted, helping individuals and families rebuild their lives with dignity, resilience, and a sense of belonging.
If you’d life to find out more information, please visit sevenhouses.org
When wildfires swept through Los Angeles, Jenny Martinez lost everything—her home, her neighborhood, and life as she knew it. But what she didn’t lose was her spirit of hope… and what she found in return was a community that refused to let her stand alone.
This Easter testimony follows Jenny’s journey through evacuation, loss, and the unexpected kindness of others. One of those people was Cze-Ja—a Bel Air Church member who not only provided tangible support in the aftermath but continued to check in with Jenny every day, connecting her with resources, building wish lists, and offering friendship in a time of deep need. Their story is a beautiful picture of what it means to be the church at work—people stepping in with compassion, showing up with presence, and embodying resurrection hope.
🎥 Watch Jenny’s story
❤️ Witness Cze-Ja’s heart
🏡 See what happens when a community rebuilds together.
How to Donate
We invite you to make a tangible contribution to this vital initiative every Sunday.
Location: Bel Air Church
Time: Stop by during the 9:00 AM or 11:00 AM service.
Drop-Off: Look for our dedicated box truck parked out front of the church. Simply drop off your bags of items and join us in serving those in need!
Get Involved
The success of our Mobile Fresh Market and Food Distribution relies on local support. Whether you donate your time, fresh produce, or essential items, you are actively helping to ensure our neighbors have what they need.
Join us! Your help ensures a healthier, more secure community for all.
We know that addressing community needs requires collaboration. We are proud to partner with other essential organizations to create a holistic network of support, helping families move toward lasting stability and self-sufficiency.
Rebuild Partnerships
Operation Blessing International
(Virginia Beach, VA)
Operation Blessing is a major, global humanitarian organization dedicated to alleviating human need and suffering. Recognized as one of America's largest charities, Operation Blessing is focused on demonstrating tangible support through strategic, impactful programs.
Core Mission: Their primary programs—Disaster Relief, Hunger Relief, Medical Care, and Clean Water—align directly with the essential needs of our community. Their work includes:
Providing emergency food and supplies during crises.
Funding and equipping local ministries, food pantries, and shelters.
Supporting long-term disaster recovery and community rebuilding efforts.
By partnering with Operation Blessing, we are able to leverage their national network and resource capabilities to significantly enhance our local food distribution and recovery efforts, ensuring a stronger, more sustainable safety net for those we serve.
Door of Hope
(Pasadena, CA)
Door of Hope is a Christian non-profit dedicated to ending family homelessness in Los Angeles County. They provide comprehensive services, including transitional housing, mental health services, and vocational training, to help all family types rebuild their lives.
Shared Mission Focus: We partner with Door of Hope to ensure our food and essentials distribution directly complements their housing and recovery efforts, especially through their Eaton Fire Housing Assistance Program for families impacted by the recent tragedy.
North Valley Caring Services
North Valley Caring Services (NVCS) is a vital community hub dedicated to empowering residents and actively engaging in solving local problems in the Northeast San Fernando Valley. NVCS is one of the largest single-site food distribution centers in the San Fernando Valley, ensuring thousands of people have access to nutrition every week.
Comprehensive Support: Their work aligns perfectly with our mission, as they offer a wide array of free services, including:
Emergency food assistance and drive-thru pantries
Homeless support services, including Safe Parking and shower programs
Youth enrichment and education services
By supporting NVCS, we help strengthen the largest food safety net in the Valley while ensuring families have access to the programs that help them achieve long-term economic independence.
(North Hills, CA)