Community Outreach and Assistance Programs

Disaster Relief

Scientology Volunteer Ministers play an active role when natural disaster or civil disturbance strikes their community. During the 1992 Los Angeles riots, 300 Scientologists surrounded an entire city block to prevent looting and destruction of the area. A peaceful yet firm presence, they were not attacked and, in fact, this stand drew a line the rioters did not cross. Neighborhoods beyond that point were left untouched by the mobs. Volunteer Ministers also played a leading role in the massive cleanup effort that followed the riots.

In January 1994, when earthquakes caused sudden and widespread destruction in Los Angeles, Church staff members and the Volunteer Ministers Corps provided more than 10,000 hours of volunteer work and, through fundraising activities, tens of thousands of dollars in relief items. These ministers also provided spiritual counseling to more than 1,000 earthquake victims to help them recover from their shock and distress. The Volunteer Ministers Corps earned commendations from the president of the Los Angeles City Council and from California state senators.

Church of Scientology volunteers were likewise active and on the scene of the major 1989 San Francisco earthquake, the destroyed territories of Florida from Hurricane Andrew's path, the 1994 floods in northern Italy and other times of dire need by communities around the world.

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