- The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has launched an emergency collection across all parishes and Catholic schools in Los Angeles County throughout July to aid victims of the devastating June 24 earthquakes in Venezuela.
- Two powerful earthquakes (magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5) struck about 100 miles west of Caracas, causing widespread destruction, displacing thousands, and leaving nearly 2,000 dead and over 10,000 injured, according to multiple sources.
- Funds will be sent to Catholic Relief Services, the U.S. Catholic Church's international humanitarian agency, and donors can also contribute directly at www.crs.org/donate/venezuela-earthquake.
- Local Catholic churches in Venezuela, including in Petare and La Guaira, are serving as shelters and aid distribution hubs, with organizations like Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) providing emergency funds and support.
- The U.S. government has increased its humanitarian funding for Venezuela to over $300 million, channeled through trusted partners including Catholic Relief Services.
In response to the catastrophic double earthquake that struck Venezuela on June 24, 2026, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles has mobilized its extensive network of parishes and Catholic schools across Los Angeles County to collect emergency funds throughout July. The initiative aims to support relief efforts for the thousands of victims left dead, injured, or displaced by the 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude quakes that hit about 100 miles west of Caracas.
Scope of the Disaster
According to reports from Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), nearly 2,000 people have died, more than 10,000 have been injured, and thousands remain missing. Regional authorities in La Guaira estimate that approximately 70,000 families have been affected in that state alone. Rescue operations continue around the clock, with over 6,000 people rescued alive from the rubble and 69 shelters established for those who lost their homes.
Church at the Center of Response
Local Catholic parishes in Venezuela have become lifelines. In Petare, one of the poorest and most densely populated areas of Caracas, Bishop Juan Carlos Bravo Salazar reported that the diocese has set up four collection centers and mobilized over 250 volunteers to provide medication, surgical equipment, food, and clothing to hospitals receiving the wounded from La Guaira. “Even those who have nothing give everything,” Bishop Bravo told ACN, recounting how two cobblers donated 50 pairs of repaired shoes meant for sale.
In La Guaira, the hardest-hit region, Father Ignatio Caleya of the Diocese of Petare continued celebrating Mass outdoors after the earthquake, joined by evacuees from nearby apartment blocks and a hospital. “The Church in Venezuela remains with the people,” said Luis Vildoso, ACN’s project manager for Venezuela.
Los Angeles County’s Role
Sabrina Lopez, director of the Pontifical Mission Societies for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, urged the faithful to give generously: “The people of Venezuela need to know that the Church stands with them.” Funds collected locally will be sent to Catholic Relief Services, which is also a recipient of the $300 million in U.S. government humanitarian funding announced by the State Department on June 29.
How to Help
Parishioners in Los Angeles County can donate at their local parish or school during July, or directly online through Catholic Relief Services at www.crs.org/donate/venezuela-earthquake. Aid to the Church in Need has also approved an initial €100,000 emergency aid package for the Church’s response.
Local California Context
Los Angeles County, home to a large and active Catholic community with over 4 million parishioners, has a history of responding to international disasters. The archdiocese’s network of 287 parishes and 200+ Catholic schools provides a robust infrastructure for rapid fundraising. This campaign also reflects the strong ties between Southern California’s Latino community and Venezuela, as many Angelenos have family or roots in the affected region.
Conclusion
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles’ emergency collection offers a direct way for residents to support earthquake victims in Venezuela. With the death toll rising and thousands displaced, every donation helps provide critical aid—from food and water to medical supplies and shelter. To contribute, visit your local parish or donate online through Catholic Relief Services.
Additional Relief Efforts from Trinidad and Tobago
In Trinidad and Tobago, Catholic migrant ministries are also mobilizing to support Venezuelan earthquake victims. The St Benedict’s RC Church, La Romaine and the St Dominic’s RC, Penal migrant ministries are coordinating with contacts on the ground and exercising caution with transport logistics to ensure supplies reach people in need. Cristina John of the Penal Ministry for Migrants and Refugees said they waited before making a public appeal so “proper arrangements” are made for a “legal vessel” to transport the items and for collection in Venezuela. The ministry is in contact with Caritas and the Catholic Church in Venezuela. A boat traveling from Venezuela will give space for two tonnes of supplies. The ministry began collecting donations on Wednesday, July 1 for shipment on Friday, and collection will continue until Wednesday, July 8.
John said information from Caracas is that they have received enough clothing. What is needed are medications including antibiotics, acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, nasal decongestants; medical supplies including gloves, glucometers, saline solution, syringes, blood pressure monitors, wound healing cream; hygiene products including soap, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, hand sanitizers, baby wipes, diapers; non-perishable food items, water, towels/blankets, batteries, and tents. Personal protective equipment is required because of the conditions. John reported that there are decomposing bodies not yet in mortuaries, and some mortuaries are charging US$450 to handle deceased people, which many cannot afford.
Angie Ramnarine of the La Romaine Migrant Support (LARMS) ministry also expressed caution: “We have to be very coordinated and precise in how the whole transfer of supplies is handled.” She has been liaising with local doctors, pharmacies, and medical representatives to access requested items, dividing needs into medical supplies (masks, gloves, syringes, drips), toiletries (diapers for adults and babies, sanitary pads), and baby supplies (formula, bottles, clothes). LARMS is communicating with the local Red Cross to facilitate access to hard-to-reach areas. Ramnarine is ensuring that aid is collected by trusted parties to prevent looting or black market sales. The most affected states are La Guaira, Caracas (Capital District), Aragua, Carabobo, Miranda, and Falcón.
- Patch: LA Archdiocese Begins Venezuela Relief Campaign Following Earthquakes
- MyNewsLA: LA Archdiocese Begins Venezuela Relief Campaign
- Catholic World Report: Catholic Church, U.S. government drive relief efforts in Venezuela
- ACN Malta: Initial support package to be dispatched after deadly double earthquake
- ACN International: Venezuelan bishop: “Even those who have nothing are giving everything”