The founder of LA Dream Center is providing aid to homeless individuals during the wildfires in California by accepting donations and offering housing.

On Friday, Wolfgang Puck donated 2,000 meals to Matthew Barnett, the founder of LA Dream Center, for the ongoing support of California wildfire victims.

The founder of LA Dream Center is providing aid to homeless individuals during the wildfires in California by accepting donations and offering housing.
The founder of LA Dream Center is providing aid to homeless individuals during the wildfires in California by accepting donations and offering housing.

This week, wildfires in California destroyed entire communities in five counties, causing Americans to evacuate their homes and businesses.

Thousands of people lose their homes as fires rage, but firefighters, law enforcement, and civilians work together to contain them, while local shelters and organizations distribute food, supplies, and offer refuge.

Matthew Barnett, founder of the LA Dream Center, described many communities as "ghost towns" in an interview with Planet Chronicle Digital. (Watch the video at the top of this article.)

He stated that our goal is to offer all types of solutions, with financial being particularly important due to the housing market.

The Dream Center in Los Angeles offers assistance to California residents in need of shelter, recovery, and food. It is a globally recognized organization that provides free programs to communities worldwide.

Aftermath of the California wildfires
Cars are left charred inside a dealership in the aftermath of the Eaton Fire Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 in Altadena, Calif. (Jae C. Hong/AP)

"You experience a 20% increase in growth on your campus overnight. That's a significant amount in a city like Los Angeles," he remarked. "It's so costly to activate the utilities and everything."

Thirty years ago, Barnett intended to serve as a pastor for a brief period before he became enamored with Los Angeles and decided to remain indefinitely to establish the Dream Center.

Barnett suggested that in a city like Los Angeles, known for its constant activity, it would be beneficial to have a place in the heart of the city that could mend the broken pieces of dreams and provide support to those who are struggling.

The Dream Center, which is situated on US Route 101, was established in 1996 after acquiring the building from the Catholic Church for $3.9 million.

Barnett stated that they could have sold it for $16 million to Paramount Studios.

Flames from the Palisades Fire burn a building on Sunset Boulevard
Flames from the Palisades Fire burn a building on Sunset Boulevard amid a powerful windstorm on Jan. 8, 2025 in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles. Fueled by intense Santa Ana Winds, the Palisades Fire has grown to over 15,000 acres and 30,000 people have been ordered to evacuate while a second major fire burns near Eaton Canyon in Altadena. (Apu Gomes/Getty Images)

For eight years, the 15-story building served as a filming location. Currently, it houses 700 residents daily, including homeless veterans, emancipated minors, and families, among others.

Barnett stated that it is open 24 hours a day to anyone in need.

The Dream Center is currently providing private rooms, food, necessities, and other supplies to local California residents in need while firefighters work to contain the blaze.

California wildfires as seen from space
This satellite image provided by Maxar Technologies shows the Eaton Fire on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, in Altadena, Calif. (Maxar Technologies via AP)

Australian chef Wolfgang Puck dropped off 2,000 meals on Friday afternoon.

Barnett said, "He asked, 'When are you going to serve them?' and I replied, 'How about right now?'"

"This is COVID times 10," Barnett said of relief efforts.

We tossed them directly onto the front line. (See the video below.)

Barnett stated that the donated food supply would run out in two hours.

Founder of LA Dream Center received 2,000 meals from Wolfgang Puck for CA residents

Barnett stated that someone else would take charge, and they would place them at the forefront, resulting in the emergence of a new restaurant.

"Miracles keep happening when you need them. God always provides unbelievable outlets when you care for hurting people."

Aftermath of the California wildfires
A view of smoke covering the sky due to Eaton wildfire in Altadena of Los Angeles County, California, on Jan. 9, 2025. A fast-moving wildfire has forced 30,000 people to evacuate, with officials warning that worsening winds could further escalate the blaze.  (Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images)

In the midst of the perilous wildfire crisis, the Dream Center and its 250 daily volunteers are transporting supplies to affected regions and operating food lines for 10 hours straight.

Barnett stated that the relief efforts are equivalent to "COVID times 10."

"Barnett stated that he is not at home and is currently staying in his office. He is assisting displaced individuals, making him the one who is displaced."

Barnett stated that his family, including dogs, is like being unsure about the future of their home, which is located near a fire, despite experiencing their own pain.

For more Lifestyle articles, visit planetchronicle.net/lifestyle

"Serving out of our own struggle."

The Dream Center has received support from celebrities such as Snoop Dogg, Florence Pugh, Billie Eilish, JoJo Siwa, and King Bach, who have shared posts on social media, increasing attention and encouraging volunteerism.

Barnett stated that these individuals are unknown to us, yet they are seeking to act positively.

The Dream Center is accepting donations of food, non-perishables, baby supplies, clothing, water, and financial contributions both online and in person.

by Gabriele Regalbuto

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