FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 10, 2025
Contact
USC Credit Union Media Contact: Sandra Alvidrez, salvidrez@usccreditunion.org
DEO: Angela Herrera Perez, Senior Public Information Specialist, press@opportunity.lacounty.gov
USC Credit Union Community Foundation and LA County DEO Deliver $80K in Direct Relief to Wildfire-Impacted Workers
Los Angeles, CA – Today, the USC Credit Union Community Foundation, the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), and the County’s America’s Job Centers of California (AJCC) announced $80,000 in direct financial assistance to residents impacted by the Eaton and Pacific Palisades fires. The partners delivered $1,000 in emergency cash aid to 80 fire-impacted workers for urgent needs, such as housing, healthcare, and other daily essentials, offering relief today and an opportunity to focus on long-term recovery.
In response to the January windstorms and wildfires, the USC Credit Union Community Foundation created the Southern California Wildfire Relief Fund to provide fast, flexible relief to those facing displacement and hardship. In May, the Foundation partnered with DEO and leveraged DEO’s West Los Angeles and East San Gabriel Valley AJCCs for targeted outreach to impacted workers. Through this collaboration, wildfire survivors who had lost homes, jobs, or income were identified and supported with one-on-one application assistance, ensuring aid reached those most in need.
Dr. Rocio Flores, CEO of the USC Credit Union Community Foundation and Chief Social Impact Officer of USC Credit Union, noted the importance of collaboration in addressing community needs. “Public partnerships give us the ability to extend our reach and serve more of our neighbors. This initiative shows what’s possible when resources are aligned toward a shared purpose,” she said.
“When disaster strikes, the role of government is not just to respond it’s to meet people where they are, with the support they need,” said Kelly LoBianco, Director of the LA County Department of Economic Opportunity. “Through this partnership with the USC Credit Union Community Foundation, we acted quickly, connected wildfire-impacted residents to trusted community resources, and delivered direct financial relief.”
This effort complements LA County’s broader wildfire recovery work. Earlier this year, DEO launched the LA Region Small Business and Worker Relief Funds. Together with public and philanthropic partners, including LA County, the State of California, LA Rises, the California Community Foundation, Wells Fargo, Annenberg Foundation, Hilton Foundation, Prologis, and Fire Aid, the funds have delivered more than $21.3 million in aid to over 1,441 businesses and 2,840 workers across the region, with an additional $3.5 million currently being distributed to further support impacted businesses and workers.
The partnership with USC Credit Union concluded on July 30, 2025, with the distribution of the final checks. In total, 80 families and individuals received $1,000 each to support their recovery and rebuilding.
To date, the Southern California Wildfire Relief Fund has raised $330,676, with half of all contributions coming from peer credit unions, a testament to the credit union movement’s core principle of “people helping people.” The Fund has provided $302,000 in emergency assistance to 302 households and individuals so far.
Residents impacted by the Eaton and Pacific Palisades wildfires can continue to access support services through their nearest AJCC. Visit ajcc.lacounty.gov to find a location and learn more. For additional resources and up-to-date information on recovery and rebuilding efforts, visit: bit.ly/DEOWildfireResponse.
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About the Southern California Wildfire Relief Fund: The Southern California Wildfire Relief Fund, managed by the USC Credit Union Community Foundation, is a crucial initiative aimed at supporting Los Angeles County communities devastated by wildfires in the region. This fund brings together credit unions, partners, members, and the broader community to provide urgent assistance and foster recovery in areas affected by the Eaton and Pacific Palisades fires in California.
Our mission is to deliver financial support, facilitate regeneration, and embody the communal spirit characteristic of credit unions. Contributions to the fund are tax-deductible and play a pivotal role in our collective response. Operated by the USC Credit Union Community Foundation, a certified 501(c)(3) charitable organization, we guarantee that 100% of the donations go directly to those impacted. Through your support, we can make a significant, positive impact on the lives of individuals and families affected by wildfires, reinforcing our commitment to community aid and resilience.
About DEO: About DEO: The LA County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) has a vision for a more equitable economy with thriving communities, inclusive and sustainable growth, and opportunity and mobility for all. The department, with its America’s Job Centers of California, Office of Small Business, and hundreds of programs and partners, creates quality jobs, helps small businesses and high-road employers start and grow, and builds vibrant communities and spaces. Stay connected with DEO! Follow @EconOppLA on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, subscribe to our newsletter, or visit opportunity.lacounty.gov to learn about DEO services.