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.
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.