Hispanic Federation Launches LA Ayuda: Emergency Cash Assistance for Immigrant Workers Impacted by Los Angeles Wildfires

Type(s): Press Release

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, January 23, 2025 

Media Contact: Christiaan Perez, cperez@hispanicfederation.org 

Hispanic Federation Launches LA Ayuda: Emergency Cash Assistance for Immigrant Workers Impacted by Los Angeles Wildfires 

Los Angeles, CA – Hispanic Federation (HF) has launched LA Ayuda, a wildfire relief fund to provide immediate financial assistance to immigrant workers who have lost their jobs due to the wildfires that have devastated the Greater Los Angeles region over the past two weeks. This emergency initiative is rooted in HF’s unwavering commitment to supporting vulnerable communities during times of crisis.  

With an initial investment from its own reserves and support from the Miranda Family Fund, HF will partner with several exceptional community-based organizations to offer direct aid from $500 to $1,000 to displaced workers and their families, regardless of immigration status. 

“Immigrant workers are the backbone of Los Angeles’ economy, and many are now facing dire circumstances after losing their livelihoods and their homes to the wildfires,” said Frankie Miranda, President and CEO of Hispanic Federation. “With LA Ayuda, we are providing critical relief that is flexible to the needs of families in the immediate term while also working to secure additional resources to expand our impact and help more people rebuild their lives. We need to ensure that after the fires are extinguished, we don’t forget about those that have lost everything.” 

“The wildfires have displaced thousands of immigrant workers—primarily Latinos—who make up an estimated 85% of domestic workers in the region,” said Luis A. Miranda, Jr., patriarch of the Miranda Family Fund. “These individuals face disproportionate challenges in accessing emergency aid, healthcare, and recovery resources. Workers in industries such as landscaping, construction, childcare, and housecleaning are among the hardest hit, with their employers having evacuated, lost homes, or shuttered businesses. Lin-Manuel, my family and I are proud to support LA Ayuda and Hispanic Federation’s efforts to aid, protect and uplift the most vulnerable in our community.”  

 Without access to unemployment benefits, FEMA, or other government assistance, these families are struggling to meet basic needs, including food, diapers, and baby formula. LA Ayuda seeks to address this critical gap by offering direct cash relief to help stabilize affected households. 

Hispanic Federation is partnering with respected local nonprofits already on the frontlines of this crisis to ensure rapid and equitable distribution of funds. These partners include:  

  • Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA): Advocates for immigrant rights and provides cash assistance to families excluded from federal disaster relief.  
  • Comunidades Indígenas en Liderazgo (CIELO): An Indigenous woman-led organization delivering stipends, food boxes, and language access resources to affected communities.  
  • Clinica Romero: A trusted provider of healthcare and social services offering financial aid and critical support to underserved families, including undocumented individuals. 

With initial funding expected to assist 500 workers, HF is actively raising additional resources to expand support to help more immigrant families and other vulnerable groups, including students in its CREAR program at Cal State LA, whose education is at risk due to wildfire-related financial hardships. 

HF has committed to ensuring that 100% of funds raised will go directly to recipients, with administrative costs covered by existing resources. The Federation’s Los Angeles office, established in partnership with the California Community Foundation in 2024, will oversee the implementation of LA Ayuda and coordinate ongoing efforts to address evolving community needs.  

 “We are deeply committed to ensuring every dollar raised makes a meaningful difference for families impacted by these devastating wildfires,” said German Cash, California State Director for Hispanic Federation. “The road to recovery will be long, but together with our partners and the community, we will rebuild stronger and more resilient, leaving no one behind—especially our most vulnerable neighbors.”  

For more information about LA Ayuda and how you can contribute to this initiative, visit www.hispanicfederation.org. 

 

ABOUT HISPANIC FEDERATION:

Hispanic Federation (HF) is a nonprofit membership and advocacy organization, founded in 1990, committed to empowering and advancing the Hispanic community, with a focus on low-income, marginalized and immigrant Latine. With programs in 40 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia, HF’s focus areas include immigration, economic empowerment, civic engagement, disaster relief, philanthropy, education, health, and the environment. HF also maintains ongoing public education campaigns and meets the organizational development needs of its member agencies through grant-making and capacity-building assistance. 

ABOUT MIRANDA FAMILY FUND:

For over 40 years, the Miranda Family has championed community activism. They have created and supported institutions that have served both underserved populations in Upper Manhattan and communities throughout New York City, across the country, and in Puerto Rico. Luis A. Miranda, Jr. and Dr. Luz Towns-Miranda are proud parents to Luz Miranda-Crespo, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Miguel Towns. Now as adults, Luz and Lin-Manuel are married to Luis Crespo and Vanessa Nadal, respectively, with children of their own. They continue to foster the family’s commitment to advocacy for education, the arts, and social justice – along with a sustained focus on relief and rebuilding efforts in Puerto Rico post-Hurricane Maria. 

 

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