In response to ongoing immigration raids across Southern California, a foundation announced a new fund Wednesday to support local nonprofits assisting impacted migrant communities.
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The California Community Foundation said it will provide grants through its L.A. Neighbors Support Fund, helping organizations to "quickly scale up" their support for communities in need.
"This is not about the politics of the recent events, but their effect on people who have lost a loved one, their source of income, and are terrified," Miguel Santana, president and CEO of the foundation, said in a statement.
The funds are meant to help stabilize families and communities, similar to grants the foundation provided during the COVID-19 pandemic, wildfires and other past crises
"When stores, schools and streets empty out, vibrant neighborhoods become ghost towns," Santana added. "Fear sets off a cycle of despair. This is about Angelenos helping Angelenos."
Some local nonprofits that are expected to receive grants are the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles, Inclusive Action for the City and SCOPE, a South Los Angeles-based economic justice group.
The YMCA said it has distributed food from several of their sites to families and individuals who are afraid of leaving their homes as a result of federal immigration enforcement.
The organization reported a surge in volunteers, who help deliver groceries, diapers, frozen meals and other essentials.
"Every child and family should feel safe and supported. We have seen a recent increase in the demand for food security, essential items and mental health support services, and the Y continues to address these community needs," YMCA of LA President and CEO Victor Dominguez said in a statement.
Inclusive Action for the City has been supporting businesses and families of street vendors affected by immigration raids, providing cash assistance to help them recover, the group said.
Rudy Espinoza, CEO of Inclusive Action for the City, noted that brick and mortar stores where vendors shop for supplies "have lost their clientele."
Meanwhile, Gloria Medina, executive director of SCOPE, said her staff has also provided groceries to 100 families. Food bags contain rice, beans, peanut butter, bread and pasta.
With additional funding, Medina said it could enable them to rent a truck and buy more food, doubling the number of families they can help.
"We begin to heal with each wellness visit and each bag of groceries we deliver," Medina said.
For those interested in donating to the L.A. Neighbors Support Fund, information is available at pledge.to/LAneighbors.
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