Los Angeles, CA (March 21, 2025) |
In a compelling display of unity and cooperative spirit, credit unions across the country have rallied together to support residents of Los Angeles County affected by the catastrophic Eaton and Pacific Palisades fires. Managed by the USC Credit Union Community Foundation, a certified 501(c)(3) organization, the Southern California Wildfire Relief Fund was initiated on January 10, 2025, shortly after the fires began. This fund was established to provide immediate emergency cash assistance to those affected.
As of March 20, 2025, the fund has successfully raised $275,692, with significant contributions from USC Credit Union members, partner credit unions, and other community members. Notably, nearly half of these funds have been donated by fellow credit unions, demonstrating the sector's deep-rooted commitment to the principle of "people helping people," particularly in times of crisis. To date, the fund has awarded $181,000 in emergency cash, directly aiding 181 families and individuals severely impacted by the fires. Each beneficiary received $1,000 with no obligation. The application was open to all impacted community residents, regardless of their credit union membership status.
Dr. Rocio Flores, USC Credit Union Community Foundation CEO and USC Credit Union Chief Social Impact Officer, emphasized the critical nature of providing swift assistance, stating, "In the face of such devastating losses, homes, jobs, stability, it's crucial that we step in quickly to help our community members begin to rebuild their lives." In line with this sentiment, Gary J. Perez, President and CEO of USC Credit Union and Board Chair of the Foundation, underscored the united mission of credit unions, remarking, "This effort embodies the spirit of credit unions as mission-driven, not-for-profit cooperatives. By coming together, we demonstrate our foundational commitment to helping people in need, offering necessary support to those most affected by this tragedy."
The funds have been instrumental in covering essential needs such as housing, medical expenses, and daily necessities, illustrating the foundation’s role as a crucial support system during catastrophic events. Natasha, one of the beneficiaries, emphasized the personal impact of the fund, saying, "I have two children, ages 16 and 5 years old. We lost everything. My main objective is to provide shelter for my family. However, we need everything, so the funds will go toward all the things we need to survive." Similarly, Javier, who also received an emergency award, shared his story: "My family was displaced by the Eaton
fire. This will help us to buy formula, diapers, and other baby essentials as we welcomed our newborn three days before the fire." These accounts underscore the profound personal impact of the fund.
This collaborative effort not only showcases the cooperative nature of the credit union movement but also strengthens our commitment to uplift and engage communities through direct support during challenging times.
For more information on the Southern California Wildfire Relief Fund, please click here.
To view the Southern California Wildfire Relief Fund’s Impact Report, please click here.
Credit Union and Organizational Donors include: California Credit Union League, Nevada Credit Union League, Stanford Federal Credit Union, African-American Credit Union Coalition, USC Credit Union, FHLBank San Francisco, Hawaii Credit Union League, HFS Federal Credit Union, Hawaii County Employees Federal Credit Union, Valley Isle Community Federal Credit Union, Lōkahi Federal Credit Union, Kahului Federal Credit Union, Hawaii State Federal Credit Union, Maui County Federal Credit Union, Molokai Community Federal Credit Union, University of Hawai'i Federal Credit Union, Wailuku Federal Credit Union, Hawaii Federal Credit Union, Aloha Pacific Federal Credit Union, Garden Island Federal Credit Union, Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union, Hawaii First Federal Credit Union, Lanai Federal Credit Union, Maui Federal Credit Union, HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union, HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union Foundation, Gather Federal Credit Union, Pima Federal Credit Union, Monterra Community Fund, Origence, Unitus, Upward Credit Union, Greylock Federal Credit Union, California Coast Credit Union, SESLOC, Credit Union of Southern California, Delta Schools Federal Credit Union, Spiral, Elevations Credit Union, Duke Credit Union, Desert Valleys Federal Credit Union, Organized Labor Credit Union, Huntington Beach Credit Union, Pathways Financial Credit Union, Western Division, Statewide Federal Credit Union, Parishioners Federal Credit Union, Ventura County Credit Union, Thinkwise Credit Union, Merced School Employees Federal Credit Union, Landings Credit Union, Arrowhead Credit Union, Frontwave Foundation, Bayer Heritage Federal Credit Union, Student Choice, Alloya Corporate Federal Credit Union, Boulder Dam Credit Union, Red Rocks Credit Union, All In Credit Union, Border Federal Credit Union, Uncle Credit Union, Eagle Community Credit Union, Velocity Community Credit Union, FirstCity Credit Union, Torrance Community Credit Union, Spiral Giving Network, Pearl Hawaii Federal Credit Union, Members 1st Credit Union, IC Credit Union, and Vantage West Credit Union.