The LA Strong: Disaster Response Fund has raised more than $2.26 million to support community college students and educators affected by recent disasters, including the Eaton and Palisades fires.
The Foundation for the Los Angeles Community Colleges swiftly launched LA Strong, less than 48 hours after the Eaton and Palisades Fires began, to provide immediate support for LACCD students and employees while preparing for the long-term recovery ahead.
This has been made possible by the generosity of individual donors and partners such as: The Ballmer Group, ECMC Foundation, California Community Foundation, College Futures Foundation, Chegg.com Impact Fund at Tides Foundation, Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation, Cal Wellness, and the Michelson 20MM Foundation.
“The outpouring of generosity from our community has been truly inspiring. Funds are providing critical relief to our students and employees who have lost so much, helping them regain stability and continue their educational and professional journeys,” said Interim Chancellor Dr. Alberto J. Román. “We will continue working tirelessly to support our students and employees as they recover and rebuild.”
The Foundation is expected to distribute $1 million in grants to impacted individuals and regional partner foundations by February 5th, including to the Glendale and Pasadena Community College Foundations. Within LACCD, more than $140,000 has already been provided to directly assist 63 students and 40 employees who have lost housing or are facing other hardships due to the fires. Direct payments to affected students and employees began mid-January and continue daily, with the number served expected to increase in the weeks ahead as outreach continues and the spring term begins.
“Our students and employees are facing immense challenges in the wake of the Palisades and Eaton disasters, but the strength of our community is evident in this incredible response,” said Board of Trustees President Kelsey Iino. “The LA Strong fund is more than just financial relief—it’s a message to those impacted that they are not alone, and as a District, we are here to provide support every step of the way.”
Major funders seeking to make a meaningful impact are looking to the Foundation for leadership and coordination with regional community colleges, recognizing its strong reputation and proven experience in disaster response. Additionally, LA Strong: Disaster Response Fund is the only locally vetted fund for community college students and employees, recognized by Philanthropy CA as a trusted and impactful giving opportunity, reinforcing the role of LACCD and its nonprofit partner as a trusted leaders in the region.
Through outreach and data mapping, the Foundation estimates that about 6,300 LACCD students live in the maximum fire evacuation area. Several hundred students and dozens of employees have been temporarily or permanently displaced from their homes, and thousands more are facing secondary impacts such as job losses due to destroyed businesses, K-12 school closures, and disruptions to childcare services.
Juliet Hidalgo, LACCD
