Foundation for the Los Angeles Community Colleges Launches “LA Strong: Disaster Response Fund” to Support the Los Angeles Community College District Students and Employees

Funds will Support Students, Staff, and Faculty Impacted by Devastating Eaton and Palisades Wildfires 

Los Angeles, CA – In response to the devastating Eaton and Palisades fires, and with Southern California continuing to face “particularly dangerous situation” alerts from the National Weather Service, the LA Foundation for Los Angeles Community Colleges has launched the LA Strong: Disaster Response Fund. 

This emergency relief initiative aims to provide critical financial assistance to students and employees of the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) who are facing severe hardships as a result of the fires. These catastrophic events have disrupted housing, and access to essential resources, creating unprecedented challenges for the LACCD community. 

The LA Strong: Disaster Response Fund will provide immediate support to those impacted by the fires, helping individuals recover and continue their education and work during this difficult time. The fund will offer targeted financial relief to assist with housing, transportation, and other basic needs. 

"Our community colleges are more than just places of learning – campuses are a lifeline for our students, faculty, and staff during times of crisis,” said Interim Chancellor Dr. Alberto J. Román. “The Eaton and Palisades fires have disrupted lives in ways that are unimaginable, but through the LA Strong: Disaster Response Fund, LACCD stands united in providing immediate relief and support that our community desperately needs. Having witnessed firsthand how deeply Angelenos and our LACCD family care for one another, I am incredibly proud to lead this District. Together, we will do all we can to help our community recover and move forward." 

Tens of thousands of Angelenos, including members of the LACCD community, are in urgent need of assistance. Donations to the fund will provide essential resources such as temporary housing, food, clothing, replacement of academic supplies, transportation for evacuations, and emergency childcare to help those affected recover and rebuild. 

"The voices of our students, staff, faculty, and campus's community are at the heart of everything we do, and right now, they need our help,” said Board of Trustees President Kelsey Iino. “The devastation caused by the Eaton and Palisades fires has disrupted the hopes and dreams realized across our nine campuses. The LA Strong: Disaster Response Fund is a testament to the strength of our LACCD family and our collective commitment to ensuring every student, staff, and faculty can continue forward knowing they are seen and supported by our District." 

“Community college students, staff, and faculty across Southern California are confronting unparalleled challenges as multiple wildfires have devastated whole communities in our region. These catastrophic events not only endanger lives but also severely disrupt education, housing, and access to necessities. The consequences extend far beyond immediate danger, affecting academic progress, livelihoods, and long-term stability,” said Kelly King, Executive Director of the Foundation for the Los Angeles Community Colleges. The LA Strong: Disaster Response Fund aims to provide immediate critical emergency relief to those impacted, as well as offer essential support for long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts.”  

Donations will directly assist those in need by funding immediate relief efforts and ensuring that individuals and families can begin to recover. These funds will provide comprehensive financial for needs such as: 

• Temporary Housing & Relocation 
• Food: Clothing & Essential Items 
• Replacing Lost Academic Supplies 
• Transportation for Evacuations & Returns 
• Emergency Childcare Support 

LACCD is committed to supporting those impacted by the Eaton and Palisades fires. Our Human Resources and campus leadership teams are actively working with affected students, staff, and faculty to identify additional ways to provide relief and resources during this challenging time.  

Together, we can support our community as they navigate these challenging times.  

The LA Strong: Disaster Response Fund offers multiple ways to give and provide critical support to those impacted by the wildfires.  

• Donors can direct their contributions to students or staff/faculty—or split their gifts to benefit both groups.  

• Contributions are accepted via credit card, check, or ACH. Corporations, major gift donors, and foundations should contact Grants Coordinator Katy Cisneros (@email) for information about larger donations.  

• The fund has been vetted by 2025 California Disaster Response | Philanthropy California and is listed on Philanthropy California’s website. 

To learn more about the LA Strong: Disaster Response Fund and contribute to the district's recovery efforts, please visit the LA Foundation's website: www.fundlacolleges.org/fire.