LOS ANGELES—The USC Credit Union Community Foundation has partnered with the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity and the Los Angeles County America’s Job Center of California to distribute $80,000 from the Southern California Wildfire Relief Fund to residents affected by the Eaton and Pacific Palisades fires.
The funds provided $1,000 in direct cash aid to 80 families and individuals, reflecting the combined efforts of credit unions and county agencies to deliver relief during crises.
According to the foundation, the Southern California Wildfire Relief Fund, managed by the USC Credit Union Community Foundation, launched Jan. 10, 2025, shortly after the fires began, to offer immediate cash assistance to survivors. In May, the Foundation expanded the initiative through a formal partnership with county agencies to identify and refer residents who had lost homes, jobs or stability.
“Public partnerships allow us to extend our reach and serve more of our neighbors,” Dr. Rocio Flores, CEO of the Foundation and chief social impact officer of USC Credit Union, said in a statement. “This initiative shows what’s possible when resources are aligned toward a shared purpose.”
How Funds Were Used
According to the foundation, the funds were used for housing, medical bills and daily necessities. One recipient, Vache, said his family faces financial strain with insurance covering only 60% of rebuilding costs. “We are anticipating financial hardship for the next few years, so any amount of assistance will help,” he said. Another beneficiary, Gianna, called the help essential: “As a single parent, this has been incredibly difficult. I am eternally grateful.”
The partnership concluded July 30, 2025, with the final distribution of checks. In total, 80 families and individuals received direct assistance, the foundation said.
More Than $330,000 Raised
As of July 30, the fund has raised $330,676 from USC Credit Union members, partner credit unions and community supporters.
“Half of the contributions came from credit unions, underscoring the industry’s cooperative principle of people helping people,” the foundation stated.
It added that to date, the fund has awarded $302,000 in emergency cash aid to 302 families and individuals.
