PASADENA, Calif.–Wescom Financial said it is partnering with ForgiveCo to erase $10 million in consumer debt for Californians residing in areas that were most heavily impacted by the Southern California wildfires that took place in earlier this year.
According to the $6.3-billion credit union, with a focused effort in the Altadena and Pacific Palisades neighborhoods the debt relief campaign will provide the first $5 million in financial relief to more than 2,000 residents.
Wescom said the effort is part of a multi-year commitment, with future impact moments set to come.
“The initiative is executed through ForgiveCo’s random acts of kindness model and Wescom Foundation’s grantmaking capabilities, working together to provide unexpected aid to those most affected by the wildfires and relieving them of financial burdens,” Wescom said. “Importantly, recipients of the debt relief do not need to be Wescom members as the effort reflects an inclusive approach to recovery, rooted in shared values and regional resilience. Residents will receive letters, emails, and text messages in the following weeks, informing them of their debt relief.”
Basketball Coach Providing Support
According to Wescom, UCLA Women’s Basketball Head Coach Cori Close, who is the reigning National Coach of the Year, is joining the effort. The credit union said Close has been a long-time Wescom Financial partner and member, and will support Wescom’s relief efforts throughout the 2025-26 UCLA Women’s Basketball season, “lending her voice through content creation and welcoming select beneficiaries to home games with her program.”
“At Wescom Financial, our mission is to help build better lives for Californians. The recent Palisades/Eaton Canyon wildfires in Southern California deeply affected our community,” President and CEO Darren Williams said in a statement. “Our office headquarters are located in an affected area, and many of our members and team members live and work here. That’s why the Wescom Foundation (our charitable arm) has partnered with ForgiveCo to help support $10 million in debt relief for those living in the impacted areas.”
Time to ‘Reciprocate’
Added Close in a statement, “Even while dealing with the fires and all the terrible destruction, the people of Southern California still supported our team relentlessly throughout last season. It’s our turn to reciprocate that support and uplift our people and community. As a coach and leader, I can promise that our team is always committed to making the people of Southern California feel proud, but this season is definitely a little more special to us knowing whom we are playing for.”
Additional Relief
Wescom added that its disaster relief efforts span donation drives and emergency financial relief solutions for victims of the 2022 Southern California Wildfires, 2023 Maui Wildfires, Hurricane Helene, and 2025 Southern California Wildfires.
The Wescom Foundation provides grants to nonprofits that work to support relief and recovery efforts for victims of natural disasters and has invested $7.4 million to improve the lives of Californians since its founding in 1999, the organization said.
