#USA #Los Angeles #Wildfire Relief #Change Reaction #L.A. Fires

The Change Reaction Launches a $10 Million Emergency Fund for Wildfire Relief

In a proactive response to the devastating wildfires impacting Los Angeles, The Change Reaction, a local direct-giving foundation, has officially announced the establishment of a $10 million emergency fund dedicated to providing immediate assistance to those affected. This initiative is pivotal as it aims to stabilize families experiencing the acute fallout from the wildfires.

The newly formed Wildfire Direct Giving Fund is aiming for a total of $50 million in support. This will be achieved through a robust network comprising over 250 partner organizations and a dedicated group of 2,000 social workers and impact leaders. These individuals will identify and reach out to those directly affected by the fires, ensuring that help reaches those in the direst need.

Founded in 2019, The Change Reaction has made a significant impact by developing a direct-giving platform that facilitates essential financial assistance to working families in crisis. To date, they have provided over $42 million in support to nearly 38,000 families facing short-term hardships. This initiative primarily targets essential workers who have lost their homes, particularly individuals such as social workers, hospital staff, and teachers. It emphasizes the need to stabilize these individuals quickly so they can continue aiding others in the recovery efforts.

In this launch phase, affected families will be eligible for direct assistance grants of up to $5,000. Importantly, these grants will undergo a thorough vetting process by their partners to ensure proper allocation, and the funds will be available without any bureaucratic delays.

Greg Perlman, the founder of The Change Reaction, stated, “As LA's direct giving foundation, we are designed to respond swiftly in times of urgent need. While general relief funds are necessary and take time to accumulate, individuals require immediate support to stabilize their lives right now. Our goal is to offer immediate cash assistance that empowers the communities that are vital to our city's function.”

The fund will maintain the structure consistent with all of The Change Reaction's programs, where 100% of the funds collected will directly benefit those affected without imposing any overhead costs. Each cash grant will be verified by partnering organizations before being issued, thus ensuring accountability and transparency in the process.

John Lee, a member of the Los Angeles City Council, shared his firsthand experience with the organization during this crisis, stating, “My team has collaborated with The Change Reaction for five years to support local community members facing financial struggles. When I realized that teachers in my district had lost their homes due to the wildfires, we immediately reached out to The Change Reaction. They responded without hesitation, issuing $5,000 checks to each of those affected. This type of rapid and impactful support is crucial during emergencies.”

Megan Katerjilan, the CEO of Door of Hope, echoed this sentiment, highlighting how The Change Reaction’s efforts have been instrumental for their staff who are also suffering due to the wildfires. She asserted, “When we contacted The Change Reaction, they promptly distributed cash grants to all our employees, offering much-needed financial relief and reassurance that they are not alone in the rebuilding process. This support for frontline workers is essential as it allows us to continue our mission to aid those most impacted.”

How to Contribute

The Change Reaction invites its nonprofit partners and the broader community to engage with this relief fund, ensuring that information reaches those in desperate need of assistance. Additionally, they encourage donations, noting that contributions can be matched dollar-for-dollar, maximizing the impact of each gift.

To learn more or to make a tax-deductible contribution, please visit The Change Reaction’s Wildfire Direct Giving Fund.

About The Change Reaction

The Change Reaction stands as LA's dedicated direct giving foundation, committed to the belief that support must reach the hardworking individuals crucial to the city’s vibrant life. With an extensive network of nearly 2,000 social workers and partnerships with over 250 nonprofits, The Change Reaction provides critical financial support designed to stabilize and uplift the families of working Angelenos.