The Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a $25,000 relief fund for northeast San Fernando Valley residents who lost income due to the multiple fires that devastated the region this month.
Councilwoman Imelda Padilla, who authored the motion, called for financial assistance specifically for residents of her Sixth District, encompassing parts of Van Nuys, Panorama City, Arleta and North Hills, among other neighborhoods. Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez seconded the motion.
Housekeepers, pool cleaners, gardeners, personal chefs, caretakers, drivers and other service workers will be able to apply for assistance.
“A stark reminder that our local economy is interconnected, means a disaster in one part of the city still affects the most vulnerable in others,” the motion reads. “… Failing to support this critical sector can lead to CD6 residents being unable to pay for expenses that can lead to homelessness, evictions or food insecurity.”
To administer the fund, the city will partner with Initiating Change in Our Neighborhoods Community Development Corporation, also known as ICON CDC, which operates the Los Angeles Business Source Centers of North and South valley regions.
Applications are now open and available at iconcdc.org/la-wildfire-relief.
Applicants must show proof of outdoor work, loss of income or property as a result of the fires, and must be residents of the 6th District.
The organization has operated since 2002 and provides free services to primarily low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs and small-business owners.
According to Padilla’s office, staff have heard directly from workers who lost their income overnight and don’t qualify for federal assistance such as FEMA.
Additionally, Padilla’s office is exploring more resources that can be used for help her constituents.
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