Press Advisory
Latino Community Foundation Launches Fund to Support Latino Immigrant Families Affected by Wildfire
SAN FRANCISCO, CA October 13, 2017 – The devastation in Northern California is unprecedented. Wildfires have claimed at least 32 lives as of October 13th, affected over 170,000 acres of land, and have forced 20,000 people out of their homes. Latino immigrant families and communities in Northern California are deeply impacted, and the Latino Community Foundation is leading efforts to support the region’s trusted Latino nonprofits.
The Latino Community Foundation (LCF) launched a NorthCal Wildfire Relief Fund to support three regional Latino nonprofit organizations– North Bay Organizing Project (NBOP), in Santa Rosa; La Luz Center, in Sonoma; and UpValley Family Centers in Calistoga –that are working to support families, farmworker communities, and are coordinating regional resources for immediate and long-term needs.
Davin Cardenas, Co-Director at NBOP shares, “At NBOP we are heartbroken, but inspired. The acts of love, courage and dignity in the midst of devastation have been beautiful, as well as the outpourings of constant support. Our immigrant families are resilient and powerful, and will be helping rebuild our region for years to come.”
When people invest in LCF’s Norcal Wildfire Relief Fund, they are directly benefiting Latino families. The same families that farm the land and contribute to the economic vitality of the Wine Country region. In California, Latinos make up 71% of the workforce at vineyards. Currently, more than 45% of Sonoma County’s public school students are Latino and in Santa Rosa, a community that was decimated by the fire, Latinos make up a third of the population. LCF has chosen Latino nonprofits that will not only serve the immediate needs of families, but also lead the long-term reconstruction efforts.
“Latino immigrant families have an unbreakable spirit” says Jacqueline Martinez Garcel, CEO of the Latino Community Foundation, “Despite so much adversity, they continue to rise up and push forward. Their generosity, work ethic, and passion for community will be a driving force in the reconstruction efforts for the wine country region. We are here with you now, and for the long-haul.”
Contribute to the Norcal Wildfire Relief Fund – Donate on the LCF website: https://latinocf.org/norcal-wildfire-relief-fund/ If you wish to make your payment by check please mail out to: Latino Community Foundation (235 Montgomery Street, Suite 1160, San Francisco, CA 94104). Please write Norcal Wildfire Relief Fund in the memo.
About Latino Community Foundation
LCF exists to unleash the power of Latinos in California. The Foundation fulfills this mission by building a movement of civically engaged philanthropic leaders, investing in Latino-led organizations, and increasing political and civic participation of Latinos in California. The Latino Giving Circle Network, one of LCF’s signature programs, is now the largest Latino donor network in the country. For more information visit www.latinocf.org. Follow the Foundation on Twitter at twitter.com/LatinoCommFdn or on Facebook at facebook.com/LatinoCommFdn
Press Contact: Anna Gagliuffi
Communications Manager, agagliuffi@latinocf.org
cell: 646.465.3464 | 415.533.9697
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