Supporting Wildfire Recovery in Los Angeles through the Pasadena Community Job Center
In January, wildfires in Los Angeles devastated local communities, displacing families and damaging homes and businesses. Thanks to contributions from donors in Japan, the U.S., and around the world, Peace Winds has issued a grant to support the Pasadena Community Job Center (PCJC). PCJC is a community-focused organization dedicated to supporting immigrants working as day laborers by connecting them with fair job opportunities that match their skills. When the wildfires struck, many of these laborers faced personal losses, including their homes, jobs, and livelihoods. Despite these hardships, they stepped up with a strong desire to give back, wanting to help with debris cleanup and assist their community in its recovery. PCJC is helping laborers stay safe and earn fair wages as they achieve this goal.
Giving Back Through Cleanup Efforts
PCJC members remove fallen branches and clear plant debris
In response to the fires, PCJC quickly mobilized to dispatch day laborers who are assisting evacuees with clearing out their homes. The team has now removed well over 3,000 tons of debris obstructing roads, homes, businesses, and essential infrastructure. To ensure the safety of the workers, PCJC also provides training courses, certifications, and personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect them from health risks such as ash and debris exposure.
PCJC workers remove hazardous debris from pedestrian sites
The Food Pantry Lifeline
The PCJC workers organizing the food pantry
PCJC has also long operated a food pantry, and this became a lifeline for the community in the wake of the fires. The pantry continues to serve as a vital distribution center for food, water, and supplies for survivors who have lost so much. The team plans to keep the distribution center running as part of the community’s long-term recovery efforts.
Members of PCJC discussing plans for the food pantry
Supporting Families Beyond the Fire
PCJC also offers case management services to hundreds of immigrant families who were impacted by the fires, guiding them in accessing reliable financial assistance and other forms of aid. This support is crucial, as immigrants are often overlooked in disaster relief efforts. Many do not qualify for government or other aid programs and may hesitate to seek help. PCJC is making sure that these families do not slip through the cracks by connecting them with reliable support networks.
The recent grant to PCJC is part of the broader financial and in-kind contributions that Peace Winds has already made, and will continue to provide, to local organizations assisting Los Angeles communities and shelter pets affected by the wildfires. Peace Winds is incredibly grateful to our donors around the world for their generous support. Every contribution has made a significant impact, helping communities in Los Angeles recover and rebuild after the devastating wildfires. Through your kindness, PCJC has been able to provide meaningful assistance to those facing some of their hardest days.
Donate today to help us support long-term recovery efforts in Los Angeles. Donations can be made by visiting our donation page and selecting “Los Angeles Wildfires.” Your support helps us to continue our relief and recovery efforts, and we are deeply grateful for it.