Community Build, Inc. President Dr. Robert Sausedo (center) distributed over $125,000 in grants to churches and nonprofit agencies to assist families and individuals devasted by the Eaton and Palisades wildfires. These grants were made possible through generous donations from City National Bank, Target, and the Federal Home Loan Bank San Francisco. (Ian Foxx)

Community Build Inc. has distributed $125,000 in grants to multiple nonprofit agencies and churches to support relief efforts for victims of the Palisades and Eaton wildfires. These grants were made possible through generous donations from City National Bank, Target, and the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco. 

In response to the devastation caused by the wildfires, Community Build has partnered with several nonprofit organizations, churches, and community stakeholders to establish the Greater Los Angeles County Public Assistance Network. This collaborative effort aims to provide a variety of ongoing services and daily necessities for those affected by the fires. 

LA Sentinel Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer Pamela Bakewell poses with Greater Los Angeles County Public Assistance Network Director Joya Shelton. The L.A. Sentinel received a grant from the Network to assist in efforts to support individuals and families devasted by the Eaton and Palisades wildfires. (Ian Foxx)

On Feb. 18, the member agencies of the Greater Los Angeles County Public Assistance Network received their grant funds and convened to discuss their continued efforts to support wildfire victims and the accessibility of their services and programs. 

The Bakewell Company/LA Sentinel Chief Advisor the Chairman Pamela Bakewell accepted the grant on behalf of the organization.  The Los Angeles Sentinel and Bakewell Media will host the Wildfire Recovery and Rebuild Conference on Saturday, March 29, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Hilton Hotel in Pasadena. 

The day-long event is designed to explicitly outline to fire survivors the critical steps that need to be taken to rebuild along with helping attendees avoid the pitfalls that will also come as part of the rebuilding process. 

“We’re also real estate developers so we understand that the process has just begun, and we don’t want anybody to get scammed,”  Bakewell said.   

“We’re going to have this conference to really bring resources and the right direction. That’s the best that we can do in helping people to make good decisions.” 

Services Provided by Greater Los Angeles County Public Assistance Network include: 

Toberman Neighborhood Center: 

  • Delivery of essential supplies, including food, water, clothing, financial assistance, and hygiene kits. 
  • Partnership with local groups and first responders to make its gym available for temporary housing. 
  • Offering financial assistance and housing resources. 

 

Los Angeles Urban League: 

  • Providing essential services such as food and hygiene items to families affected by the wildfires. 
  • Addressing disparities in resource distribution to marginalized communities. 
  • Collaborating with corporations like Macy’s and Edison to secure gift certificates and financial aid for impacted families. 

 

Girls Club of Los Angeles: 

  • Offering free childcare services to families affected by the fires. 
  • Hosting weekly food share programs to provide meals and support to the community. 

 

“Community Build, Inc. is proud partner with the LA Sentinel and nonprofit organizations to serve people in their time of need.  Some people have lost everything.” said Community Build President Robert Sausedo.  

“Organizations in the Greater Los Angeles County Public Assistance Network are able to quickly expand and extend our existing range of services to people affected by the Palisades and Eaton wildfires.  Grants like these are a force multiplier for our efforts.” 

Through the combined efforts of Community Build Inc., its partners, and generous corporate donors, City National Bank, Target and Federal Home Loan Bank San Francisco, the Greater Los Angeles County Public Assistance Network is committed to delivering critical resources and ongoing support to those affected by these devastating wildfires.