Mayor Karen Bass visited one of the City’s four Impacted Worker and Family Recovery Centers in Los Angeles on Tuesday, March 11, continuing her commitment to assisting Angelenos of color impacted by the recent wildfires. The mayor’s visit to Leimert Park highlights the city’s focus on supporting survivors from the Altadena, Pasadena, and surrounding areas who have suffered both physical and financial losses.
The center, located at 4305 Degnan Blvd #105 in Los Angeles, provides essential support to individuals and families who have lost income due to the recent fires. Services available include job placement assistance, financial aid, small business grants, and various other resources designed to help people regain stability and rebuild their lives.
During her visit, Mayor Bass reflected on the heart-wrenching stories of survivors. “So, I just finished meeting, along with Supervisor Holly Mitchell and a number of individuals impacted by the fires. They lived in the Altadena area, and listening to some of their situations… one woman who had finished paying off her home on January 7th and lost her home January 8th,” said the mayor. “Some of these individuals are struggling with serious health issues, including diabetes and being on dialysis, all while trying to make ends meet.”
Bass emphasized the urgent need for housing, as some survivors are being forced to sleep in their cars, while others are receiving critical cash assistance. “I want to remind everyone that March 31 is the deadline to sign up for FEMA assistance,” she added.
Raya Reynaga, a wildfire survivor who spoke privately with Mayor Bass, shared her ongoing need for essential resources.
“I need someone who’s going to pay for the ADU that they’re telling me I can put on my property. The permits, the licensing, the soil testing, the architect, the designs, the permits… I don’t even know how to deal with the city planning office to rebuild. What are the upgrade codes I need?” she said.
Robert Sausedo, president and CEO of Community Build, emphasized the organization’s support for those in need.
“Jeremiah teaches us to take care of the welfare of the city, and in its welfare, we will have welfare. And that’s what we’re here for today—to take care of those in need in this great city,” said Sausedo, who also announced that Community Build has directed $125,000 to support 27 agencies to provide critical aid at the grassroots level.
One of the attendees, Totress Beasley, shared her own experience of the fires and her ongoing struggle to rebuild.
“I just paid off my house on January 7th, and it burned down the next day, January 8th. It’s bad and good because I don’t have a mortgage, and I can work towards building all the finances to rebuild,” Beasley said. She added that her dream of retiring after paying off her home had been shattered by the wildfires. “I need resources to make sure I have enough to rebuild and to do everything I need to do toward the American Dream again.”
