The Latino Community Foundation to Host: 5-Year Wildfire Anniversary to Honor Grassroots Leadership & Unveil to Lift up its Revolutionizing Model for Disaster Philanthropy

LCF’s Just Recovery Partnership Advanced Equity for Latino families hardest hit during disaster

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Latino Community Foundation:

Who: On the precipice of the 5-year anniversary of the devastating October 2017 fires in Northern California, the Latino Community Foundation (LCF) and the Just Recovery Partnership will bring communities together to reflect on lessons learned, celebrate the civic wins of grassroot leaders, and build a future where Latinos and Indigenous communities are all thriving, not merely surviving.

What: LCF’s Just Recovery Partnership was born out of its Wildfire Relief Fund begun in 2017. In five years, LCF has invested more than $4M in Latino nonprofits, supported the establishment of the nation’s first ever UndocuFund, and prioritized civic and economic power for Latino immigrant families.

To date, LCF’s model of investing in grassroots leadership to leverage a just recovery has transformed the region and the state. Together, Latino nonprofits have increased voter turnout by 12%, census participation by 2%, and Latino representation in government-led efforts in recovery. From helping to secure Just Eviction ordinances to advocating for farmworker hazard pay and ensuring language access, Latino nonprofits secured major wins and mobilized $45M+ in financial assistance for essential workers and their families.

Now, LCF is helping to establish the California UndocuFund Network and propelling Promotoras as social entrepreneurs who serve as frontline leaders in times of crisis. At the event, LCF will unveil their “Revolutionizing Disaster Philanthropy” report that urges philanthropic leaders to prioritize Latino nonprofit infrastructure and to fund at the intersections of racial, economic, and climate justice.

While fire season has been an annual event in California, it has become a nearly year-round season with climate change and the intensifying drought. California wildfires have deep impacts in the Latino community. Data shows that Latinos are twice as likely to live in the areas most threatened by wildfire. LCF’s visionary Just Recovery Partnership ensures that Latinos are front and center in developing solutions for climate change and community resilience.

Why: This unique network of leaders, Promotoras, organizers, healers, funders, artists, and cross-sector champions have relentlessly served on the frontlines of disaster relief through multiple wildfires, flooding, power shutoffs, and a pandemic. They have addressed basic needs in times of crisis, while working to change systemic conditions that have put Latino, Indigenous, and migrant communities at risk. It’s time to honor the work of frontline communities.

When: October 7^th, 2022, 3:00 -7:00 PM

Where: Hacienda de Amor, 19376 Linden Street Sonoma, CA 95476