"So many tears of gratitude have been shed. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you."
These words from a mother, who recently welcomed her baby on February 24th, echo what we've heard from families affected by the LA wildfires who received our first round of cash assistance. Your generosity has allowed them to replace smoke-damaged baby items and ensure their newborns have what they need to thrive.
The Reality on the Ground: It's Not Over
While we've made significant progress, the harsh reality remains:
Mothers are still unhoused
Families face unemployment or precarious work situations
Parents endure longer, more expensive commutes for their children to have school
Pregnant and postpartum women struggle to cover basic necessities AND medical bills
As one recipient told us: "The cash aid was beyond helpful in ensuring I do not fall behind on my pregnancy medical bills as I am the main provider and have been the lead on the allocation of funds and my time to help my husband and both my parents through this difficult time."
The Second Round: We Need You Now
The second round of our Wildfire Cash Aid disbursements launches Wednesday, April 30. With your support, we can ensure each family receives a minimum of $500—funds that provide crucial flexibility during the vulnerable pregnancy and postpartum period. To ensure funds reach those most in need, eligibility now requires families to be at or below the Area Median Income for LA County.
We won't stop until every mother and birthing person has the resources they need. We are grateful to the rhode futures foundation for greatly supporting our efforts, but we need your continued generosity to reach all families who desperately need assistance. 100% of every dollar donated to our Wildfire Relief Fund goes directly to affected mothers and families. Your contribution provides immediate, flexible financial support when it's needed most.
Do you know someone who needs support? Please share this email with pregnant or postpartum families affected by the LA wildfires who could benefit from our cash assistance program.