Los Angeles, CA – Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez has established a temporary relief fund for service sector workers in Council District 7 whose incomes were impacted by the January wild fires, including the Palisades Fire.
While the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has allocated relief funds for affected communities, many essential workers—such as domestic workers, gardeners, chefs, cooks, caregivers, drivers, and other independent service workers—face significant barriers in accessing these resources.
To address this gap, Councilwoman Rodriguez is allocating $25,000 in discretionary funds from District 7 and partnering with ICON CDC, which will match the contribution with an additional $25,000, bringing the total relief fund to $50,000. ICON CDC operates Los Angeles Business Resource Centers in the Northeast and South San Fernando Valley, supporting small businesses and self-employed workers.
Eligibility and Application Details:
To receive assistance, individuals must:
- Reside in Council District 7
- Work in informal service roles, such as housekeepers, gardeners, personal chefs, caretakers, and other self-employed workers
Support will be provided in the form of gift cards:
- Up to $250 per individual
- Up to $500 per household
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must provide documentation to verify residency, including:
✔ A utility bill (water, gas, or electricity) showing their current address
✔ A valid form of identification, which must match the address on the utility bill.
Acceptable forms of identification include:
- Identification Card
- Driver’s License
- Passport
- Matrícula Consular
- School ID
Further details on the application process and distribution will be announced soon.
Statement from Councilwoman Rodriguez:
“The economic impact of these wildfires is far-reaching, hitting countless workers in my district. By partnering with ICON CDC to double our impact, this grant program will provide much-needed relief to those at risk of being left behind. It is our duty to ensure economic recovery and a safety net for those who have lost their income. This program is a decisive step to protect our most vulnerable and strengthen our community’s economic stability.”
For media inquiries, please contact:
Dario Molina dario@the3collective.com
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About Councilwoman Rodriguez
Los Angeles City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez serves as the City’s Chair of the Public Safety Committee and represents the 7th Council District in the Northeast San Fernando Valley which includes the neighborhoods of Sylmar, Mission Hills, Pacoima, Lake View Terrace, Sunland, Tujunga, North Hills, Shadow Hills, and La Tuna Canyon. For more information, visit: https://monicarodriguez.org. Website || Instagram || Facebook