11/12/2017
Weeks after deadly wildfires seared through Northern California wine country, damages are just starting to be quantified. While most media attention has been paid to the wine industry, a quieter victim has emerged from the ashes: the Latino community that makes up much of the industry's workforce. Immigrant populations are especially vulnerable to job loss and homelessness, as many are undocumented and afraid to seek assistance from predominant homeless shelters and relief organizations in the area. The Latino Community Foundation (LCF) of California has launched a fund to support local Latino nonprofits best equipped to serve the members of their communities.
Despite being the largest racial minority in the United States, Latinos only receive one percent of the country's philanthropic donations. LCF attempts to address this disparity by supporting Latino-led nonprofits that elevate education, health, and economic opportunities. Their NorthCal Wildfire Relief Fund will fund three local organizations geared towards helping farm workers: North Bay Organizing Project, UpValley Family Centers, and La Luz Center. Organizations like these are the cornerstone of Latino communities and considered trusted resources that people turn to in times of crisis. At the time this was written, LCF had raised $300,000, with donations averaging $110 each. LEARN MORE