Mayor Eric Garcetti was joined by Councilmember Curren Price in distributing $2,000 in cash assistance to 26 households affected by the fireworks explosion that occurred in South Los Angeles on June 30, 2021. The debit cards were made possible by donations made to the Mayor's Fund for Los Angeles.
"Nothing can undo the trauma that upended the lives of these families, but we can lift them up while more help is on the way," said Mayor Eric Garcetti. "These funds are just a stop-gap as we expedite more substantial relief, and we will continue to do everything in our power to help heal those who have been impacted."
"The Mayor's Fund for Los Angeles was designed to rapidly respond to crisis, and we activated immediately after the explosion, in partnership with the Mayor's Office and Councilmember Curren Price. Our work is powered by the generosity of the people of LA, who have helped us provide direct cash assistance to 260,000 Angelenos since the pandemic began," said Mayor's Fund for Los Angeles President & CEO, Deidre Lind.
The City has entered into an agreement with a local hotel in the DTLA area to provide temporary housing for tenants who were severely impacted as a result of the incident. The accommodations are covered by the City through funds earmarked by Councilmember Curren Price.
Councilmember Curren Price also announced the creation of a $1 million emergency relief fund that will provide additional assistance to the families most severely impacted by the blast. The fund, which draws from the $21 million redirected from the LAPD to District 9 as part of the Community Reinvestment Plan, will help with home repairs, longer-term housing for individuals who have been displaced, and financial assistance in the amount of $10,000 for more than two dozen pre-identified households.
"My office's focus remains steadfast on sustaining affected residents and being there for our neighbors during their time of great need," said Councilman Curren Price. "We have to cut through the red tape that stands in the way of progress and deliver relief to families now."
The City Attorney's Office has committed to fast tracking all claims related to the case. The office has received a total of 56 claims as of Tuesday, July 20.
"We've got to help our neighbors in need. In every way, my team and I are committed to expediting claims tied to the explosion. We're going to start processing those claims within one day, whenever we possibly can. People and families struggling in the wake of that explosion deserve nothing less," said City Attorney Mike Feuer. "And if you have any questions or want help filing a claim, please call us at 213-978-7050. My office is here to help."
