Amid the flood of information about the disaster caused by the fires in Los Angeles County, the day laborer community has announced that they will not remain idle but will be in the streets helping to rebuild the damaged areas.
“Our hearts are with everyone displaced by the Los Angeles fires, including immigrant day laborers, undocumented workers, and mixed-status families who face the added burden of fear and uncertainty when seeking shelter and emergency services. The disaster is still unfolding, but we have already begun the work of helping those whose lives have been disrupted to find safety, comfort, and stability.
As of Wednesday, the Pasadena Community Job Center, located at 500 N. Lake Ave. in Pasadena, is serving as an Emergency Center for the day laborer community, providing temporary shelter, food, water, and emergency kits. As they always do in times of crisis, workers are helping workers, families are helping families. But we need your help – for those who have lost everything, and for all those now dealing with the turmoil and uncertainty after fleeing for their lives. Your donation will support impacted workers and their families and will help ensure the Pasadena Community Job Center is able to continue distributing food, water, N-95 masks, and other personal protective equipment.”
“We know that immigrants, especially undocumented day laborers and other low-wage workers, will be at the forefront of cleanup, recovery, and rebuilding from this catastrophe.”
Pablo Alvarado, a leader of the day laborers, announced the creation of Service Brigades to help with this rebuilding process, as well as the need for community support to help the most vulnerable.
“We know that immigrants, especially undocumented day laborers and other low-wage workers, will be at the forefront of cleanup, recovery, and rebuilding from this catastrophe. These workers are always among the most reliable and essential second responders, who step up for the difficult, dangerous work of disaster recovery.
“Beyond the deadly hazards of fire and smoke, they are also exposed to the risk of arrest and deportation. Just yesterday came word of immigration raids in and around Bakersfield, in Kern County, with reports of Customs and Border Protection agents pulling over drivers and arresting immigrants door-to-door and at a gas station. We fear this is only a taste of what’s to come in the new Presidential administration.”
In these times of attacks on immigrants, once again, this community has shown that they are a vital part of our society.
Alvarado announced on his social media that his own house was in danger, and they had to evacuate.
“My family had to evacuate the home where my children were born and raised because it was in the risk area and because we were overwhelmed by smoke, but thank God we are safe. Thank you so much for the messages of concern and solidarity.
“But in the midst of the devastation caused by the fires, love and solidarity emerge. Today we started the Service Brigade to mitigate the incalculable damage. The past days have been difficult for everyone, especially for the poorest and the working class. Low-income workers rebuild homes while simultaneously rebuilding their own lives.
“In the coming days, Radio Jornalera will share heartbreaking testimonies from the scene. For now, I share with you some photos from the first day of community service. Only the people save the people.
“If you wish to volunteer, call the Pasadena Job Center at (626) 440-0112. If you would like to help make this effort possible and assist affected families, here is the link: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/lafires2025.”
Immigrant workers and families in California are now summoning their courage, strength, and resilience to endure these hard times. Won’t you help them by contributing financial support as well? We know that with your help, we will get through this together.
‘Life-Threatening’ Windstorm Fans Fires in Southern California as Blazes Burn in L.A.
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