Latino community in LA mobilizes to help support fire victims
In Los Angeles County, more than 4.8 million people are Hispanic or Latino, the latest U.S. Census data shows. With deep roots in the region, many Latinos have taken initiatives to mobilize the community and provide support.
"A friend of mine texted me telling me her house had burned down," Corissa Hernandez, a small business owner, told ABC News. "I can't even imagine losing everything I've worked for in my personal space, so I immediately went to social media and just put out a call for action."
After learning from local city leaders of the need for food, water and masks, Hernandez announced on social media that she was helping collect these items at Nativo HLP, the Mexican food restaurant she owns in Highland Park.
"It's such an honor and a humbling experience to see us all rally together for the most vulnerable amongst us, and it's just one of those moments where you just feel so proud to be part of LA and this community," she said.
Hernandez partnered with Guerilla Tacos DTLA and Guelaguetza, two other Mexican restaurants, to gather donations and deliver meals to people in need, she said. Together, they have created a central hub for all their operations and donations.
"I cannot take credit for what has evolved," Hernandez said. "Since then, we've distributed collectively over 1,500 warm meals to evacuation centers and fire departments, hundreds of donations have gone out, and this has been in collaboration with my network."
Support from the Latino community is also coming from around the world. Gov. Gavin Newsom announced on Friday that firefighters from Mexico were arriving to join the "more than 10,000 personnel already on the ground."
