Workers in Los Angeles County, including gardeners, housekeepers, and car wash employees, have lost their jobs due to wildfires that damaged homes and businesses. Many of these workers live paycheck to paycheck and are now facing a permanent loss of income. Hermelinda Guadarrama, a housekeeper, and her daughters are among those who have been left without work. One of her clients lost everything in the Eaton fire, leaving Guadarrama and her daughters without income. The impact of wildfires extends beyond wealthy and middle-class communities to affect low-income black and Latino immigrants who depend on these jobs to support their families.
In response to the crisis, the US Department of Labor announced $10 million in emergency grants to create temporary jobs for displaced workers in Los Angeles County. An additional $10 million in federal funds will also be used for the same purpose. However, there are concerns about the lack of support for undocumented workers who are not eligible for federal unemployment benefits.
Community organizers and advocates are calling attention to how vulnerable communities are disproportionately affected by the climate crisis. The lack of unemployment benefits for undocumented workers has prompted community organizations to step in and offer cash assistance. Organizations like the Los Angeles Immigrant Rights Coalition are mobilizing to provide aid to families affected by the wildfires.
Individuals like Rhamone Ricardo from Altadena, who operated a car wash business, are now facing financial uncertainty as their livelihoods have been severely impacted by the fires. Similarly, Magdalena Chávez Tomás, a house cleaner in Malibu, is struggling to find work after the destruction caused by the fires. The stories of these workers highlight the urgent need for support and assistance for those who have lost their jobs due to the wildfires in California.
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Photo credit calmatters.org