Our Commitment to Responsive Recovery Efforts

Responding to the Los Angeles Fires

The recent devastating fires across our region have left countless families displaced, livelihoods upended, and communities struggling to rebuild. As we at Paco Leadership Collective reflect on the profound challenges faced by women in the aftermath of these disasters, we are taking intentional steps to ensure our programs and services respond directly to their needs. Women often bear the brunt of crises, and our commitment to economic justice demands we take swift and meaningful action. Here’s how we’re adapting to meet this moment and the women who need us most.

Understanding the Impact on Women

The effects of natural disasters are not gender-neutral. According to UN Women, 80% of those displaced by climate-related disasters are women and girls. These events exacerbate existing inequalities, leaving women more vulnerable to housing instability, job loss, and caregiving burdens. Many women in our communities already face economic exclusion, and disasters like this can make recovery even harder.

For example, women employed as domestic workers or caregivers may lose their primary source of income if their employers’ homes are damaged. At the same time, those responsible for caregiving roles may find themselves juggling increased emotional and logistical burdens as they navigate displacement or loss.

How Paco Is Responding

1. Expanding Access to Emergency Support and Resources
In partnership with local organizations, we’re working to provide direct support to women displaced or impacted by the fires while also ensuring we are prepared to respond to potential crises in the future. This includes:

• Emergency grants to cover immediate needs such as food, transportation, and temporary housing.

• Resource navigation support, connecting women to available disaster relief programs, housing assistance, and mental health services.

2. Tailoring Leadership Development Programs
Disasters create both challenges and opportunities for community rebuilding. We’re adapting our leadership development programs to equip women with tools to advocate for equitable recovery efforts, participate in community planning, and ensure their voices are heard in decision-making spaces. These tailored opportunities will focus on disaster recovery leadership, policy advocacy, and community organizing.

3. Prioritizing Economic Mobility and Job Training
Many women have lost jobs as businesses and homes have been destroyed. Paco will be intentional in participant recruitment and enrollment efforts, committing to save spaces in the following programs specifically for those impacted by the fires.

• Doula Certification Pathway

• Lived Experience Consulting 

4. Creating Communities of Care
We recognize that recovery is not just about economic stability but also about emotional and relational support. As we begin to roll out programming, Paco will host weekly community circles where women can share experiences, exchange resources, and build a compassionate, empowered community.

Program Additions & Expansions

As we listen and learn from women’s experiences during this crisis, we’re also exploring new ideas, conducting research and focus groups, and engaging in feasibility studies to identify highest-leverage programs and services in the future, such as:

• Childcare Support: Offering mobile childcare services during recovery-focused workshops or leadership programs, as well as in our emergency response plans for the future.

• Emergency Fundraisers: Mobilizing our networks to increase our capacity to provide micro-grants directly for women rebuilding their lives.

• Green Job Training: Partnering with environmental organizations to prepare women for careers in sustainable industries, helping rebuild their communities while addressing climate resilience.

• Remote work training: Preparing women for roles in industries like customer service, virtual assistance, and technology.

• Entrepreneurship workshops: Helping women impacted by the fires to rebuild or pivot their small businesses.

• Tailored support and resources for women working in the care economy: Ensuring fair treatment, equitable pay, and opportunities for professional advancement that allows for economic resilience in the face of future crises.

Why This Matters

Research consistently shows that empowering women leads to stronger, more resilient communities. According to the McKinsey Global Institute, advancing gender equality in the workforce could add $12 trillion to global GDP by 2025. Women’s leadership and participation in recovery efforts are vital for ensuring an equitable and sustainable rebuilding process.

By responding to the immediate needs of women impacted by these fires and investing in their long-term recovery, Paco is staying true to our mission of cultivating leadership and collective power for economic justice. Together, we can ensure that these women not only recover but thrive, creating a ripple effect of positive change throughout their communities.

Join Us

If you’d like to support our efforts, consider donating or volunteering to assist with program implementation. Every action counts in building a future where women are equipped and empowered to lead through even the toughest challenges.