Families recovering from recent Southern California wildfires are receiving new financial help through wildfire recovery relief funds announced by Rize Credit Union. The credit union has committed more than $500,000 in direct assistance to support households facing ongoing recovery costs.
The funds provide $1,000 in flexible financial support to about 450 wildfire survivor families identified by the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles. Existing Rize members who experienced wildfire impacts also qualify. Families receive the money through no-cost debit accounts, allowing them to pay for housing, utilities, groceries, and other essential expenses.
Rize and its partners announced the program during a recent community event in Irwindale. At the event, the YMCA and the California Community Foundation also distributed $1,000 gift cards and connected families with recovery resources.
“Wildfire recovery lasts long after the fires are extinguished, and we see the financial strain it causes people in our community,” said Jennifer Oliver, president and CEO of Rize Credit Union. “Through our ongoing partnership with the LA Y, we’re able to provide practical, direct support that families can use in the ways that matter most to them. This is what Beyond Banking means, showing up when our communities need us most.”
Supporting Families Through Recovery
The wildfire recovery relief funds focus on speed and flexibility. Rather than limiting how families use the assistance, the program allows households to address their most urgent needs as costs continue to add up months after the fires.
Victor Dominguez, president and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles, said the partnership strengthens the organization’s ability to respond quickly after disasters.
“As a trusted community organization, the LA Y sees firsthand how deeply these wildfires have impacted families across Los Angeles,” Dominguez said. “Through our partnership with Rize Credit Union, we are able to support these families with a meaningful financial offer as they continue to recover from this devastating natural disaster.”
Rize Credit Union operates as a member-owned, not-for-profit financial institution with a long presence in Southern California. The organization holds a Community Development Financial Institution designation, which reflects its focus on expanding access to financial services in underserved communities. Leaders said the wildfire recovery relief funds align with Rize’s broader mission to help individuals and families build long-term financial stability.
Community Impact In San Gabriel Valley
Although the wildfires affected large areas of the region, organizers said the impact on working families continues to surface through housing instability, lost income, and rising living costs. Programs like this one aim to reduce that pressure while families rebuild.
Local leaders noted that partnerships among financial institutions and nonprofits play a critical role during recovery. By pooling resources and outreach networks, organizations can reach affected households faster and with fewer barriers.
Residents seeking more information about Rize Credit Union and its community programs can visit https://www.rizecu.com.
As wildfire seasons grow longer and more intense, organizers said sustained support remains essential. The relief effort reflects a continued commitment to helping San Gabriel Valley families regain stability and remain rooted in their communities.
Photo by Jules Hotz for CalMatters
