Cash Assistance + Community Grants

Redistributing funds across our Northeast LA community

Since the beginning of the pandemic, LA Más has been redistributing funds to community groups, individuals and families in Northeast LA who are directly impacted by COVID. Thanks to the support of funders, we distributed funds through our Northeast LA Community Response, the Northeast LA Cash Assistance Program, and Community Grants Initiative - totaling +$145,000 to date. Wanting to ensure that these programs were grounded in the lived experiences and priorities of our community, we partnered with 5 grassroots organizations and a group of 20 Resident Advisors, who are active leaders in their neighborhoods.

Community Grants

$23,000 was distributed among 5 grassroots organizations to support their ongoing activities and volunteer appreciation. Activities included distribution of essential items such as cleaning supplies, and blankets, transportation for seniors, and community holiday celebrations. 

Cash Assistance

In late 2021, we distributed $90,000 to individuals and families who live, work or volunteer in Northeast LA. Our Resident Advisor committee shaped the cash assistance application process, priorities that would be given highest consideration, and the ultimate funding allocation decision.

Application priorities included the following:

  • Senior

  • Lower-income

  • Single-income household

  • Health issues due to COVID

  • Undocumented students

  • Multigenerational household

  • Housing/job instability

With local grassroots groups and a team of Language Leads supporting with outreach in ASL, Cantonese, Khmer, Spanish and Vietnamese, LA Más hosted application workshops across Elysian Valley, Cypress Park, Glassell Park and Montecito Heights. We received 500+ applications and ultimately distributed $250 cash cards to 360 households. 

While this was a one-time program based on funding availability, we plan to continue connecting residents to additional resources and to strengthen our local leaders' capacity to support their neighbors. 

Partners