Relief Fund To Help Address The Humanitarian Needs Of Unaccompanied Minors

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Group Of Los Angeles County Foundations And Mayor Eric Garcetti Announce Relief Fund To Help Address The Humanitarian Needs Of Unaccompanied Minors Our Children Relief Fund to Assist Nonprofit Organizations Dedicated to Serving Refugee Youth

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 7, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — In partnership with leading philanthropic organizations in the region, the California Community Foundation has created a relief fund to assist nonprofits that are impacted by the refugee youth humanitarian crisis. The Our Children Relief Fund is dedicated to helping these organizations in the areas of shelter, health services, social services and legal representation.

Fleeing a life of violence, thousands of children from Central America are seeking refuge in the United States. Home to the largest concentration of Hondurans, Salvadorans and Guatemalans in the U.S., Los Angeles County is the primary region receiving refugee youth in California. All children deserve to be protected from violence, illness and injury.  Emergency relief is needed.  The following foundations have contributed to creating the Our Children Relief Fund:

• Weingart Foundation

• The California Wellness Foundation

• The California Endowment

• California Healthcare Foundation

"This is a humanitarian issue, and the health and safety of these children is of utmost importance," said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti.  "I'm happy to partner with the philanthropic community to establish this fund that will help serve these children, and I encourage all Angelenos to contribute if they can."

"This is about humanity, not politics," said Antonia Hernandez, president and CEO for the California Community Foundation. "As Angelenos – as humanitarians – we should ensure that all vulnerable children can access safe and humane shelter, food, health care and legal counsel.  They are our children."