Valley Comes Together To Help Northridge Fire Victims

NORTHRIDGE, CA — Officials and nonprofits from around the San Fernando Valley met Friday to help the 50 families displaced by the July 4 Northridge fire that burned down their apartment building.

Los Angeles District 12 Councilmember John Lee is working with the Red Cross, the LAPD Devonshire Division, the LAPD Devonshire Police Athletic League, Park Parthenia Apartments,Napa Street Dual Language Elementary School, the San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission, and the Los Angeles Housing and Community Investment Team to provide relief for the families.

Lee also announced Friday that the Change Reaction, a nonprofit with whom Lee has worked to provide interest-free loans to District 12 small businesses, will match donations dollar for dollar up to $25,000 to help the families.

Families met with Lee and other community organizations at the Devonshire PALS station on Friday, where Lee also donated $300 grocery gift cards to the families from the CD12 Helping Hands Program. The families were also able to pick up essential items like food and toiletries that were donated by a successful drive hosted at the Napa Street Elementary School last week that filled up the auditorium.

“It’s truly humbling to see how many people from all walks of life who are complete strangers to those impacted by this recent apartment fire can show so much love and support in times like these, especially when many of those donating are probably struggling economically due to our current situation,” said Napa Elementary Principal Luis Alvarado.

The San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission and Park Parthenia Apartments are working to identify housing and sheltering options for families. Representatives from the Los Angeles Housing and Community Investment Department were also present to help families navigate their next steps.

“If there is one thing that I hope the families get out of today, it is the knowledge and reassurance that they are not alone in this,” said Lee.

To donate to the families, text PartheniaRelief to 24365. The Change Reaction will match donations made through July 31.