The fund has supported hundreds of Trojan families who were affected by the Eaton and Palisades fires. (Photo/Ethan Swope, The Associated Press)
Trojan Family L.A. Wildfire Relief Fund continues to provide much-needed support
Alumni and friends have given nearly $4.3 million and helped more than 450 students, faculty and staff members.
Roughly six months ago, wildfires devastated the greater Los Angeles area, causing an estimated $28 billion to $53.8 billion in property damages and displacing more than 130,000 people. To help USC students, faculty and staff displaced or seriously affected by this historic destruction, USC President Carol Folt created the Trojan Family L.A. Wildfire Relief Fund. To date, the fund has raised nearly $4.3 million.
“In the face of unimaginable disaster, our Trojan Family came together to offer a helping hand for those who needed it most,” Folt said. “Their generosity ensured that our team in USC’s Office of Campus Support and Intervention can be there every step of the way, providing ongoing support for Trojans who will need help navigating the many months of transition still ahead.”
The fund has supported hundreds of Trojan families who were affected by the Eaton and Palisades fires, including 363 faculty, staff and postdocs; 75 students; and seven emeriti/USC Gold Card holders.
“The Trojan Wildfire Relief Fund was such a wonderful act of generosity by the Trojan Family,” said Scott Rabenold, USC senior vice president for university advancement. “To see how our alumni and friends from across the country responded immediately to the need to support these students, faculty and staff members impacted by the wildfires was uplifting during a very challenging time.”
That support has helped Trojans rebuild their lives in ways as small as stocking a fridge or pantry and as large as paying rent for a temporary apartment or covering the cost of smoke remediation. Through the fund, Trojans like Shamae Smith — whose family felt the impact of the Eaton fire in Altadena — have been able to replace vehicles, children’s belongings, and even destroyed books and research materials.
Trojan Family L.A. Wildfire Relief Fund: ‘Means the world to my family and me’
“The kindness and support shown during this incredibly difficult time means the world to my family and me,” said Smith, the manager for compliance and employment screens at USC Human Resources. “We are genuinely beyond grateful.”
Trojans like Heidi Thompson — whose family lost their home in the Eaton fire — have used their allotted funds to pay for temporary housing while their homes are rebuilt.
“One day, you have a home, pictures, your children’s artwork and the mementos of your family legacy, and the next day, you have absolutely nothing but the clothes on your back and what you managed to take with you before the flames hit,” said Thompson, executive director for talent acquisition at USC Human Resources. “It is devastating at first, but then you realize that you are fortunate because you have your life, your family and your Trojan community to support you. Things are replaceable, but people and community are not.”
