Dear Colleagues,
Los Angeles is fighting another devastating wildfire, a stark reminder of the urgent need for action in the face of growing environmental disasters and systemic inequities. As flames consume homes and lives, they lay bare truths too often ignored: the brunt of this devastation will fall on those already burdened by injustice. Women of color, incarcerated people, farmworkers, domestic workers, low-income families, and unhoused folks—communities rendered vulnerable by design—are once again forced to endure what others refuse to confront.
At Women’s Foundation California, we know addressing this crisis requires us to center the voices of those who live its impact most intimately. Our hearts are with those on the frontlines of the LA fires who remind us of the brutal intersections of exploitation, incarceration, and climate disaster. For them and so many others, there is no escape route, no refuge. Honoring the courage of those on the frontlines—from the farm workers laboring in deadly air quality to keep food on our tables to the incarcerated firefighters making less than $10/day—demands that we advocate for their safety and liberation, as well our own.
We are incredibly grateful to the grassroots organizations already providing essential relief—safe housing, food, and trauma-informed care for displaced individuals. As we listen to our community members, it’s clear we must advocate for systemic solutions to protect those most vulnerable in future climate disasters. This includes calling for comprehensive evacuation plans, equitable access to resources, and addressing the intersection of climate disaster and systemic injustice.
This moment demands more than immediate response, it demands transformation. It calls on us to invest in the leadership and vision of those who have been excluded. Their wisdom, rooted in lived experience and community trust, is the path forward to solutions that are just, equitable, and lasting. It is their work—rooted in lived experience and community trust—that will drive us toward equitable and lasting solutions.
We invite you to join us in building a future where no one is left behind in times of crisis. Together, we can shape policies and practices that center racial, environmental, economic, and gender justice.
Sincerely,
Bia Vieira
Women’s Foundation California
CEO
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