Category: News
February 19th, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Elle Communications, forward@ellecomm.com
Former Mayors Michael Tubbs and Aja Brown Launch Groundbreaking Initiative to Restore and Rebuild After Eaton Fire
A Powerful Effort to Restore Altadena’s Historic Black Legacy
LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Today, End Poverty in California (EPIC) and FORWARD, announced the launch of the Dena Care Collective, a groundbreaking initiative designed to cut through systemic barriers and deliver equitable aid and long-term recovery support. In response to the devastating Eaton Fire that has displaced thousands, this initiative is a transformative model for equitable, transparent, and data-driven disaster relief, focusing on historically marginalized Black families who lost their homes and Black-owned small businesses in Altadena who lost their livelihoods.
Traditional disaster relief systems often fail to address the needs of underserved communities, leaving many without access to critical resources. Altadena’s Black community, shaped by generations of redlining and systemic exclusion, now faces yet another crisis as inequities in relief access persist. With bureaucratic hurdles limiting aid distribution and funds failing to reach many who are affected, the Dena Care Collective presents a timely and innovative solution to address these challenges.
“The climate disaster has upended lives, and recovery must be about more than just charity and rebuilding what was lost—it must advance economic justice, be community-driven, and create a more resilient future for impacted families,” said Michael Tubbs, Founder of End Poverty in California. “EPIC is proud to be part of the Dena Care Collective, ensuring community voices are heard, real needs are met, solutions are implemented, and policies create lasting stability for families. We believe those closest to the pain and destruction are closest to the solutions, so we are listening and fighting for them.”
“The Dena Care Collective is a bold and necessary blueprint for transforming the ability of government, philanthropy, private sector and CBOs to deliver rapid, efficient, equitable and secure direct aid to families and ongoing coordination of care. Red tape, disparate systems, data gaps and a lack of transparency and equity isn’t acceptable in an age of technology revolution. There’s a better way. I’m honored to be a catalyst to address systemic inequities, infrastructure gaps and empowering historically underserved communities to receive equitable aid through smart human-centered technology,” said Aja Brown, Former Mayor of Compton and Senior Vice President of Impact at FORWARD. “This moment demands a new way of operating to ensure we move our communities from recovery to resilience.”
As of January 27, 2025, nearly 112,000 FEMA applications were submitted for wildfire relief in Los Angeles, but only about 19,000 were approved for Individual Assistance. Despite hundreds of millions of dollars allocated to wildfire recovery, systemic barriers often prevent resources from reaching those who need them most. The Dena Care Collective ensures that relief efforts prioritize communities that have the greatest need.
The Dena Care Collective outlines a clear, actionable path to address these challenges with strategies across immediate relief and long-term recovery. Key initiatives include:
At the core of the Dena Care Collective is a commitment to data-driven resource allocation that ensures funds are distributed equitably and efficiently. Real-time insights will inform decisions, ensuring that those disproportionately impacted receive the support they need. Transparency and accountability are also key priorities, with enhanced fraud prevention measures in place to safeguard relief funds and maintain public trust. By integrating these measures, the initiative not only provides immediate aid but also establishes a model for more effective, integrity-driven disaster response.
EPIC and FORWARD are uniquely positioned to lead this effort, combining cutting-edge technology, deep policy expertise, and a track record of delivering real impact. FORWARD has built industry-leading platforms that streamline aid distribution for cities and direct service organizations nationwide, ensuring funds reach those in need quickly, securely, and transparently. Now, they are adapting their proven model to meet this critical disaster relief moment, removing barriers that have long delayed recovery efforts for marginalized communities. EPIC is an advocacy organization focused on community-led storytelling, convenings, and listening sessions to shape policy, recovery, and rebuilding based on the real needs of those impacted by the Eaton Fire. With a vast network of community and government partners EPIC is uniquely positioned to drive outreach and engagement. EPIC’s expertise in storytelling ensures that lived experiences remain at the center of decision-making, driving meaningful, community-led solutions that translate into lasting change. With EPIC’s deep-rooted advocacy and organizing power, this partnership brings together technology, policy, and on-the-ground leadership to create a first-of-its-kind, equity-driven relief system that is both immediate and sustainable.
If your company or organization is interested in supporting this vital effort, please reach out to End Poverty in California at denacare@endpovertyinca.org to learn how you can make a meaningful impact.
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About EPIC
Led by former Mayor of Stockton, California, Michael Tubbs, End Poverty in California (EPIC) is a nonprofit organization that serves as a hub to bring together communities, local leaders, advocates, policymakers, and funders to reduce the number of Californians in poverty and to level the economic playing field. EPIC aims to end poverty in California by elevating the voices of people experiencing it, creating and implementing bold policies rooted in their needs, and advancing a state agenda focused on equal opportunity for all.
About FORWARD
FORWARD partners with governments and organizations to deliver resources and funding efficiently using human-centered technology and customized solutions. Aja Brown, Strategic Impact Partner and former Mayor of Compton, leads innovative and efficient delivery of market solutions in partnership with FORWARD’s team of experts—80% of whom have government experience—who understand the complexities of public programs and operate with speed, efficiency, accuracy and transparency. We are committed to putting people first – streamlining and safeguarding access to critical support, reducing barriers to aid and ensuring our nation’s most vulnerable families and businesses receive support —exactly when it’s needed most.
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