Families impacted by recent immigration raids in the San Gabriel Valley can access urgent relief and long-term support through a new program, Los Angeles County officials announced Friday.
County Supervisor Hilda Solis and El Monte Mayor Pro Tem Marisol Cortez, and other city leaders, launched El Monte Cares on Thursday, a program intended to address food insecurity and legal defense efforts.
“As immigration sweeps intensify, too many families are being forced into the shadows, afraid to go to work, buy groceries, or seek medical care,” Solis said in a statement. “With El Monte Cares, we are creating a safety net grounded in compassion, dignity, and decisive action.”
According to the supervisor, who represents the First District, which encompasses the San Gabriel Valley, the program is about advancing justice. Solis added, “No family should have to choose between feeding their children and risking deportation.”
The program is being implemented in partnership with El Monte Business Alliance. Solis donated $100,000 to the program, which will enable weekly grocery distributions to households unable or scared to leave their homes due to ongoing federal immigration enforcement.
“El Monte Cares is how our city shows up — with real resources, not just rhetoric,” Mayor Pro Tem Cortez said in a statement. “We are here to say loudly and clearly: you are not alone. This program is about care over fear, and action over silence.”
Solis’ office said there are two phases of the program.
The first phase, through June 30, includes weekly food distributions, legal and immigration consultations, access to medical and mental health services, bilingual case management and support for seniors and students at Mountain View Family Center. Trained case workers are available to work with families in a culturally competent manner.
The second phase of the program will begin July 1 through December with an expansion of staffing, outreach and services to support more families throughout the region.
Residents seeking assistance can call 1-800-622-4302.