FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 13, 2025
MEDIA CONTACT:
Amy Stretten, astretten@uaii.org
UNITED AMERICAN INDIAN INVOLVEMENT (UAII) ANNOUNCES EMERGENCY SHELTER RESPONSE TO SUPPORT WILDFIRE VICTIMS IN LOS ANGELES
Los Angeles, CA – United American Indian Involvement, Inc. (UAII), Los Angeles’s only urban Indian organization, held a press conference today, Monday, January 13, 2025, to announce the support efforts of its Emergency Response Shelter. Upon learning about the devastating fires, the organization immediately developed a plan and opened its Temple Street location for individuals impacted by the recent wildfires. The shelter will provide temporary housing and essential support services for wildfire victims in Los Angeles County and surrounding areas.
At the press conference, UAII leaders shared details about the organization’s quick response efforts, including the transformation of their facility into an emergency shelter to aid displaced Native and non-Native individuals and families. The shelter offers immediate relief, including food, medical assistance, and access to counseling services for those affected by the ongoing crisis.
Speakers included Board Chairwoman Hope Craig-Corlew who stated that, “We are here today to let the people of L.A. know that we are here for you. In response to the fires, we have prioritized immediate relief efforts. UAII staff and volunteers have worked tirelessly to set up an emergency evacuation center at our Temple Street location where we are providing temporary shelter, coordinating housing, distributing vital emergency supplies, preparing meals, and coordinating transportation for those in need.” Chairwoman Craig-Corlew said that the work is far from over and made a call for additional donations and resources. In addition, she urged immediate response from Indian Health Services Director Roselyn Tso, Tribal Nations, and the National Council of Urban Indian Health to send resources, as available.
UAII Board Secretary Laura Escobar gave attendees information around the breadth of services and support that the organization has initiated since the spark of last week’s wildfires. “A harsh reality our communities are facing is the lack of resources – financial, transportation, and other barriers – that are holding our community members back from seeking safer circumstances. Many want to leave their homes but they have nowhere to go. And once they leave, they are not allowed back.” She listed the following resources available for Native and non-Native Los Angeles residents impacted by the wildfires:
Temporary shelter, hotel accommodations, and meals.
Emergency supply distribution at multiple locations including, 1453 W. Temple Street, Boys and Girls Club, Santa Ana, Cerritos, and Palmdale.
On-the-ground medical, dental, and mental health services, including mobile outreach clinics.
Community Rebuilding and Support
Housing – We are partnering with agencies to secure temporary and permanent housing.
Workforce Development: We are thinking ahead and offering training and job placement to support rebuilding efforts, resources around insurance claims, and FEMA aid.
Childcare: UAII is opening a facility in Palmdale for families impacted by the fires.
Youth Support: We are offering educational and recreational resources for children through our in-house Boys and Girls Club Native Services.
Keith Vielle, Tribal Elder and Board Vice Chairman recapped the past few days by sharing how UAII has embodied Indigenous values through caretaking of all people that have come through their doors. “If anyone –Native or non-Native– needs support or resources as a result of the fires, please do not hesitate to contact us.” He followed up with an invitation to the UAII Prayer Circle, taking place at 5pm Pacific Time at the UAII’s Temple Street location, at 1453 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA 90026.
Jim Alexander, UAII CEO stated that, “Since day one, we’ve been told to do what we have to do. So we are helping anyone who comes through our doors.”
Anyone seeking resources can contact the 24-hour emergency hotline at (213) 924-9062. Those seeking non-emergency resources can visit the UAII website for the latest news on resources, wildfire response efforts, and ongoing initiatives, at www.uaii.org or dial the general phone line at (213) 202-3970. To view the press conference recordings, please visit this link.
About United American Indian Involvement (UAII):
United American Indian Involvement Inc. (UAII) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of American Indian and Alaska Native people living in urban areas. With over 50 years of service, UAII offers culturally relevant services in healthcare, mental health, housing, and other areas that empower Native communities to thrive.
