Community and Nonprofit Collaboration in Los Angeles Post-Disaster Series

South Los Angeles has witnessed an outpouring of support from women’s organizations, determined to help their communities rebuild. Nonprofits like Women’s Voices Now and the Downtown Women’s Center have spearheaded efforts to provide emergency aid and long-term recovery solutions for women-led households and businesses.
A heartwarming example comes from a group of women who organized a community market, giving displaced women entrepreneurs a platform to sell their products. This market not only provided financial relief but also fostered a renewed sense of purpose and connection.
Women-owned businesses in South LA generate over $5 billion in annual revenue, but nearly 60% of these businesses report being underinsured or lacking the financial resources to recover from disasters. The community market initiative helped over 50 women entrepreneurs regain their footing, with some reporting a 40% increase in revenue within the first month of reopening. These stories highlight the resilience of women in South LA and their unwavering commitment to lifting one another up in times of need.