Pomona Community Speaks Out About Immigration, Living Costs at CCF Listening Session
High living costs and hardships caused by aggressive federal immigration enforcement emerged as key concerns among Pomona community members at a recent listening session convened by the California Community Foundation.
Representatives from more than 50 organizations working in Pomona and the East San Gabriel Valley shared their insights and experiences at the session about urgent issues impacting their clients, trusted organizations making a positive difference in residents’ lives, and helpful data needed to continue their missions. Participants represented health centers, social service agencies, youth and family centers, educational institutions, arts nonprofits and other community groups.
CCF President and CEO Miguel A. Santana emphasized the foundation’s commitment to helping find solutions to myriad crises that have hit Los Angeles County communities: the Eaton and Palisades wildfires, destructive immigration raids and unprecedented cutbacks in access to health care, food assistance and housing. CCF is stepping in not only with grants but also advocacy, such as supporting Los Angeles County ballot Measure ER that would increase the sales tax by a half-cent to raise $1 billion annually to shore up local hospitals and clinics under siege from federal funding cuts.
“Our goal is to be a genuine, authentic partner, so that we’re rolling up the sleeves with you to improve the quality of life for everyone in this community,” Santana told attendees. “We’re here for the long term to respond to the issues that are most important.”
Pomona is a large, diverse city of about 150,000 residents in eastern Los Angeles County. The city faces affordability pressures, air pollution from freeways and warehouses, and pockets of poverty alongside ongoing redevelopment efforts. But it is known for its engaged and connected community members who “show up regardless of incentive,” one participant said.
The city is also known for its successful public/private partnerships in early childhood development work, which have been recognized by the National League of Cities and the City of Los Angeles. To continue this work, Conrad N. Hilton Foundation in partnership with CCF has funded a three-year commitment to the Pomona Early Childhood Community Initiative (PECCI) to build coordinated support systems driven by families to improve child well-being and expand economic opportunity. The UCLA Center for Healthier Children, Families & Communities is serving as its data, evaluation and technical assistance partner.
A top issue discussed at the listening session was the shattering impact of federal immigration raids on the Pomona community. Sweeps, which ramped up last June, rounded up more than 10,000 Angelenos in six months – most of them longtime residents with no criminal record.
Participants shared stories about college students who felt pressured to drop out of school to work after their family breadwinners were arrested. Parents too scared to seek prenatal care because immigration agents were parked outside health clinics. Students who won’t fill out federal financial aid forms to protect their undocumented family members – jeopardizing their dreams of higher education. Families unwilling to risk leaving their homes to work, shop or even send their children to a weeklong camping trip sponsored by a trusted nonprofit – depriving the youth of such transformational experiences.
Participants also shared how they are navigating these challenges. Organizations described incorporating virtual services and home visits to ensure families can still access essential support during these times, and being more cautious about public gatherings and security at their sites. However, many remained concerned for the well-being of their clients and staff.
Other concerns that emerged included:
- Mounting cost of basic needs: Community members reported longer lines at food pantries and increased difficulties for their clients to pay their bills.
- Public safety: Local support centers described increasing risk in staying open due to vandalism and a need for community-led safety measures.
- Coordination between services: Participants identified a need for online directories to know about other providers accepting referrals in the area, including affordable housing, youth and family services, or homelessness services. PomonaConnect.com is one city-supported online resource directory of service providers for family, youth and community members in Pomona.
CCF launched listening sessions in fall 2024 to help shape its new strategic framework – engaging more than 2,000 community members to set priorities around access to housing, health care and economic stability to help secure a good life for all Angelenos. CCF has held listening sessions in El Monte, Inglewood, Canoga Park, South L.A., East L.A., Sun Valley, Pasadena and downtown L.A. to hear directly from communities about their needs, bring local leaders together to tackle challenges, and create open communication with organizations about the foundation and its mission.
– Teresa Watanabe
