The launch of “El Monte Cares” (Photo – Office of Hilda Solis)
In response to a surge in immigration enforcement across Los Angeles County, local and county leaders gathered in El Monte on Thursday, June 19, to launch El Monte Cares, a rapid-response initiative aimed at providing urgent relief and long-term support for families affected by recent immigration raids in the San Gabriel Valley.
By News Desk
Standing at the Mountain View Family Center, Los Angeles County Chair Pro Tem and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis joined El Monte Mayor Pro Tem Marisol Cortez and other city officials to announce the initiative, which was developed in partnership with the El Monte Business Alliance (EMBA).
“As immigration sweeps intensify, too many families are being forced into the shadows, afraid to go to work, buy groceries, or seek medical care,” said Chair Pro Tem Solis. “With El Monte Cares, we are creating a safety net grounded in compassion, dignity, and decisive action. No one in our community should be left behind simply because they live in fear.”
To kickstart the program, Solis announced a $100,000 donation to EMBA. The funding will support both direct food assistance and legal defense efforts, enabling weekly grocery deliveries to households hesitant to leave home due to increased immigration activity. It will also help ensure residents can access immigration legal consultations, bilingual case management, and mental and medical health services.
The initiative’s first phase, already in motion, includes weekly food distributions and intake for legal and case management support at the Mountain View Family Center. Phase two, set to begin in July, will expand outreach and services to reach more families across the San Gabriel Valley.
“El Monte Cares is how our city shows up, with real resources, not just rhetoric,” said Mayor Pro Tem Cortez. “This program is about care over fear, and action over silence.”
The launch event drew broad support from the community, with attendees including the full El Monte City Council, Councilmembers Longoria, Galvan, Dr. Ruedas, Crippen-Thomas, and Herrera, as well as local nonprofit leaders, small business owners, and youth volunteers.
At the helm of the program is Patricia Alarcón, a veteran in community development and emergency response with over two decades of experience. Alarcón emphasized that the program is being built with a focus on equity, cultural competency, and trauma-informed care.
“Every decision we make centers around urgency and dignity,” Alarcón said. “We are committed to ensuring these families are not invisible, and that they have the support they need in this critical time.”
Community members seeking support or information about El Monte Cares are encouraged to call 1-800-622-4302.
Program Timeline
- Phase 1 (Now – June 30, 2025):
Immediate services at Mountain View Family Center including food distribution, legal aid, and case management. - Phase 2 (July – December 2025):
Regional expansion of services and staffing to meet rising community needs.
El Monte Cares (Photo – Office of Hilda Solis))
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