Long Beach Chamber of Commerce Supports Neighbors Fund Amid Community Hardships

The Long Beach City Council convened on July 20, 2025, to announce the launch of the “Long Beach Neighbors Supporting Neighbors” Fund, a new initiative aimed at supporting immigrant families in the community. The meeting featured key contributions from local leaders, emphasizing the importance of unity and resilience in the face of current challenges.

Heather Summers, chair of the Long Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, opened the discussion by expressing gratitude for Mayor Rex Richardson's leadership. She highlighted the significance of the fund, stating that it embodies the values of compassion and community strength that define Long Beach. Summers noted that when families thrive, so do businesses, and called for collective action from the business community, nonprofits, and residents to ensure the fund's success.

Following Summers, Gabby Hernandez, executive director of Otterly, addressed the urgent issues facing the community. She described alarming incidents of violence and fear affecting families, urging residents to take proactive measures to protect their neighborhoods. Hernandez encouraged community members to patrol their local areas and support one another, emphasizing that individual actions can make a significant difference.

Jessica Quintana, executive director of Centro CHA, also spoke at the meeting, representing the largest Latino-serving organization in Long Beach. Her remarks underscored the importance of community solidarity and the need for local officials to allocate resources effectively to support vulnerable populations.

The meeting concluded with a call to action for the city council to strengthen the Long Beach Values Act and allocate $2.2 million to the justice fund, reinforcing the commitment to protect and uplift immigrant families in the city. The discussions highlighted a collective determination to foster a safe and supportive environment for all residents of Long Beach.