Community Highlights: Meet Jose Velazquez of Frontline Relief Foundation

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jose Velazquez.

Hi Jose, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
We started two days after the Eaton fire. It was just me simply trying to gather whatever donations I could. I made a flyer which was quickly shared by many people. I wanted to start taking donations on Friday and stop by Monday. There were so many donations that I decided to just keep going. Over time our donation drive grew and grew. I didn’t see an end in sight. The need kept increasing and so did the donations. Eventually I got in contact with baby2baby. They gave us air purifiers and other essentials. I realized that the only way I could keep it going is if I formed my own nonprofit. We decided to go for it and ever since many doors have opened up for us. We have partnered with different organizations to bring much needed essentials for those of Altadena. We have donated over 4,000 air purifiers , 300 strollers, 50,000 diapers , and much more.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not. Our biggest struggle as a nonprofit and personally has definitely been the financial aspect. The lack of volunteers has also been a huge struggle. Even in days where we have had just one other person show up to help,we never shut down.
Since our operations are outdoors that has also been an issue for us. The rain and other weather related conditions make it difficult to keep clean.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Frontline Relief Foundation has delivered over $5M in essential supplies. We specialize in delivering much needed essentials into residents struggling to get back on their feet after the LA fires. We want to be know for delivering and providing impactful events where our community can come together to heal. We are proud of the way we have grown over the past few months. We have managed to run our operations with a very low budget.
We are open four days a week. Wednesday – Friday. 11 AM – 5 Pm and Saturdays 9 AM – 1 PM

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Showing up and being persistent is key to being able to network effectively.
Showing up to events where other nonprofits will be has helped me connect with other nonprofits I otherwise wouldn’t have been able to contact.
Being persistent and sending follow up emails has also worked.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.frontlinereliefusa.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frontlinereliefusa?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr