From Relief to Resilience: Marriott International’s Commitment to Students and Families in the Wake of Los Angeles Wildfires

When wildfires swept through communities across Los Angeles in 2025, Marriott International hotels across the L.A. community immediately joined together to help associates and families in need.

Founded on the core values of putting people first and serving our world, Marriott focuses on creating meaningful impact not only during moments of crisis but through sustained commitment to local communities. Our values continue to guide Marriott’s work across Los Angeles, where its hotels, associates, and partners are supporting long-term recovery through sustained actions focused on students, families, and educators.

Immediate Impact

In the immediate wake of the fires, Marriott partnered with American Express and the Hospitality Training Academy, (HTA) a nationally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit providing workforce training and career pathways in the hospitality industry, to address food insecurity across the region.

Building on a longstanding partnership, HTA and Marriott mobilized a 10-week Emergency Meals Program to support Pasadena and Altadena residents experiencing long-term displacement and economic impacts from the Eaton Fire. Together with associates of The Sheraton Grand Los Angeles, the teams prepared and distributed nearly 12,000 meals, including weekly community distributions and deliveries to school staff and families across the Pasadena Unified School District.

In parallel, the company’s relief funding provided more than $245,000 in assistance to impacted Marriott associates and community organizations helping to deliver critical assistance where it was needed most.

Marriott also extended support through in‑kind donations and supplies. Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques contributed more than 18,000 items valued at $1M, including bedding and linens, to the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), which distributed the items to families and individuals affected across the region.

Sustained Commitment

Marriott and its properties remain committed to ensuring the greater L.A. region thrives as rebuilding continues. Our commitment came to life through two community celebrations hosted at JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE in May, honoring students who have faced significant hardship, including those that were unhoused or displaced by the fires. This marks the second year the JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE team hosted the graduation celebration, welcoming approximately 400 unhoused students, family members, and school staff from LAUSD for a day of recognition and connection. The property also hosted a celebration for foster youth, bringing together approximately 150 students, caregivers, and educators to recognize resilience, achievement, and hope for the future. The events were made possible through close collaboration with community and corporate partners like JPMorganChase who provided financial support.

In moments of crisis, and long after, our responsibility is to continue showing up for the communities we serve. From emergency meals and relief funding to celebrating students and families who’ve overcome extraordinary challenges, our teams across Los Angeles are proud to stand with our neighbors—not just in response to the fires, but as part of an ongoing commitment to care, compassion, and resilience.

Javier Cano, Area General Manager, Los Angeles, Marriott International

The JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE, along with The Ritz-Carlton and The Ritz Carlton Residences LA Live were recently honored with the Alice S. Marriott Award for Community Service during the company’s annual Awards of Excellence global celebration.

All of these efforts reflect Marriott’s belief that hotels and associates play an essential role not only in welcoming guests, but in strengthening communities.