From Relief to Recovery: A Journey of Continued Support

The Eaton Fire called for immediate action from Villagers and Staff of Pasadena Village, which began January 8, 2025. Making calls to 230 individuals was a herculean task, but it’s one important way the Village actually lives its mission to help each other navigate the challenges and opportunities of aging.

From that very day, funds began pouring in from individuals and foundations around the country. Because of the generosity of so many, Villagers and other seniors in the community who lost their homes or were displaced by the fire received immediate and ongoing relief. $140,000 was given in gift cards and over $47,000 in computers, art supplies, kitchen items, tools, clothing, and other equipment.

Of course, as important as this critical help has been, perhaps the most meaningful support has come in the form of friendships and open hearts among Villagers. Expanded programs and increased staff have allowed more opportunities to be with others at a time when life seems so fragile. No Villager has had to face these devastating challenges alone.

But now it’s time to move from fire relief to recovery, which is much more long-term. Experts suggest about 3-5 years to meet the needs of rebuilding homes and communities. Pasadena Village is here to serve seniors during this process and beyond. Our Executive Director Katie Brandon stated, “As we eased into Fall 2025, our response shifted from relief to recovery. We are committed to helping our community recover from the Eaton Fire in the years to come. This long-term recovery process will focus on restoring our community, both individually and collectively.”

Recovery initiatives will assist older adults through peer-support, technology assistance, resource connections, mental health access, scam prevention, transportation, and direct assistance. Generous funding will allow us to expand existing program offerings. As the result of an unexpected grant of $450,000 from the California Community Foundation, the Pasadena Village Board of Directors approved the establishment of a Recovery Team to steward this generous gift. Their goal is to offer focused support in the form of gifts of $5,000-20,000 to older adults heavily affected by the Eaton Fire. Villagers and community members serving on this team are: Lorrie Gray, Jeff Gudstadt, Peggy Henderson, Suzi Hoge, John Jackson, Lena Kennedy, Stuart Sigman, Melva Watts, and Mike Zoeller. As this team coalesces in the days ahead, they will share details of their work.

It is not hyperbole to state that all the efforts of the Village to meet the critical needs of seniors through immediate relief and ongoing recovery could not be possible without so many people and organizations placing trust in Pasadena Village. Some of those lifesavers are the American Red Cross, California Community Foundation, Fire Aid LA, Los Altos Mountain View Community Foundation, Pasadena/Altadena Ivy Foundation, The Pasadena Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Pasadena Community Foundation, Project HOPE, Rotary Club of Altadena, Rotary Club of San Marino Foundation, Southwest California Synod and countless individuals.

You can find more details regarding available resources on the Pasadena Village website. Disaster Relief & Recovery, The Pasadena Village Relief Fund and read some reflections on older adult experiences during and after the fire in our Eaton Fire blog posts.

The hours of tireless outreach from Villagers, community volunteers and the Village staff have been invaluable. Thank you seems inadequate for the dedicated commitment from many who continue to make a very real difference in the lives of so many. While our lives have been forever changed as a result of the Eaton Fire, we have learned the real meaning of support . . . community coming together for each other. Through all this we have been continually reminded that we are loved, and have been given the privilege of acknowledging our needs knowing help is there for each of us.

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From Relief to Recovery: A Journey of Continued Support