> At a Glance
> – Altadena Senior Center burned in Jan. 7, 2025 Eaton Fire
> – Pasadena Senior Center opened doors to displaced seniors
> – Fire killed 19 people and destroyed 9,400 structures
> – Why it matters: Survivors found crucial community support during recovery
When the Eaton Fire destroyed the Altadena Senior Center on January 7, 2025, it left local seniors without their vital community hub. The Pasadena Senior Center immediately stepped in, welcoming displaced Altadena residents who lost both homes and their gathering place.
The Fire’s Devastation
The Eaton Fire ignited in a canyon and rapidly spread through neighborhoods, destroying decades-old homes and businesses. Fanned by powerful winds, the blaze grew to 14,000 acres, becoming California’s fifth-deadliest and second-most destructive wildfire.
Mary Ellen Washington’s family bought their Altadena home in November 1976. After the fire, only a flower pot her mother brought from their original move survived. She described the trauma: “It was hard to brush your hair. It was hard to do anything.”
Finding Support
Washington found renewed purpose through faith and the Pasadena Senior Center. “It’s good here. It’s a great place here. They don’t realize how much they mean to a person who’s really down and out,” she said.
Mercedes Matus and her family discovered their destroyed home on TV news. They had moved into the house in 1986 after immigrating from Belize. The family had planted a lemon tree grown from Belize seeds in their front yard, creating lifetime memories on the property.
Community Rebuilding
The Matus family found connection at the center. “We’re still together. And, that’s where we got to meet a lot more friends,” Mercedes explained. “We have a lot of people in our situation who are coming here, so we all sit down and talk.”
Her family recently received rebuilding permits for their property, marking a significant step forward.
Akila Gibbs, executive director for the Pasadena Senior Center, emphasized their commitment: “We have a lot of hope. We’re not going to let people walk through this by themselves. We’re going to be there.”
Peter Matus, who works at the center, described it as “the one certainty they had in their lives.”
Key Takeaways
- Community centers provide essential support beyond just physical space
- Shared trauma creates strong bonds among survivors
- Recovery takes time but support systems accelerate healing
- Permits approved for at least one family’s rebuilding efforts
The Pasadena Senior Center continues serving as a crucial support network for Altadena fire survivors rebuilding their lives and community connections.
