The Red Cross is preparing to close its temporary shelter at the Pasadena Convention Center, which has been housing nearly 300 individuals displaced by the devastating Eaton fire. This transition will move evacuees to a new location closer to Altadena as officials work to provide more permanent housing solutions.
While the specific timing and new site for the relocation remain uncertain, the Red Cross confirmed that it will continue to support evacuees until they can secure stable housing. A spokesperson for the organization noted that the Civic Auditorium Complex, a venue that hosts events like "America’s Got Talent," has requested the return of the facility shortly after the first week of February, prompting the need for the shelter’s transition.
Currently, 252 people are residing in the convention center shelter, which was established shortly after the Eaton fire began on January 7. The fire destroyed at least 9,400 structures, predominantly homes in Altadena, leading to significant displacement within the community. City officials indicated that the shelter was always intended to be temporary, with plans to shift to a smaller site as the number of evacuees decreased.
The city of Pasadena emphasized that although February 8 was set as a goal for transitioning the shelter, no one would be left without assistance. “Our team of shelter transition workers is actively working to identify and address any barriers residents may face as they move towards recovery,” the Red Cross stated.
Case workers have been assigned to assist each household in finding alternative housing. However, uncertainty looms for evacuees like Jim Mayfield, a 63-year-old resident who has lived in Altadena for over five decades. He expressed concern about where he would go if the shelter closes without a suitable alternative. “I’d probably go to a motel or another shelter if I could,” he shared.
As recovery efforts continue, the Environmental Protection Agency is removing hazardous materials from fire-damaged properties in Altadena. Residents have been advised to wear N95 masks when entering the affected areas due to potential health risks from ash and debris.
While the Red Cross assures evacuees that their transitions are being carefully planned, many still feel anxious about the future. Mayfield, who lost all his possessions in the fire, conveyed a sense of helplessness, stating, “I lost all my independence. I’m trying to get that back.”
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the Eaton fire, officials are committed to ensuring that those impacted receive the necessary support and resources to rebuild their lives.