The Red Cross is preparing to close its temporary shelter at the Pasadena Convention Center, which has provided refuge for nearly 300 individuals displaced by the devastating Eaton fire. This fire, which ignited on January 7, resulted in the destruction of at least 9,400 structures, primarily homes in Altadena, leaving many residents without shelter.
While the exact date and new location for the shelter transition remain uncertain, Red Cross officials confirmed that they will continue to provide accommodation until evacuees can secure more permanent housing. A spokesperson indicated that the Civic Auditorium Complex, a venue used for the television show “America’s Got Talent,” has requested the return of the facility shortly after the first week of February, prompting the need for a relocation.
The Red Cross has assigned a team of shelter transition workers to assist residents in overcoming any barriers to finding new housing. Currently, there are 252 people residing in the convention center shelter, and the organization emphasizes that no one will be left without support during the transition process. The city of Pasadena stated that while February 8 has been set as a target date for moving out of the convention center, the priority is to ensure that all residents have a plan in place before the shelter closes.
As part of the recovery efforts, case workers are working with each household to help them find alternative housing solutions. The shelter has been a crucial resource for evacuees, providing food, shelter, and other essential assistance. However, residents like Jim Mayfield, who lost his home in the fire, express anxiety about the uncertainty surrounding the shelter’s closure. Mayfield, a longtime Altadena resident, has voiced concerns about where he might go if the shelter closes without a suitable alternative available.
In addition to the shelter transition, the Environmental Protection Agency is actively removing hazardous materials from fire-damaged properties in Altadena, including batteries and paint. Local health officials have yet to test the ash from the fire, but they recommend that anyone entering the area wear N95 masks due to potential hazards.
The community is still grappling with the aftermath of the fire, with large areas left in ruins. As the Red Cross and city officials work to facilitate the transition for evacuees, many residents are left hoping for clarity and support as they seek to rebuild their lives.