For many survivors of the Eaton Fire, recovery has been about more than replacing what was lost. It's been about finding hope, healing, and a sense of belonging again.
Nine months later, some families are still without homes. Others are still waiting on insurance decisions, navigating trauma, or piecing their lives back together. In this long and uncertain journey, one thing has made a lasting difference, and that is the power of community.
Whether through a hot meal, a listening ear, or a ride to a resource fair, the support of churches, nonprofits, and neighbors has become a lifeline. From pop-up food distributions and volunteer clean-up crews to benefit concerts and prayer circles, people have shown up for one another in ways that continue to carry the community forward.
One of the most impactful supporters during this time has been Victory Bible Church. Under the leadership of Pastor Jon DeCuir, the church became a central hub for relief, aid, and spiritual strength. It directly supported over 700 individuals, including 90 of their own members who lost everything.
In partnership with the Pasadena Community Foundation, California Community Foundation, NAACP, and other donors, the church distributed more than $1 million in emergency assistance. This included housing support, food, clothing, and direct cash aid (La Focus News, 2025).
But Victory Bible didn’t stop at providing essentials. The church launched what they called a “Dignity Phase,” focused on empowering survivors. Instead of handing out only pre-packaged goods, they gave families gift cards, allowing them to shop for what they truly needed with dignity and independence.
That same commitment to healing and restoring dignity led to one of the most memorable moments in the recovery process. On a warm spring afternoon in Memorial Park, just months after the fire, families gathered not to talk about what was lost but to reconnect, find joy, and remember that they still had each other.
On April 26, 2025, Victory Bible Church hosted Ashes to Anthems, a benefit concert and resource fair designed to uplift and inspire. What started as a simple idea grew into one of the most powerful expressions of love and unity since the fire.
From the laughter of children playing in the grass to the sound of neighbors singing along to live performances, the atmosphere was filled with joy and hope. The Victory Bible Church choir opened the day with spirit-filled worship songs that brought many in the crowd to tears. Their voices reminded everyone of what they had been through and what they had survived.
A star-studded lineup followed, turning the park into a sanctuary of sound and solidarity. Andra Day, Erica Campbell, Lecrae, Goapele, D Smoke, Wale, and Aja Marie took the stage, each offering music that spoke directly to the soul of a recovering community. From gospel to hip-hop, spoken word to soul, every performance became a tribute to resilience, loss, and love.
But the heart of the event wasn’t just the music. It was the people. Rows of booths offered everything from mental health services and grief counseling to home-rebuilding resources, legal aid, and free meals.
Ashes to Anthems reminded everyone that healing can include celebration. Even in the midst of rebuilding, there is still room for laughter, song, and togetherness.
That spirit of ongoing care was carried into early summer by the Eaton Renewal Project, a local nonprofit dedicated to long-term fire recovery and resilience. From May 30 to June 1, they hosted a three-day Fire Relief Drive to support families still waiting on critical assistance. The pop-up event provided food, hygiene supplies, clothing, gift cards, and emotional support services to dozens of residents affected by the fire.
Volunteers, many of whom were fire survivors themselves, staffed the event. They offered compassion and understanding alongside practical aid. What made the Eaton Renewal Project’s drive especially impactful was its focus on overlooked families and renters who often fall through the cracks of formal recovery systems.
Soon after, that same spirit of healing through joy and cultural connection continued with My Tribe Rise, a grassroots organization that has been walking alongside families since day one.
On June 14, 2025, My Tribe Rise hosted a Juneteenth Wellness & Resilience Event at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Altadena. The event was designed specifically to uplift families still affected by the fire.
With a mix of wellness workshops, youth art zones, cultural performances, and resources for housing, education, and mental health, the event offered not just services, but peace, celebration, and space to breathe. Both Ashes to Anthems and the Juneteenth gathering, along with the Eaton Renewal Project’s fire relief drive, showed that community love doesn’t fade after the headlines do. It continues in pop-ups, music, shared meals, and safe spaces that tell survivors: we see you, we’re with you, and we’re still here.
Research shows that survivors of traumatic events recover more successfully when surrounded by consistent emotional and relational support. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA, 2023), trauma-informed communities that provide ongoing encouragement, empathy, and connection play a critical role in long-term healing. Emotional safety, shared rituals, and community engagement reduce isolation, help regulate stress, and rebuild a sense of control — all of which are essential for people coping with trauma and loss.
In Altadena and Pasadena, that kind of support hasn’t just come from large organizations or planned events. It’s also shown up in small, steady acts of love from familiar neighborhood anchors. One example is Fair Oaks Burger, a family-owned local staple that has served as a quiet but powerful force of support throughout the recovery process.
Despite their own challenges, including business disruptions caused by the fire and its aftermath, Fair Oaks Burger has continued to show up for fire survivors in big and small ways. Whether through feeding volunteers, donating meals to displaced families, or simply keeping their doors open as a gathering place where people can feel normal again, this local restaurant has been more than a business. It has been a refuge.
Fair Oaks Burger is one of those places where people know your name, where a good meal and a kind word can remind you that life is still worth enjoying. For many residents, grabbing a burger or fries at Fair Oaks has become more than just a routine. It has been a grounding ritual in the midst of chaos.
As the months have passed, it's been these steady, loving presences — from pastors to parents, neighbors to nonprofits, and even small businesses like Fair Oaks Burger — that have held the community together. They remind us that healing doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens in connection, in conversations, and in compassion.
It’s easy to think that the worst is over once the flames are gone and the ash is cleared. But for many families, the hardest part has been what comes after: the waiting, the paperwork, the silence, the grief. That’s why it matters so much that we’re still here. That people keep showing up not just to drop off supplies, but to sit and listen. To pray, to encourage, and to love.
And for those who are still in need, there are organizations like Lotus Rising LA that are available to provide direct support right now. With these resources, families still navigating recovery can find both practical support and a reminder that the community continues to stand with them.
Resources for Survivors
Lotus Rising LA – House to Home
Lotus Rising LA has several programs for wildfire survivors including furniture assistance, Lil’ Lotus Kits with grocery and gas gift cards, and community-based events that connect families with resources and guidance.
A Sense of Home – Home Bank LA
A Sense of Home has launched Home Bank LA to directly support survivors of the LA wildfires. Families can receive home kits with essentials such as furniture, kitchenware, bedding, cleaning supplies, health and hygiene products, and more.
Project Passion – Freedom Shop
Project Passion, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering collaboration and empowering communities, has opened the Freedom Shop for Eaton Fire survivors. The shop provides distributions by appointment only, every Monday and Tuesday.American Legion Palisades Post 283 – Fire Relief Distribution CenterThe center supports wildfire survivors and veterans with access to furniture, supplies, clothing, shoes, appliances, and other essentials. Appointments are required and can be made by calling Chaplain Williams at (402) 525-3395 or by emailing pastorwilliamsjrla@yahoo.com.
Disclaimer: The content shared in our blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or financial advice. Please consult with a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.
