A temporary shelter at the Pasadena Convention Center, currently housing nearly 300 survivors of the devastating Eaton Fire, is scheduled to close on February 8. The shelter was opened to support displaced residents after the fire destroyed thousands of homes and buildings in Altadena and Pasadena. The upcoming closure has raised concerns among evacuees about where they will go next, as the Red Cross searches for a new location.
Overcrowding Concerns Inside the Shelter
Since its opening, the shelter has faced overcrowding issues, creating stress for many evacuees. Alexander, a man who lost his apartment in the fire, described the cramped conditions:
“Some people have even called the fire marshal because there are too many people in one room. It’s really, really tight.”
The Pasadena Convention Center, a 130,000-square-foot facility, was initially designed to provide temporary relief after the fire broke out on January 7. However, as the fire became one of the most destructive in state history, the shelter quickly filled up, making overcrowding a pressing issue.
Why the Shelter Is Closing
The closure of the shelter stems from a prior agreement between the city of Pasadena and the Red Cross. The Civic Auditorium Complex, part of the Convention Center, is scheduled to return to its regular operations and host events such as a speaking engagement on February 12 and the 56th NAACP Image Awards on February 22.
Kim Mailes, a spokesperson for the Red Cross, emphasized that the organization is committed to ensuring no one is left without assistance.
“No one leaves an American Red Cross shelter until our Shelter Resident Transition teams have a plan for them going forward toward a permanent new normal,” Mailes said.
The Red Cross is currently working to find a new shelter closer to Altadena, where the fire caused the most destruction. All 17 people who died in the wildfire were from this area, and entire neighborhoods, schools, churches, and businesses were destroyed.
Support for Survivors
To help survivors transition, the Red Cross has set up Shelter Resident Transition teams. These teams will provide personalized assistance to households by helping them access government aid, such as FEMA housing grants, and support from nonprofits and private groups.
Lisa Derderian, a spokesperson for the city of Pasadena, reassured evacuees that they will continue to receive services during the transition:
“We want to make it clear that no one will be left behind or shut out.”
Mixed Reactions to Living Conditions
While some evacuees have raised concerns about food quality and living conditions, others have expressed satisfaction. William Lee, an evacuee, described the shelter as overcrowded and chaotic:
“We’re in one giant room with dogs, cats, babies. It’s like we’re in a giant kennel.”
However, not all evacuees share the same frustrations.
“I can’t say anything negative because I don’t have anything negative to say,” said Mark Yodowitz, another evacuee.
Kim Mailes acknowledged the stress evacuees face, especially since they have been at the shelter for several weeks. He emphasized that many are still coping with trauma and loss.
“People have faced the worst day of their life,” he said. “They’re stressed, and we understand that.”
Local Officials Respond
During a press conference, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger stated that she was unaware of any significant complaints about the shelter’s management.
“That’s news to me about the mismanagement,” Barger said. “I had not heard that.”
With the clock ticking toward the shelter’s closure, survivors remain hopeful that the Red Cross will secure a new location soon, giving them a place to rebuild their lives.
The closure of the Pasadena wildfire shelter highlights the ongoing challenges faced by survivors of the Eaton Fire. While efforts are being made to find alternative housing and provide personalized support, uncertainty remains a major concern. Overcrowding, stress, and mixed reactions about the shelter’s living conditions reveal the complexity of disaster recovery.
However, the commitment of the Red Cross and local authorities to ensuring no one is left behind offers hope for a stable future. As survivors navigate this difficult time, collaboration among agencies and community support will be crucial in helping them rebuild their lives and find a new sense of normalcy.
